82 
INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 
GENUS NURIA. 
Char. Barbels 4, the upper pair being short, and 
the pair at the corners of the mouth long. 
Mouth narrow, directed obliquely upwards. 
1. Nuria danrica. 
Hab. India generally. 4 inches. 
This is a handsome little fish, with a black band 
running the whole length of the body, from the end 
of the snout, through the eye, to the base of the caudal 
fin. 
This species does well in an aquarium, and it is 
interesting to watch its habits. Each fish selects its 
own bit of water, and remains swimming up and down 
in it, keeping off all intruders. It feeds principally 
on water weeds, for nibbling at which its upturned 
month seems admirably adapted. It has also a habit 
of floating at the surface, which the mouth just touches, 
the two upper cirri are then extended forwards, and 
seem to guide towards the fish’s mouth any minute 
insects that may happen to be floating within the 
influence of the current which is established by the 
breathing of the fish. 
These fish are- sometimes found in hot springs. 
Char. Scales 29 to 31. Lateral line complete. 
2. Nuria malabarica. 
Hab. Southern India. 3 inches. 
Char. Scales 32. Lateral line absent. 
