CARP TRIBE. 



465 



Europe, although unknown in the British Islands, the rapfen, is generally found 

 in lakes or rivers flowing through level country, as it requires clear but tranquil 

 waters, In colour it is bluish black above, with the sides bluish white, and the 

 under surface white ; the dorsal and anal fins being blue, and the others tinged 

 with red. In weight this fish does not exceed a dozen pounds, and in length never 

 measures more than a yard. 



SICHEL, RAPFEN, AND BEAKED CARP. 



Bleak. 



Especial interest attaches to the beautiful little fish known as 

 the bleak (Alburnus lucidus), of which a figure is given on the 

 right side of the illustration on p. 462, on account of the use of the pearly matter 

 from its scales in the manufacture of artificial pearls. Of bleak there are fifteen 

 species, ranging over Europe and Western Asia: the common British species being 

 found only to the north of the Alps, although represented by an allied form in 

 Italy. From both the preceding genera these fish are distinguished by the slender 

 and lanceolate form of the closely set gill-rakers. The body is more or less 

 vol. v.- — ^o 



