152 THE ANGLER-NATURALIST. 



THE DOBULE ROACH. 



(Leuciscus dobula*.} 



This fish is common in many of the Continental waters, 

 amongst others in the Oder, Elbe, Weser, and Rhine, and 

 the smaller streams that fall into them. It inhabits also 

 large lakes, seeking to enter rivers from March till May 

 for the purpose of spawning. In this country it is ex- 

 ceedingly rare, insomuch as to be hardly ever met with : 

 the specimen from which the engraving is taken a young 

 male fish 6 inches long was caught by Mr. Yarrell in the 

 mouth of the Thames. 



Its principal characteristics were 



Body slender in proportion to its length. Head compared to length 

 of head and body alone, without tail, as 2 to 9 ; depth of body equal 

 to length of head. Nose rather rounded; upper jaw longest. Mouth 

 toothless ; throat-teeth in two rows (numbering 2 and 5) on each side. 

 Pectoral fins rather long and narrow. Ventral fins rising slightly in 

 advance of the back-fin. Tail considerably forked. Scales moderate- 

 sized ; 60 in lateral line. Colour : upper part of body dusky blue ; 

 brighter on sides j silvery white on belly, cheeks, and gill-covers j back- 

 and tail-fins dusky brown, the other fins orange-red. 



Fin-rays: D. 9: P. 16: V. 9: A. 10: C. 19. 



* Leuciscus, a Dace, Gr. ; dobula, Continental name. 



