BARBUS (CHEILOBARBUS) CAPENSIS. 



ventral fins to caudal fin nearly straight. Scales large and irregularly five- 

 sided, the posterior side or apex of each scale semicircular and submem- 

 branous; the point of junction between the basal sides prominent and 

 rounded, the two lateral, or the superior and inferior sides of each scale, 

 nearly straight ; each scale towards hinder edge marked with fine closely set 

 longitudinal striae. The dorsal fin is somewhat quadrangular, its anterio- 

 superior angle elongated. Pectoral fins ovate ; hinder edge of ventral fins 

 oblique ; anal fin subquadrangular, the inferio-anterior angle elongated and 

 blunt. Caudal fin deeply forked. Size of four grown specimens vary from 

 fourteen to eighteen inches. 



Fin rays D. 10. P. 16. V. 8. A. 7. C. 19. 



The only specimens which I have seen of this fish were taken in the rivers of the western 

 coast of South Africa, more particularly the Breede and Oliphants rivers. It is principally 

 found in deep pools, where the current is weak, and where the bottom is soft and muddy. It 

 is frequently taken in nets, and also occasionally by hooks. It is a rich fish, and abounds with 

 oil ; hence it is not much relished by persons with delicate stomachs. 



