544 



CLASSIFICATION OF FISHES. 



a sectional division of " the great genus Pimelodus'^ A 

 more beautiful representation of the Aspredincs, and 



especially of Astrobkpus, cannot possibly be imagined : 

 the cirri are only two ; and, but for its adipose dorsal, 

 this singular fish so much resembles Astroblepus, that it 

 might be placed in the same genus. 



(282.) Imperfect as is this sketch of the Pimelo- 

 dincB, we feel persuaded, that, when all the fishes that 

 have been referred to this group are well understood, it 

 will turn out to be one of the most perfect of all the 

 circles in ichthyology. The forms slightly intimated 

 by Cuvier under the heads of Pimelodus and Bagrus, 

 are so numerous^ so varied, so singular, and their cha- 

 racters are so differently combined, that every shade of 

 variation promises to exist in these two magazines of 

 forms. With the hope of finally working out the whole 

 of these, we have long been collecting drawings and spe- 

 cimens of all the species; and we take this opportunity 

 of sob ci tins; the assistance of all those well wishers to 

 Science, who, by residing near the great rivers of India 

 or America, have it in their power to assist us with 

 correct drawings made from the fresh subjects. Nu- 

 merous as are the SUuridce yet discovered, we believe 

 that as many more remain unknown; and that, when all 

 the subordinate types are discovered or ascertained, each 

 genus will possess its five sub-genera, representing those 

 of the sub-family we shall now enter upon. 



(283.) The true Silurin^ form that division of the 

 family which represents the eels or apodal fishes : this 

 relation is at once manifested by the excessive length 

 of the tail, in comparison to that of the abdomen (as 



