592 



FISHES. 



ticated state it loses the black or brown chromatopliors, and 

 becomes of a golden-yellow colour ; perfect Albinos are com- 

 paratively scarcer. Many varieties and monstrosities have 

 been produced during the long period of its domestication ; 

 the variety most highly priced at present being the so-called 

 " Telescope-fish," of which a figure is annexed. The Gold-fish 



Fig. '273. — Cyprinus auratus, var. 



is said to have been first brought to England in the year 1691, 

 and is now distributed over nearly all the civilised parts of 

 the world. 



Catla. — Scales of moderate size. Dorsal fin without osseous 

 ray, with more than nine branched rays, commencing nearly 

 opposite to the ventrals. Snout broad, with the integuments very 

 thin ; there is no upper lip, the lower Avith a free continuous 

 posterior margin. Symphysis of the mandibulary bones loose, 

 with prominent tubercles. Mouth anterior. Barbels none. 

 Gill-rakers very long, fine, and closely set. Pharyngeal teeth, 

 5. 3. 2.-2. 3. 5. 



The " Catla " (C. hucJumani), one of the largest Carps of 

 the Ganges, growing to a length of more than three feet, and 

 esteemed as food. 



