FAMILY CYPRINIDiE — LEUCISCUS. 207 



THE RED-FIN. 



LeDCISCCS C0RNDTU3. 

 PLATE XXIX. FIG. 92. 

 Cyprinus cornulta, The Red-fin or Rough-head, Mitchill, Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 324. 



Characteristics. Opercles, and the margins of all the fins, bright crimson. Numerous tuber- 

 cles on the head. Length three to six inches. 



Description. Body symmetrical, cylindrical, tapering ; greatest depth anterior to the dorsal 

 fin, where the back is slightly arched. Scales large, oblong vertically, with concentric and 

 radiating strise and entire margins. Lateral line gently concave from its origin until it reaches 

 a point below the termination of the dorsal, and then proceeds straight throughout ; it is com- 

 posed of a series of single tubes. Summit of the head covered with numerous minute pointed 

 tubercles, (in some individuals, extending as far back as the dorsal fin.) These are also to be 

 seen on the sides of the snout, and form a regular series along the sides of the lower jaw. 

 They have a rounded, extended, and somewhat depressed base. Eyes moderate. Lower 

 jaw rather shortest. Nostrils double, contiguous ; the posterior largest. Air-bladder double ; 

 the anterior short and cylindrical ; the posterior longest, and pointed behind. 



The dorsal fin quadrate, higher than long, originating above the commencement of the 

 ventrals, composed of eight rays, of which the anterior is longest, and thence gradually 

 diminishing to the last. Pectorals placed low down, broad, and obtusely pointed ; their tips 

 reach to within three-tenths of the ventrals. Ventrals rounded, and beneath the dorsal. 

 Anal broader at base than high ; its anterior rays longest, and its margin broadly excavated. 

 It commences beneath a point reached by the tip of the dorsal when recumbent. Caudal 

 forked, with many accessory rays. 



Color. Above blackish brown, with metallic reflections ; sides brilliant cupreous. Opercles 

 sometimes brassy, occasionally deep bronze. Dorsal and caudal darkish brown ; the former 

 sometimes mottled with darker clouds. Ventrals and pectorals light-colored ; the first rays 

 of the pectoral fin deep brown, which occasionally tinges the central portion of the rays. 

 All the fins broadly margined with deep crimson ; the lower part of the opercles and base of 

 the pectorals tinged with the same color. Humeral bone deep blackish brown. Abdominal 

 cavity lined with a silvery pigment. 



Length, 5-2. Head, TO. 



Fin rays, D. 8 ; P. 15 ; V. 8 ; A. 9 ; C. 19 f 



This very beautiful little fish was first noticed by me in Indian lake, Hamilton county ; 

 subsequently in Lake Janet, and in most of the streams in the northern parts of the State. 

 Dr. Mitchill describes it from Westchester county. It is exceedingly lively and active in its 

 movements ; is usually found in clear limpid streams, associated with the Brook Trout. It 



