212 



THE PIMELODUS OF THE VOLCANOS. 



Pimelodus cyclopum, HUMBOLDT. 



PLATE XXX. FIG. 2. 



THIS small species, about four inches in length (a 

 variety appearing scarcely to exceed two inches), is 

 found in the rivulets and lakes in the kingdom of 

 Quito, at an elevation of 1700 toises, and where 

 the temperature of the water is about 10* of the 

 Centegrade thermometer. It is of an olive colour, 

 marked with small dark spots; the mouth large, 

 is terminal, and is furnished with two barbules on 

 the upper jaw ; the eyes, very small, are placed in 

 the middle of the head; and the skin is covered 

 with a thick and strong mucus. It is occasionally 

 eaten, but only by the lower classes of Indians, the 

 mucosity of the skin rendering it very disgusting. 

 The formula of the fins is, 



1st D. 6 P. 9 V. 5 A. 7 C. 12 Br. 4. 



The singular fact in the history of this fish is, 

 that from the volcanos in the vicinity it is, during 

 the periodical eruptions, discharged in thousands; 

 and in a state so perfect, as to show little muti- 



