372 



INDIAN CYPRINID^. 



PcBonomince. 



III.— GONORHYNCHUS MACROSOMUS, J. M. 



t. 43, f. 7. 13 



Cyprinus latius,^ Buch. 



This species appears to be very widely distributed, having been found 

 by Buchanan in the Tista river, at the foot of the Sekim mountains on the 

 northern frontier of Bengal, and by Mr. Griffith in the cataracts of the Brama- 

 putra, in the eastern extremity of Assam. A small collection of fishes made 

 by Captain Hannay in the rapids of various rivers in Assam, also contained 

 many examples of this species. The length of the head is equal to the 

 altitude of the body, and to one-sixth part of the entire length. The eyes 

 are placed somewhat behind the middle of the head, and two short cirri are 

 placed at either side of the snout, which is long, round, and muscular ; the an- 

 terior lip is fimbriated on the edge, the posterior lip smooth, the mouth small, 

 and transverse. Thirty-nine scales are placed along the lateral line, and ten in 

 an oblique row from the base of the ventrals to the dorsum. The fin rays 

 are long, and in number as follows, 



D.ll : P.14 : V.8 : A.7 : C.19. 



The two first rays of the anal are closely united. The general colour is 

 dusky greenish blue, diminishing in intensity on the sides, belly, and fins. 

 The three species above described are the largest of the group, usually attain- 

 ing six or eight inches in length. 



* By giving a Latin termination to Lati, the native name of this species, Buchanan has rendered 

 it the most inappropriate that could be invented. So far from it being broad, it is the longest 

 proportioned form among the Fceonomince, and is in fact a true representative of the anguilli- 

 form fishes. 



