LEUCISCUS PIGUS. 



151 



The dorsal fin is scarcely higher than long, is opposite to the ventral, 

 and begins in the middle of the length. The length of the anal fin re- 

 latively to its height is a distinction from L. rutilus. The terminal rays 

 of the caudal fin exceed the length of the head. The largest scales on the 

 lateral line have a greater diameter than the eye ; they 

 have numerous diverging rays, as in L, rutilus. 



At ?pawning-time the otherwise naked head, and 

 the scales are covered with prickly growths, so charac- 

 teristic of Cyprinoids (Fig. 77). The back is green be- 

 coming bronzy towards the sides ; the belly is silvery ; 

 the anal and ventral fins are nearly black, and the other 

 fins greyish. It reaches a length of fifteen inches, and often weighs three 

 pounds. 



The variety called by Heckel L. virgo is known to the fishermen of 

 Vienna as Frau-fisch. It is also known in Austria as Nerjling. It belongs to 



Fig. 77. HEAD OF LEC- 

 CISCUS PIGVS, SEEN 

 FROM BELOW. 



Fig. 78. LEVCISCUS PIGUS (LACEPEUE), VAKIETY VIRGO (HECKEL). 



the group of the so-called white fishes. It is less common than the Ide and 

 some other species. Its flesh is well-flavoured and wholesome, but is not prized 

 as food. In the Danube and its tributaries its length varies from six to 

 fifteen inches, and the weight may reach about two pounds (Fig. 78). 



The head is small and sub-conical. The breadth between the eyes is equal 

 to half the length of the head. The hinder border of the orbit is in the 

 middle of the length of the head. The aperture of the mouth is small, 

 reaching under the nares, but the large nares are rather nearer the orbit than 

 the snout. The mouth is slightly protractile, and the nose is inflated a little 

 over it. The sub-orbital arcade consists of five or six bones. The operculum 

 is more rounded at the base than in the typical L. pigus. The pharyngeal 

 bones are larger than in the Roach, and the pharyngeal teeth form a single 

 row, six on the left bone, and five on the right. 



