INDIAN CYPRINID^. 



227 



forms ; but this hook more or less developed, is characteristic not merely of 

 the Opsarions, but of the sub-family {SarcohorifKE) to which they be- 

 long. It is received into a corresponding depression in the apex of the 

 upper jaw when the mouth is closed. The back is straight, the dorsal is 

 placed opposite to a long anal, both fins being situated near the caudal 

 extremity, by which the power of darting or springing is rendered most 

 perfect.* The abdominal cavity is long, and is chiefly occupied by a straight 

 stomach of equal length, which is divided by a strangulation from a short 

 fleshy intestine connecting the stomach directly with the vent, without any 

 convolutions or elongation of the tube. 



16. " The energies of nature," to use the words of Mr. Swainson, " are 

 here concentrated as it were to the production of that form most adapted for 

 one especial purpose," that of springing on their prey like the Felince or 

 cats, which they seem to represent. It is no uncommon thing to find an 

 Opsarion so overgorged that the tail of its prey remains protruding from 

 the mouth, to be swallowed after that portion which is capable of being 

 received into the capacious stomach is sufficiently digested to admit of the 

 introduction of the remainder, f 



1 7. Two other genera of this sub-family remain to be noticed ; viz. Sys- 

 tomus and Leuciscus. The first is made up chiefly of small species named 

 Pungti by the Indian fishermen. If we were merely guided by their general 



* The principal instrument of progressive motion in fishes is the caudal fin ; other fins, as 

 shewn by Roget, are mere auxiliaries, serving to balance the body while it receives propulsion from 

 the tail. Vide Bridgevvater Treat, i. 286. This is correct in regard to fishes in general, but in the 

 Opsarions and Perilamps the dorsal and anal, from their position and size, contribute greatly to their 

 velocity, being also situated on or near the tail, thus increasing the caudal surface, which, as Roget 

 justly observes, operates as an oar does in scuilinj,'. 



t I have seen Opsarions so often in tiiis state, that I presume they are easier caught in it tliaii in 

 any other. A similar power of deglution is recorded of sea-gulls by Blumenbach. 



