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THE ANGLER-NATURALIST. 



Genus COBITIS*. 



THE LOACH. 



(Cobitislarbatula^.) 



The Loaches form the last genus of our Cyprinida, or 

 Carp family, and are somewhat allied to the Gudgeon in 

 appearance, as well as in many of their habits. The most 

 remarkable characteristics of the genus are the number of 

 ' barbels ' about the mouth, which vary from six to ten, 

 and the air- or swim-bladder being enclosed in a bony 

 cell behind the head, as shown in the magnified repre- 

 sentation annexed. 



Bony Capsules of the Air-bladder. 



This air-bladder is considered by Professor Owen to exist 

 principally in subserviency to the organ of hearing. The 

 other features are, the dorsal and opposite ventral fins 



* The Loach genus, from the diminutive of Kobios, a Gudgeon or 

 small fish, Gr. t barbatula, with a little beard, Lat. 



