THE COMMON CARP. 163 
CHAPTER Xin. 
THE COMMON CAEP, 
Cypri7ius Carpio. — This, as well as the goldfish, Cy- 
prinus auratiis^ is not a native of our country, but has 
been introduced from Europe, and naturalists have sup- 
posed that there is no native carp of any size in this 
country. I have seen a fish called the Western Carp, 
which, although I had no chance to more than sketch its 
head, was certainly a true carp, and of four or ^nq pounds' 
weight. It had large scales, and all the fin-rays soft, 
except the first anal, which was robust. 
The common carp, which has increased with amazing 
rapidity till it is found everywhere in the Hudson River, 
has a small mouth, fleshy lips without teeth, large scales, 
three branchial rays and teeth on the pharyngeals ; has 
the first ray of the dorsal and anal fin serrated behind, 
has two barbels at the angle of the mouth, and a smaller 
one above on each side, small eyes, large nostrils, a high 
back and radiating striae on the gill-cover. The color is 
a golden olive, lighter underneath. 
Tliese delicate fish, having become acclimated, and 
finding the Hudson River suitable to their wants, are 
increasing rapidly in size and numbers ; but none that I 
have seen equal the western carp or are properly game 
fish. 
