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ABDOMINAL SOFT-FINNED FISHES. 



The Carps (Cyprinus). This group is characterized by 

 the absence of teeth in the jaws, and by the existence 

 of a long dorsal fin ; ordinarily the scales are very large. 

 Most of them feed upon grain and vegetable substances. 

 They have in the back part of their mouth a remarkable 

 apparatus for crushing their food. 



The Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio] is found throughout Europe 

 it delights in tranquil waters, and is easily reared in rivers and 



FlG. 259. THE CARP. 



ponds. The duration of its life is long, and it is exceedingly prolific. 

 When young, its growth is very rapid, and at six years old it 

 weighs about three pounds. During the winter Carps bury them- 

 selves in the mud, and pass many months without eating. 



The Golden Carp, or Gold-fish (Cyprinus auratus), is reared in gar- 

 den-ponds and vases on account of the beauty of its colours, generally 

 a beautiful golden-red, with a mixture of black, and silvery- white. 



The Barbels (Barbus) resemble the Carps, but their dorsal fin is 



