CYPEINODONTID^. 613 



In some localities it is scarcely possible to catch fishes with 

 the hook and Hne, as the fish hooked is immediately attacked 

 by the "Caribe" (as these fishes are called), and torn to 

 pieces before it can be withdrawn from the water. The 

 Caribes themselves are rarely hooked, as they snap the hook 

 or cut the Une. The smeU of blood is said to attract at once 

 thousands of these fishes to a spot. They are most abundant 

 in the Brazils and Guyanas ; some forty species are known, 

 and referred to the genera Mylesinus, Serrasalmo, Myletes, and 

 Gatoprion. 



Fig. 279. — Serrasalmo soapularis, from the Essequibo. 



Sixth Family — CypRiNODONTiDiE. 



Head and hody covered with scales ; larbels none. Margin 

 of the upper jaw formed hy the intermaxillaries only. Teeth in 

 loth jaws ; upper and lower pharyngeals with cardiform teeth. 

 Adipose fin none ; dorsal fin situated on the hinder half of the 

 hody. Stomach without hlind sac; pyloric appendages none. 

 Pseudohranchim none; air-hladder simple, without ossicula 

 auditus. 



Small fishes, inhabiting fresh, brackish, and salt water of 

 Southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. The majority 



