264 



INDIAN CYPRINID^. 



fixation 



— OP 



INDIAN CYPRINIDiE. 



Cyprinidte constitute the first family of the second order of osseous fishes named 

 in the Regne Animal, " Malacopterygii Ahdominales,'' from their ventral 

 fins being placed behind the pectorals, without being attached to the bones of 

 the shoulder. 



Char. One dorsal fin, stomach ivithout ccBcal appendages, branchial 7nem- 

 hrane with few rays. 



1. Sub-Fam.— PiEONOMIN^.* J. M. 



Char. Mouth slightly cleft, either horizontal or directed more or less 

 downward. The stomach is a lengthened tube continuous with a long intesti- 

 nal canal. Colours plain. Three rays in the branchial membrane. 



Obs. They occur only in fresh water, and comprise a large proportion of 

 the fishes of lakes and rivers, more especially those that are of economical 

 importance. Their food consists chiefly of confervoid plants and other pro- 

 ductions of the vegetable kingdom. 



* From Poionomos, that feeds on herbs. 



