72 
BOTIA. 
This genus was constituted by Dr. John • Ed ward Gray for the 
recep^tion of those Loaches which possess a spine on the fore part of 
the face, a little behind the nostrils. The other characters are the 
Same as in the genus Cubiiis. 
Several of these fishes are thus armed in India, but there is only 
one in our oiyn country. '' 
SPINED LOACH. 
Colitis Tanda, 
Colitis Tcsnia, 
Botia Tania, 
L 1 NN..EHS. OnviEB. Bloch ; PI. 31, f. 2. 
Jentns; Manual, p. 417. 
Flemins; British Animals, p. 189. 
Yarbell; British Fishes, vol. i, p. 432. 
Among the older naturalists there is much confusion in 
distinguishing this species from the more common Loach; and 
indeed so far as regards their habits little is known of the 
particulars in which they differ; the principal being that this 
Spined Loach keeps in more muddy places, and is more inclined 
to shelter itself within the soil. It is also more retentive of 
life. Although it is well known on the continent, it has not 
yet been discovered in Ireland; and in Britain it has been 
recorded in only a few rivers, although perhaps on closer search 
it may be found in several others. The counties of Nottingham, 
Wilts., Cambridge, Warwick, and, I believe, Gloucester, are 
mentioned as containing this fish, but it seems not to ixid a 
home in any very rapid streams. 
The use of the remarkable bifid spine on the superior portion 
of the face, which constitutes the principal generic character 
and seems to be moveable at the will of the fish, is uncertain,- 
but perhaps it may be employed in the way of defence after 
the manner of the more powerM insti-ument that arms the 
