THE ROACH. 



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chiefly from India, and the Indian Archipelago. One or two genera like Aphyocypris, from China, 

 and Amblypharyngodon, have the lateral line incomplete. Some species of the genus Rasbora have 

 barbels, though nearly all are without them. 



The sixth group, named Semiplotina, includes the genera Cyprinion, from Syria and Persia, 

 and Semiplotus, from Assam. The dorsal fin in these fishes is elongated, with an osseous ray and 

 many-branched rays. 



The seventh group, termed Xenocypridina, has an osseous ray in the dorsal fin, but the fin is 

 short. Two of the genera are from China, and the third from the west coast of Sumatra. 



The eighth group has the dorsal fin short, as in the preceding group, but the osseous ray is 

 absent. It is named Leucisciiia. The genus Leuciscus comprises the greater part of a hundred 

 species, which are widely distributed in both the Old World and America. In this genus the body is 



ROACH. 



covered with imbricated scales. There are no barbels. The pharyngeal teeth are in a single or double 

 series, and the intestine is short, with a few convolutions. The Roach (Leuciscus rutilus) belongs 

 to the Old World section of the genus with the teeth in single series. It is found throughout Europe 

 in all the countries north of the Alps. The body is somewhat elevated, of a silvery aspect, and has 

 three longitudinal rows of scales between the lateral line and the ventral fin. In the full-grown fish 

 the lower fins have a red colour. Its usual length is ten inches, but large specimens may measure as 

 much as fifteen inches. The large scales are easily detached ; the lateral line has a downward curve. 

 The mouth is small. The Roach is a gregarious fish, swimming in large schools, and as the repro- 

 ductive season approaches they make a short migration, leaving the lakes or main streams to ascend 

 the tributaries, and at such times are taken in. great numbers. Their eggs furnish food for the Trout. 

 At ordinary times the Roach frequents holes in the beds of rivers. In the Baltic they are said some- 

 times to be met with in bays near to the land. It is in the best condition for table in October, but 

 is not greatly valued as food. This species forms various hybrids with Breams. 



Many species of Leuciscus occur in Spain, Portugal, Montenegro, Dalmatia, European Turkey, 

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