CARP TRIBE. 
465 
Europe, although unknown in the British Islands, the rapfen, is generally found 
in lakes or rivers flowing through level country, as it requires clear but tranquil 
waters. In colour it is bluish black above, with the sides bluish white, and the 
under surface white; the dorsal and anal fins being blue, and the others tinged 
with red. In weight this fish does not exceed a dozen pounds, and in length never 
measures more than a yard. 
SICHEL, RAPFEN, AND BEAKED CARP. 
Especial interest attaches to the beautiful little fish known as 
BlCctk ^ • • • 
the bleak (Alburnus lucidus), of which a figure is given on the 
right side of the illustration on p. 462, on account of the use of the pearly matter 
from its scales in the manufacture of artificial pearls. Of bleak there are fifteen 
species, ranging over Europe and Western Asia; the common British species being 
found only to the north of the Alps, although represented by an allied form in 
Italy. From both the preceding genera these fish are distinguished by the slender 
and lanceolate form of the closely set gill-rakers. The body is more or less 
VOL. V.—30 
