TmCA. 
CcviER forms a separate genus for the Tench, the character of which 
is, that in addition to other particulars of the genus Cijprimis the 
dorsal and anal fins are short, without firm spines to the fins; a single 
pair of small barbs at the angles of the mouth; scales on the body 
Tery small. 
TENCH. 
Tinea, Jokston; pi. 29, fig. 7. 
“ Willoughby; p. 251, Table Q. 5. 
Cyprinus Tinea, Likn^hus. Bloch; pi. 14. Donovan; pi. 113. 
“ “ Jenyns; Manual, p. 405. 
Tinea vulgaris, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 186. 
“ “ Yabbell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 375. 
There can be little doubt that the Tench was known to 
the ancients, since Willoughby informs us that it is occasionally 
found in the Tiber ; and that it bore the name of Tinea, which 
is the origin of the English designation, appears from Ausonius, 
who is the only writer of his country that is known to mention 
it, at least with any particular reference to its nature or habits. 
And the reason of this omission appears to be that it was not 
in esteem with them for the table; which was the principal 
criterion by which the people of that day were accustomed to 
measure the value of any object that could be eaten. But 
we are referred to the writings of Cicero, from which we learn 
that in consequence of some appearance or property in this 
fish he chose to apply its name to an orator who was known 
for some amusing peculiarity that could find some analogy 
in the Tinea or Tench. In addition to this it may also be 
suspected that the species termed the Black Cyprinus by dElian, 
an inhabitant of the Danube, and which has been referred 
to when we spake of the Carp, may rather be the Tench, as 
