396 



INDIAN CYPRINIDtE. 



Sarcohorinee. 



Yl. — PeRILAMPUS PSILOPTEROMUS, J. M. 



t. 46. f. 4. /3 



Cyp. atpar. Buch. C. loyukula, id. Coll. 



In this species we perceive a form no less adapted to insectivorous habits 

 than that of the last, but from the great breadth of fin accumulated on the 

 hinder parts of the body or tail, and the oblique insertions of the dorsal and anal 

 fins which bring their propelling power into operation with the caudal in the 

 direction of the long axis of the body, we may conclude that it captures 

 insects rather by sudden springs into the air, than by a rapid course along the 

 surface. Were further proof of this required, we have only to refer to the 

 elongated ventrals which, like stilts, serve to support the vertical position when 

 the anterior parts of the body are emerged from the surface, and to break the 

 fall and preserve the natural balance on returning again into the water. 



The body is much compressed, its depth equal to about half its length 

 exclusive of the caudal and head. The mouth is directed obliquely upwards, 

 and the ventral fins are equal to half the length of the body, narrow, and 

 composed of few rays. The abdomen is silvery, and a bright blue line extends 

 along each side from the branchial aperture to the caudal. The fin rays are, 



D.9 : P.ll or 12 : V.5 : A.25. 

 This species grows to about three inches in length, and was found by Bucha- 

 nan in the Bramaputra, the Ganges, and Jumna. 



VII. — Cyprinus cachius, Buch. 

 t. 46. f. 6. 



Diaphinous with a glossy iridescence changing to green, purple, and 

 silvery on the belly ; ventrals slender, and attenuated as in the last. The fin 

 rays are, 



D.7 : P.8 : V.3 : A.26 : C— ? 

 It is found in the Ganges about the commencement of the Delta, and is 

 scarcely an inch in length. 



