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INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 
GENUS BABBUS. 
This being the largest genus, I will take it first. 
Geographical Distribution. Europe, Asia, and 
Africa. 
Description. The species of this genus differ greatly 
in size, from the mahaseer, which has been known to 
grow to 80 or 1001b. in weight, to the minute Barbus 
gelius of an inch, or an inch and a half in length. 
In appearance they also differ considerably, but the 
graduation being perfect from one end of the series 
to the other, they have all been included in one genus. 
They all possess a short dorsal and anal fin, the num- 
ber of rays being Dorsal 3 + 8, Anal 7 or 8. These 
numbers are almost invariable, there may sometimes be 
one more or less. The number of scales varies from 
20 to 47. 
Char. The mouth opens forwards, the lips arc 
clean, without fringes, or inner folds, or horny 
covering. The lateral line runs along the middle of 
the body and tail. 
We may, for convenience, divide this large genus 
into three groups. 
A. Species having four barbels. 
B. Species having two barbels. 
C. Species without barbels. 
