Corica. gangetic fishes. 253 



XVIII. Genus.— Corica. 

 Fishes of the fifth order, with no teeth in the jaws ; with an 

 oblong body ; with the edge of the belly sharp, and toothed 

 like a saw ; with one short fin on the back ; and with two be- 

 hind the vent. 



1st Species. — Corica soborna. 



This fish is found in the Mahananda river, grows to about 

 two inches in length, and has a very considerable resemblance 

 to the last described species of Clupanodon : but the singular 

 circumstance of two fins behind the vent prevents me from 

 classing it in that genus. The native names Soborna Khorika 

 I have adopted, the last being the generic appellation, while 

 the specific term Soborno signifies golden, given on account of 

 the little creature's beauty ; for, in fact, its splendour is that of 

 silver. It is shaped somewhat like a knife, being long, with the 

 ridge of the back less prominent than that of the belly, and 

 blunt. The greater part is diaphanous, with the bones of the 

 skull and spine green, and the gill-covers and a longitudinal 

 stripe on each side silver glossed with purple. The upper and 

 lower edges, at the roots of the fins, are dotted. On the belly 

 is an oval space, with less shining colours. The eyes are silver. 



The head is oval, devoid of scales, and on the nape has a 

 large heart-shaped protuberance, covered with dots. The mouth 

 descends in a straight line from the extremity of the head. The 

 jaws do not protrude in opening, are dotted, and have scarcely 

 any lips ; but, in place of an upper lip, are two oblong flat 

 bones, which hang perpendicular. There are no teeth, nor can 

 any nostrils be observed. The eyes are large, and on the sides 

 of the head, and have circular pupils. The gill-covers are shin- 

 ing, and expose a little of their membranes, each of which con- 

 tains about five very slender rays. 



