236 



'J'llE FKESU-WATKU FISHES (»F EUKOPE. 



Alburnus albnrnellus (Martens). 



1). 1(1—11, A. Ki— 11), V. il. Scales: lateral Hue 14— 18, transverse 



7—8 

 1-. 



This species differs from Alhuniiis liic'idaa in having fewer scales, fewer 

 rays in tlie anal fin, and fewer vertebra? ; and as it is characteristic of Southern 

 Europe, we may, with Heckel and Kuer, reg-ard it as a southern representa- 

 tive of that species (Fig. 133). 



The ]iead is proportionately longer and larger than in JUjiinins litcuh's, 

 and is one-liftli of the length of tlie lish. The ej'e is separated from the 

 end of the snout, and from the opposite eye, by its own diameter. The 



Fig-. 133. — ALBVKNtS ALlllKNELLVS (mAUTENs). 



position of the dorsal lin, which begins half-way down the lengtli, is a striking 

 difference. The ventral fins commence well in front of the middle of the body. 

 The longest rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins are equal, as waW as the 

 longest rays of the ventral and anal. 



It is a rather smaller fish than A. lucid as, the largest specimens measuring 

 but little more than four inches. It is found in sboals in lakes and rivers, 

 spawns in June and July, and furnishes food for Pike, Perch, and Burbot. 

 The colour, scales, and lateral line are similar to those of its northern repre- 

 sentative. 



The most northern point at which it is found is Botzen, in the Southern 

 Tyrol, but it is well known from the lakes of Northern Italy — Garda, Mag- 

 giore, &c. — and from many Italian rivers. 



yil fj urn. na /'race hut, of Ileckel and Kner (Fig. 131), is regarded by Dr. 

 Gilnther as a variety of this species, a view in wlu'ch lie follows Canestrini, 

 though the latter is disposed to regard the fish as a hybrid between the type just 

 described and Leuciscns auht. It is regarded by Ileckel and Kner as a southern 

 rc])reseutativc of AhraiuU hi panel al u.x, differing only in the [)i'olile of the snout 



