274 gangetic fishes. Order V. 



three first rays of the fin behind this organ are undivided, and 

 lengthen from the first, which is short : the others are branch- 

 ed. The tail fin ends like a crescent, and contains about eigh- 

 teen distinct rays, besides several small compacted ones. 



16th Species. — Cyprinus tila. 



A Cyprinus of the Barilius kind, devoid of tendrils, with a 

 spot on the middle of each scale upon the sides ; with eight 

 rays in the fin of the back ; and with ten in that behind the 

 vent. 



The Tila is found in the northern rivers of Bengal, grows to 

 about a span in length, and is little valued. The form is like the 

 head of a lance. 



The head is sharp and small. The outside of both jaws is 

 rough with numerous crowded sharp tubercles. The mouth is 

 small, and descends obliquely in a straight line. The jaws pro- 

 trude in opening, and have no lips. The nostrils are near the 

 eyes, which are of moderate size and flat, with circular pupils. 

 Each gill-cover contains two plates, and does not conceal its 

 membrane. 



The scales are large, and adhere firmly. The shoulder-bones 

 are naked, sharp, and edged by a membrane. Above each ven- 

 tral fin is a short scale-like appendant. 



Each pectoral fin has fourteen or fifteen rays. The ventral 

 fins do not reach near the vent. The two first of the fins be- 

 hind the vent are very short. The under lobe of the tail fin is 

 the longest; and, in all, it contains eighteen distinct rays, be- 

 sides short compacted ones at each side. 



17th Species. — Cyprinus bola. 

 A Cyprinus of the Barilius kind, devoid of tendrils, with 

 many oblong diffuse spots, and a longitudinal golden stripe on 



