246 



INDIAN CYPRINID^. 



species being different from any of those described by Buchanan, and sup- 

 posed by him to be the Balitora of the natives, Mr. Gray's genus is peculiar 

 to mountain torrents, the beds of which are usually rocky rather than sandy ; 

 for this reason as well as from the fact of the Balitora of Gray forming a 

 new type distinguished by a flat head and other remarkable characters, 

 I propose for it the generic name Platijcara.^ Several specimens of this 

 genus, corresponding I suspect with the spotted species of Gray, P. maculata, 

 Plate 49, fig 2,f were brought down from Bouton by Mr. Griflith, but they 

 were unfortunately in such a decayed state when opened, that we have been 

 unable to obtain from them a very full specific description. I have however 

 from these specimens been able to satisfy myself on other points connected 

 with their structure, and find not merely that they are distinct from the 

 Gonorhynchs {Garra, Buch.) in consequence of their short fleshy abdominal 

 tube which does not, including the stomach, exceed the length of the body, 

 while that of the Gonorhynchs is equal to eight lengths of the body, but 

 that their broad and blunt head is more like that of a Silurus than a 

 Cyprimis. Their character is rendered still more remarkable by the great 

 breadth and position of the pectorals situated almost beneath the eyes, and 

 the fleshy pedicles or arms on which they are placed, are decided analogies 

 to natatorial forms. If we compare the characters of the Platycara with 



* From platus broad and kara the head. 



t From the importance here given to these species as forming a new type, I have trans- 

 ferred the two figures from Hardwicke's Illustrations in which there is no description of them, to 

 Plate 49. 



Since the above was written the collectors employed by my friend Mr. Griffith in the 

 Kasyah mountains have obtained an additional species, and as their liberal employer has no 

 object to serve beyond the interest of science, he has freely permitted me to make use of this or any 

 similar object of zoological interest contained in his collections. The species alluded to, P. nasuta, is 

 described in Prinsep's Journal of the Asiatic Society for November, 1838. PI. 55, f. 2. See also 

 PI. 57, f. 2, of this paper; in this species the pectoral pedicles are very slightly developed. 



