174 



THE ANGLEE-NATUEALIST. 



Genus COBITIS*. 



THE LOACH. 



(Cobitis barbatula f .} 



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 hahits. 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. 



