Cobitis. GANGETIC FISHES. 349 



hind ; the first of its rays is short, and, like the second, undi- 

 vided ; the others are branched, and the last divided to the 

 root. Each pectoral fin has about twelve rays. The ventral 

 fins, placed near the vent, have each nine rays. The anal fin 

 is. remote from the vent, and its rays are like those on the 

 back. The tail fin is divided into two lobes, which contain 

 about eighteen distinct rays, besides short compacted ones. 



XXI. Genus. — Cobitis. 



Fishes of the fifth order, with one dorsal fin, which is sup- 

 ported by rays, and which, with the pectoral fins, is unarmed ; 

 \vithout teeth in the jaws ; and with six or eight tendrils round 

 the mouth. 



All the fishes of this genus, that I know in India, are small ; 

 nor are any of them found in such a quantity as to render 

 them of the least importance in an economical view. Those 

 with cloud-like marks on their sides have the strongest re- 

 semblance to the Loach [Cobitis barbatula) both in appearance 

 and habits, which need not, therefore, be described, as being 

 perfectly known to naturalists. Those which are striped 

 are more beautiful fishes, resembling the appearance of the 

 others but slightly, and differing a good deal in habits, espe- 

 cially in swimming higher, and in not remaining so stationary 

 on the bottom. In many species, beneath each eye, are one or 

 two strong prickles, capable of being reflected into a slit be- 

 hind. These, no doubt, serve as weapons of defence. 



Besides the above mentioned circumstances, all the species 

 of Cobitis) that I have described, have the following in com- 

 mon : 



The form is long in proportion to the width. The head 

 is small, and destitute of scales. The tendrils are shorter than 

 the head, but thick, and sharp-pointed. The nose projects be- 



