Cyprinus. gangetic fishes. 303 



The belly is almost straight. The lateral line descends, with a 

 slight curve, from the shoulder. The vent is behind the middle. 

 The scales are large, and dotted round the edges. Above each 

 ventral fin is an appendant, consisting of two scale-like plates. 



The dorsal fin occupies the middle of the back, and slopes 

 behind. The first of its rays is very short, and is closely con- 

 joined with the two next, which, like it, are undivided: the 

 others are branched, and the last is divided to the root. The 

 pectoral fins are low, much shorter than the head, and sharp 

 above : each has eighteen rays, of which the first is undivided. 

 The ventral fins are about as long as the pectorals, are placed 

 at some distance from each other, and each has ten rays, of 

 which the first is very short, and closely united to the second, 

 which is undivided. The anal fin is in the middle of the tail, 

 and slopes much behind : the first of its rays is short, and close- 

 ly united to the second, which is undivided, the others are 

 branched, and the last is divided to the root. The fin of the 

 tail is divided into two lobes, nearly equal, and bluntish, and 

 has nineteen distinct rays, besides short compacted ones. 



41st Species. — Cyprinus putitora. 



A proper Cyprinus, with four tendrils ; with eleven rays in 

 the fin of the back, of which two are undivided ; with seven 

 rays in the fin behind the vent ; with very large scales ; with a 

 smooth nose ; with smooth-edged lips ; and with pale fins. 



This and the two following species have, in many points, a 

 strong resemblance, being very large fishes, affording an excel- 

 lent wholesome nourishment, free from bones, although not 

 quite so delicate as the Rohita. They are all also strong, well- 

 formed, handsome fishes, peculiarly distinguished by the enor- 

 mous size of their scales, which, in large individuals, almost 

 equals the hand, insomuch, that cards for gaming are some- 



