31 
PRUSSIAN CARP 
Gyprinus Gibelio, 
Gamssim Oibelio, 
Bloch; pi. 12. Jenyns; Manual, p. 402 
Yaiuibll; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 368. 
'N'oeis. 
iHE Prussian Carp appears to be one of two or three species 
which have been confounded together under the name of 
Crucian, Carassius or Charax; but this last name must be kept 
separate as when found in the work of Oppian it is applied to 
a fish of the sea, and the word in its origin is believed to refer 
to the shaij or prickly arming of the back. Whether originally 
a native of England appears uncertain, hut there is no notice 
of Its having been introduced into our ponds or deeper slowly- 
flowing rivers; in which it is sometimes found in considerable 
numbers. We have obtained it from the Thames where it 
abounds more than does the Crucian; but its particular liabits 
have not been attended to, except that it is known to be highl v 
retentive of life when uninjured out of the water. 
t the example described was much less; the length to the 
ork of the tail seven inches, depth in front of the dorsal fin 
one inch and seven eighths; the proportions stout and thick, 
tint over the front; wide between the eyes, mouth small, jaws 
Mary equal, without teeth. Eyes moderate: body rising from 
the mouth to the dorsal fin; back round. Scales on the body 
large; lateral line at first high, but after sinking a little pro- 
ceeding straight; with thirty-five perforated scales. Posterior 
plate of the gill-covers finely striated. The dorsal fin begins a 
ittle anterior to the line of the ventrals and ends above 
le vent; its first ray short, the second strong and serrated; 
anal small, its first ray serrated; tail bluntly forked. Colour 
