C "n apt. x. Other Similar Fish. 139 



the eye. Fins — the dorsal 3/4 as high as tho body with a coucave 

 upper edge ; it commences anterior to the insertion of the ventral, and 

 midway between the snout and the base of the caudal fin ; its last 

 undivided ray is a strong, broad, smooth spine, nearly as long as tho 

 head in the immature, and sometimes longer in the adult, especially 

 in specimens from Canara. Pectoral as long or rather longer than tho 

 head. Anal laid flat reaches the caudal. Lateral line — complete, 3£ 

 rows of scales between it and the base of the ventral tin ; 12 rows 

 anterior to the dorsal fin. Free portion of the tail as high at its 

 as it is long. Colours — greenish-brown along the back, becoming 

 dull white, glossed with gold on the sides and beneath. Fins greyish. 

 Eyes golden. 



Habitat. — Kivers along the bases of the Xeilgherries, Wynaad, and 

 South Canara hills. It attains at least 25 lbs. in weight. Some have 

 been introduced into the Ootacamund Lake. The figure is from a 

 young specimen, life size, the dorsal spine not being well-developed, 

 and the snout not so obtuse as in older specimens. 



N.B. — The figure which I have introduced is from a mature 7 lb. fish. 



Mr. J. E. Welbome (Hatti Shikaree), of Assam, says ("Asian," 

 10th June, 1879) that the Assam Bookfui is somewhat similar l" 

 the Carnatic Carp. From Dr. Day's description it would seem to 

 be very similar, and I hope the same angling tactics may be found 

 to answer for its capture also. I therefore make a short indicative 

 extract from Dr. Day's work : — 



Barbus hexagonolepis, Bokar and Boolooah, Assam, with 4 barbels 

 (Barbodes) and last undivided ray osseous and entire. B. iii. D. 12 

 (J) P. 17, V. 9, A. 7(|) C. 19. L. 1. 28-31, L. tr. 44 41. Habitat, 

 Assam, in the larger rivers, and those from the Himalayas. It attains 

 upwards of 2 ft. in length, and takes a fly or bait freely . . 

 MeClelland considered Oyprimu putitora Ham. Buch, as a variety of 

 this species. It is said to attain 9 ft. in length. 



