THE CARP FAMILY. 



157 



THE IDE. 



(Leuciscus idus *.) 



This fish is very generally diffused over all the middle 

 and northern portions of Europe, as well as the brackish 

 bays of the Baltic, and the large rocky Scandinavian lakes, 

 from which, in the earlier summer months, it finds its 

 way into the rivers to spawn. A specimen of the species is 

 stated to have been taken in the mouth of the Nith by the 

 late Dr. Walker, but it seems to be very doubtful whether 

 the fish in question was not in fact a Chub. 



The principal characteristics of the Ide are 



Head large ; muzzle blunt. Mouth small, without teeth ; upper jaw 

 rather the longest. Outline of back convex, that of belly nearly straight. 

 Scales large. Throat-teeth in two rows (numbering 3 and 5) on each 

 side. Colour : upper part of body very dark bluish black ; sides bluish 

 grey; belly white; pectoral fins orange; ventrals and anal fin red and 

 white; back- and tail-fins grey. Vertebrae 41. 



Fin-rays : D. 11 : P. 17 : V. 11 : A. 13 or 14 : C. 19. 



* Latinized form of Continental name. 



