THE COMMON CARP 163 



CHAPTER Xm. 



THE COMMON CAEP. 



Cyprinus Carpio. — ^This, as well as the goldfish, Cy- 

 prinus auratus, is not a native of our country, but haa 

 been introduced from Europe, and naturalists have sup- 

 posed that there is no native carp of any size in this 

 country. I have seen a fish called the "Western Carp, 

 which, although I had no chance to more than sketch its 

 head, was certainly a true carp, and of four or five pounds' 

 weight. It had large scales, and all the fin-rays soft, 

 except the first anal, which was robust. 



The common carp, which has increased with amazing 

 rapidity till it is found everywhere in the Hudson River, 

 has a small mouth, fleshy lips without teeth, large scales, 

 three branchial rays and teeth on the pharyngeals ; has 

 the first ray of the dorsal and anal fin serrated behind, 

 has two barbels at the angle of the mouth, and a smaller 

 one above on each side, small eyes, large nostrils, a high 

 back and radiating striae on the gill-cover. The color is 

 a golden olive, lighter underneath. 



These delicate fish, having become acclimated, and 

 finding the Hudson River suitable to their wants, are 

 increasing rapidly in size and numbers ; but none that I 

 have seen equal the western carp or are properly game 

 fish. 



