THE CARP FAMILY. 



165 



THE AZURINE. 



{Zeuciscus ccertdeus *.) 



The Azurine, which was first added to the British list 

 by Yarrellj is, in England^ foimd only in a few localities in 

 the neighbotirhood of Knowsley, the seat of Lord Derby, 

 by whom the specimens from which the engraving is taken 

 were supplied. 



It is very hardy and tenacious of life, and its flesh is 

 said to be firm and of good flavour. In its food, and in 

 the baits used for its capture, it resembles the Carp ; and 

 the largest specimen known to have been taken was not 

 supposed to have exceeded 1 lb. in weight. The local name 

 for the Azurine is the Blue Roach. It spawns in May. 



Its principal characteristics are — 



Depth of body compared with length of head and body only, as 2 to 

 7. Distinguished from the Kudd by the slate-blue colour of the back, 

 the silvery whiteness of the abdomen, and by its white fins. Nose 

 blunt; head small and depressed; back and belly rather convex. 

 Mouth small, toothless ; throat-teeth in two rows (numbering 2 and 



* Zeucisctts, a Dace, Gr. ; cceruleus, blue, Lat. 



