344 INDIAN CYPRINID&. Peonomine. 
family ; the scales are small, and the body much compressed. The fin rays are. 
D119) P1S HV 107 A:.7,:,C.19: 
The stomach is of considerable size; and of a dark reddish brown colour ; 
the intestines are a simple continuation of the stomach, and are of moderate 
length, soft, dark coloured, and filled chiefly with a vegetable pulpy matter. 
This species is said by the natives of Assam to occasion swimming of the 
head and temporary loss of reason for several days, without any particular 
derangement of the stomach; the cause of which I shall endeavour to 
account for in noticing similar effects produced by some of the Gonorhynchs. 
It is the most herbivorous of the Barbels, and like some of the Gudgeons 
tends rapidly to decay after death, and in the abdominal cavity a copious 
oily secretion is found which is probably the cause of its bad effects. 
Mr. Griffith, who is better acquainted with the habits of this species 
than I am, remarks that it is chiefly found in rivers, along the borders of 
Assam, where the stream is rapid enough to prevent any kind of navigation 
with boats or canoes; that it attains six or eight pounds weight; and that the 
fishermen informed him if eaten it occasions all the symptoms of drunken- 
ness, which coincides with what I had myself learnt regarding its effects. 
Il.—O. curtatus, J. M. 
Pl. 30. f. 1. 
Labial filaments very minute, dorsal placed behind the middle, lower part 
of the second ray bony, and serrated behind, but soft and smooth at the 
top. Eyes and branchial apertures small, head covered with thick integu- 
ments, part of which form the branchial membrane and conceal its rays, body 
covered with very minute scales, lateral line extends straight along the sides 
which are marked irregularly with brownish spots, having a black elevated 
nucleus. The fin rays are, 
PLO see 17 2 Vill: ACO nC20, 
Colour brownish above, below silvery tinged with yellow. 
