3.- h iTibrarg of % gtoscum OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY, AT HARVARD COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. jFounficTi b$ prfbate stibscrfptfon, in 1861. Deposited by ALEX. AGASSIZ. No. nq £C. /6. 1) /7. >) . 8. )} "'9. )> lo. )) 11. 11. ■fa. Barbus mosal . Baebus sarana . Barbus curmuca Labeo calbasu . Easbora daniconius Nemachilus botia notopterus chitala Callichrous bimaculatus . pseudeutropius atherinoides Macrones CAVASIUS . Ambassis ranga Ambassis nama . Ophiocephalus punctatus . PA OR 41 47 52 62 81 106 121 129 132 137 16(3 160 176 ERRATA. Page 29, last line but one, for " Anabas scaiideus " read "Anabas scandens." Pace 98, line 20, for " Lennsius " recul " Leuciscus. ' Page 129, first line, for Calliclidous " read " Callichrous." Page 166, line 5, for " lata " read " lala." Ta^e 181, line 6, also line 10 and line 15, for "Eutroplus" read " Etroplus." HANDBOOK OF INDIAN FEESH-WATEE FISHES. CHAPTEK I. ON ICHTHYOLOGY IN GENERAL, AND THAT OF THE INDIAN FRESH WATERS IN PARTICULAR. Ichthyology, or the Study of Fishes, is one of the least popular branches of Natural History ; the reason being probably that the element in which fishes live, prevents their peculiarities and habits being brought so prominently before our every-day notice as are those of creatures living on dry land. Many people are led by the beauty of flowers to direct their attention to the study of botany, or by the cheerful songs and bright plumage of birds to investigate their natural history. Many a time has the acquisitiveness of childhood, directed at first to the collection of butterflies, or birds' eggs, ripened into the scientific inquisitiveness of later years, and made itself manifest in due course of time through the patient labour of an ornithologist or an ento- mologist. B 2 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. But fishes do not force themselves upon our atten- tion in this manner, they do not show to advantage when taken out of the water, indeed to a superficial observer there seems little difference between one kind of fish and another ; in fact, most people would recognise them more readily when on the dinner table, clothed only in their appropriate sauce, than when seen in their natural state with all their wonderful arrangements of fins and scales, and other adjuncts complete. It is only of late years that any attempt has been made, by the establishment of large public aquariums, to enable people in general to form any idea of the domestic life of fish at home. And yet, when one comes to know a little about fish, it becomes manifest that they yield in interest to no other class of created things, — whether we con- sider their wonderful variety, or the beauty of some species, and the strange shapes and hideous appear- ance of others, or the peculiarities of their habits. The study of Ichthyology has certainly peculiar difficulties, but it has also advantages of its own. One thing which, in the eyes of many people, would detract from its interest, is the fact that it is hardly possible to establish a " collection" of fishes. A great many people consider natural history to be an affair of cabinets, and drawers, and portfolios, and the more odds and ends of sorts they can collect together the more they are pleased. (This, as I before remarked, is the childish, not the practical ON ICHTHYOLOGY IN GENERAL. .') view of the subject.) Now, fish don't lend themselves to this kind of thing ; if you want to see them to advantage you must study them while they are fresh, or if possible alive, or, best of all, in their natural element. You can certainly preserve specimens in bottles of spirits, but they do not retain their beauty in this way, and except in a public museum for reference and comparison, such specimens have no interest. Thus the ichthyologist has no trophies to gloat over ; " nothing to show" for all his trouble and investi- gations. Another thing that may at the outset serve to deter people from studying the natural history of fishes, is the formidable appearance of the nomenclature, and the amount of scientific and anatomical terms that abound in all books on this subject. Few attempts have as yet been made to popu- larise the subject, and as yet, it may be said, the subject is comparatively a new one; the great ob- ject hitherto has been to collect facts, to find out new species, to compare them one with another, and to collect them into natural groups according to their affinities ; in short, to classify them. For this kind of work the utmost accuracy is necessary; a rough description of a fish, such as would convey some idea of what it was like to a per- son who had not studied the subject, would be per- fectly useless for purposes of classification, as it would probably omit the very points which it would b 2 4 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. be necessary to know in order to assign to the fish its proper position in the system. Each family, and each genus, has certain distinc- tive peculiarities which are common to all the fishes in that family or genus, and at the same time there are certain other points which are inclined to be variable in that family, or that genus, and by the aid of such peculiarities is one species to be discriminated from another. For example, the Browns might be characterised by a hooked nose, and the Joneses by a cast in the eye, but to describe the difference between two Joneses, say Tom and Harry, you would have to notice some other detail that was variable in the Jones family. To give a familiar expression to my argument. Suppose a traveller saw a monkey for the first time, and described it as " a creature with a long tail, that lives in trees." Obviously such a description as this would throw no light on its classification, as it might equally refer to a squirrel, or to a lizard. On the other hand, if he was to describe it as a " quadrumanous mammal," a naturalist would know at once what kind of a creature it was, even though monkeys had never previously been heard of. For this reason it has been necessary, in describing new species of fish, to use the most strictly technical terms, of the exact meaning of which there can be no doubt, and to avoid ordinary colloquial expressions, which might bear various meanings. ON ICHTHYOLOGY IN GENERAL. O The names again which have been bestowed on fishes and on the groups into which they are collected, being generally derived from the Greek, have a for- midable aspect. This difficulty, however, soon wears off; and when the meaning of the terms become known, they afford in many cases a valuable aid in remembering the chief characteristic of the group or species. Who, I would ask, finds any difficulty in re- membering such terms as " Fuchsia," " Geranium," or "Hippopotamus," which they are accustomed to? Few harder words than these are to be met with in Ichthyology. (N.B. A useful little word to be familiar with is the Greek " Ichthys," a fish, which forms part of many names, and has rather an uncompromising look about it.) Now, however, that the foundation, so to speak, has been firmly laid, there is no longer the necessity, in discussing the fishes of a well explored region, for instance, the fresh-water fishes of the Indian peninsular, of overloading our descriptions with a mass of technical terms. We need no longer work from the particular to the general, anol describe each species so minutely as to enable a classifier to assign to it its place among the families and genera of fishes. This work has all been done for us by previous explorers, and the time has now fully arrived that we can afford to start from general principles, and lead the student by natural stages to recognize apart 6 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. the several species. In short, it is now possible, thanks to the painstaking labours of onr predecessors, to attempt a popular work on this subject without in- curring the clanger of running into serious error. So much for the difficulties ; but the study of Ichthyology has one great advantage, which is this. Fishes are very slightly subject to variations at dif- ferent ages and under different circumstances. With birds one species may have a plumage for winter use, and a different dress in summer, or the young may have very little resemblance to the old bird, or the male to the female. With insects the larval and pupal forms have to be studied as well as the mature insect, and similar uncertainty occurs in other classes of the animal kingdom. With fish this is rarely the case ; the sexes hardly ever differ in appearance, and the young of most species possess all the characteristics of the full-grown fish (there are exceptions of course to this as to most general rules). It is as easy, for instance, to identify a mahaseer of two inches in length, as one of four feet. In India the study has special advantages. Hardly ai3y where in India are specimens not obtainable at any time of year, and in great variety : each tank or stream has an interest of its own, and if a person is unable to go out and collect for himself, it is always easy to employ fishermen, who bring specimens to the house where they can be examined at leisure. A matter of great interest connected with the ON ICHTHYOLOGY IN GENERAL. / fresh-water fishes of the Indian Peninsular is the geographical distribution of species and groups. India affords a splendid example of a well defined region. The great range of the Himalaya cuts it off most completely from the rest of Asia, and the sea being the boundary on almost every other side, it is manifest that no fresh-water species, as such, can at the present time have communication with other countries. Hence very few truly fresh-water species that are found in India occur in other countries ; a few only extend to Burmah and the Malay Archipe- lago on the one side, or to Afghanistan on the other ; one species, frequenting mountain streams, is found as far west as Syria. This subject will be further discussed when describing the Genera and Species in detail. CHAPTEK II. ON CLASSIFICATION. The Fishes form one of the Great Classes of the Animal Kingdom. They are divided by the latest authors, first into six Sub- Classes, as follows : — I. Teleostei, or fishes with a complete bony skele- ton, which includes all the most perfectly organised forms ; by far the greater number of existing fishes are included in this sub-class, among them all the species that we are concerned with in this book. II. Dipnoi, of which only two species are known. III. Ganoidei, in which are the sturgeons, and a few other forms. IV. Chondropterygii. Fishes with a cartilaginous skeleton, which includes all the sharks and rays. V. Cyclostomata. " Bound-mouthed," or sucking- fishes, including the lampreys and their allies. YI. Leptocardii. Only one species known. ON CLASSIFICATION. The next division is into Orders. We need only concern onrselves here with the first sub-class or Teleostei. These are divided into six Orders. 1. First come those fishes of which the perch may- be taken as a type. They have usually a number of sharp spines forming part of the fin on the back, and some of the other fins. They are termed Acanthopterygii, (spiny-finned.) 2. The second order contains fishes much resembling the first, differing from them only by an anatomical peculiarity of the lower bones of the throat, which is not to be wondered at when we learn that they call themselves Acanthopterygii pharyngognathi. 3. The third order have all their fin rays soft and flexible, such as the cod-fish and the soles, they are termed Anacanthini, " without spines." 4. The fourth order contains the greater number of fresh-water fishes, and is the one with which we shall be chiefly concerned. The fishes of this order have frequently one strong bony ray in front of the back fin, but the remaining rays of that fin are soft and branched. They are termed Physostomi. 5. The fifth order Lophobranchii ) > are unimportant. 6. The sixth order Plectognathi ) The next division to be considered is that of Families, and these form perhaps the most important and natural of the groups into which fishes can be divided ; each family forms generally a well defined 10 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. congregation, so that in the majority of cases there is little difficulty in deciding the family to which a fish belongs. Some species there are certainly which lie on the borderland between one family and another, as must be expected, but these cases are comparatively few. Some families inhabit the salt water exclusively ; some are confined, as, for instance, the Cypriniclse, to fresh waters. Some, as the Salmonidse, are only found in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemi- sphere, being apparently unable to pass the heated waters of the tropics, while others are only found in tropical regions, being unable to exist in the colder climates. Other families again have representatives in all parts of the globe. In the fresh waters of India two families are most plentifully represented, viz., the Cyprinidse, or carp family, and the Siluridse. The latter are easily re- cognised by wanting scales. The Ophiocephalidse, or Snake-headed fishes, have also a good many species in India ; and many other families are represented by one or two species, but perhaps nine-tenths of the fishes that are usually met with belong to one or other of the two first-mentioned families. (As an example among large animals of what con- stitutes a family, we may instance the Family BovidaB, which includes in it, sheep, goats, oxen, antelope, bison, etc., each of these forming a separate genus.) ON CLASSIFICATION. 11 The next division is that of the Genera. A genus may be defined, roughly, as a group of fishes, which closely resemble one another in all im- portant details of their structure, and differ from all other genera in one or more essential points ; it may contain only one species, or it may contain a very great number ; the genus Barbus, for example, in Gimther's Catalogue, numbers over 160 species. It is, as may be supposed, a difficult matter to decide what points are of sufficient importance to con- stitute a genus, and as almost every writer on the subject considers himself qualified to form his own opinion, and to bestow names of his own choosing, the result is a most embarrassing confusion. It must be borne in mind that the members of each separate family have a tendency to vary in certain respects, and to remain constant in certain other points. The Siluridse, for instance, are eminently variable as to their teeth, the Cyprinidse, on the other hand, vary very slightly in this respect. Hence it is easy to understand that a slight differ- ence in the number of their teeth between two Cyprinoid fishes would suffice to indicate that they belong to different genera, whereas a much greater difference might exist between the teeth of two Siluroid fishes who belong to one and the same genus ; in their case it might only show that they were distinct species. It is useful to remember that the first scientific 12 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. name of a plant or animal is the name of the genus. The second, distinctive, or specific name is frequently nothing but an adjective . Thus, for instance, " Bar- bus immaculatus," the " unspotted barbel," denotes a fish of the genus Barbus. The name of the genus is thus a kind of surname. Thus it happens that when an author sees fit to alter the classification adopted by previous writers, and to place a fish in a different genus, he at the same time alters the name of the fish itself. The consequence is, that the same fish may be described in four or five books by as many different names. A most valuable aid to the study of Ichthyology is the British Museum descriptive Catalogue of Fishes, by Dr. Albert Giinther, in 8 vols., in which the whole subject is treated in a comprehensive and masterly manner, and where all the names by which every known fish has been described by different authors is given, that specific name under which it was first described being accepted as the name of the fish, according to the recognised rule. It is most devoutly to be hoped that future writers will endeavour, so far as possible, to follow the classi- fication therein given, every deviation from which only tends to land us in a state of preeguntherite con- fusion. (KB. Vols. Y. and VII. of Giinther's work, contain- ing the Families Siluriilse and Cyprinidee, are those most particularly interesting to the Indian student.) ON CLASSIFICATION. 13 A Species is, as it were, the unit of which all groups are formed. All the individuals of a species resemble each other both in structure and habits ; they breed freely together, and their progeny resemble themselves. The only difference between individuals of a species is that due to sex ; and among fishes there is seldom any perceptible outward distinction between the male and the female. A species may be either considered as a separate creation, or, in the view which is now more generally held, as a stereotyped variety of some older form. The latter view binds the entire orga- nised creation into an harmonious system. Giving reins to our imagination, we discern, in the mind's eye, the various orders as vast branches of some primaeval form of fathomless antiquity, each in pro- cess of time, as they increased and multiplied and scattered themselves in various climates, giving rise to divergent groups varying one from another, which we now rank as families ; these again splitting up into genera, and each genus dividing into few or many separate forms which we call species. There is little difficulty, with fishes at any rate, in discriminating one species from another (if we only have a sufficient number of specimens of each kind to compare together). It is certainly quite conceivable that two species should exist, bearing the most perfect resemblance one to the other, in the minutest particulars, and yet quite distinct. It is possible to imagine that two 14 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. forms which differed from each other ages ago should have thrown off convergent branches, so that the descendants of each, becoming more and more like each other, should now be undistinguishable apart. They would still, nevertheless, be distinct species, and would neither consort nor breed together. However, though theoretically imaginable, such cases do not practically occur ; the developments of nature are in- finite, and, however closely some forms may resemble others, there is always some point or other, if we only look close enough, which serves to distinguish each species apart. A difficulty somewhat similar does, however, occur practically in dealing with groups. Groups perpetually inosculate with one another, and species may be found which seem in certain respects more nearly allied to other groups than the one to which they really belong. In these cases we have to discriminate between real and apparent affinities, and hence arise frequently differences of opinion between different systematists. The more perfect our classification becomes, and the closer we follow nature in grouping such species as we are acquainted with, by so much the less are we troubled with wayward forms which seem to belong neither to one genus or another, but to possess affinity with two or more. It must be remembered that we have at best but scanty material with which to build up the scheme of nature. We can observe the species of to-day, but many links are wanting, many forms must have died out to make room for the present ones. ON CLASSIFICATION. 15 Thus it sometimes happens that one single species is so far removed from its nearest allies that natural- ists have to place it alone in a distinct family from all other species. Consequently there seem to be many blanks left in the series, the intermediate forms may be unknown to us, or else the existing form may be the only one that survives out of a large group, the remainder of which have become extinct. We have seen that when two species that are really distinct are placed before us, and we are able to com- pare them critically one with the other, there is seldom any difficulty in discriminating between them. There is sometimes difficulty in knowing what group a fish belongs to ; this is generally in consequence of the imperfection of our classification, and becomes less in proportion as our genera form natural groups. There is, however, often a difficulty with fishes that in reality are of the same species, either they may have been described by different authors under dis- tinct names, and each author may have laid stress on different points : in this case by comparing the de- scriptions alone, it is impossible to be certain if the fishes are the same or different : or else the species may be variable in itself, which often happens when it has a large geographical range, specimens from one locality differing from those of another, or the same individual appearing different at different times, according to the food it is living on, the kind of water it is inhabiting, or the season of the year. Herein lies the great value of a large and carefully 16 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. arranged museum ; collectors who discover and de- scribe a new species, ought invariably to deposit type specimens in a museum where they will always be available for reference and comparison. The necessity for this becomes at once apparent if we look at a work like the British Museum Catalogue. Take the common Dace, for instance, Leuciscus vulgaris ; it has been described under about 25 differ- ent names by various authors, and these on compari- son all proved to refer to one and the same species ! Or take an Indian species, Discognathus lamta ; this has been described under at least 20 names. It is a species that has a very wide geographical range, being found as far west as Palestine, and is liable to local variation.* On the whole, therefore, in deciding between two specimens, are they varieties of the same species, or different ? the safest rule seems to be as follows : — Do they differ in only one respect, and is that a point with regard to which the individuals of that particular genus are usually inclined to be variable ? In this case, the chances are that they belong to the same species, of which one or the other may be a local variety. Fishes that have been long kept in confinement, or exposed to unnatural conditions are eminently liable to variation. * The reason for the wide range of Discognathus lamta seems to be that it is a species living in rapid hill streams among the rocks and boulders ; mountain ranges would thus, so long as they did not rise above the snow level, present little or no impediment to its spreading, as they do to species inhabiting the plains only. ON CLASSIFICATION. 17 On the other hand, if the two fishes really belong to different species, we will generally be able to find several points of difference ; in fact the more carefully we study them the greater number of distinctions will be found. Between two varieties there is an apparent difference, but no real distinction. Between two species there may be a strong apparent similarity, but there is a real divergence in numerous respects of which we can usually dis- cover more than one, at any rate, b\ careful scru- tiny. It must not be imagined that, because some species are variable, therefore a species as such has no de- finite existence. True, the species of to-clay may be different from what they will be a thousand or a million years hence ; some may have become ex- tinct, others may have given birth to many new species, all varying from the original, but at any one time such species as exist are actual and clearly defined entities. In this they may be compared to the words in a language, derived from remote roots, constantly varying in the course of ages, yet each separate and distinct at any given time from all other words. In the same way as with species, words may appear similar and yet be widely different, or they may seem very distinct in outward appearance and yet be radically the same in point of fact. This argument, it may be observed, does not imply the acceptance of the Doctrine of Evolution. It c 18 INDIAN FRESH- WATER PISHES. assumes variability of species, which is a fact proved by observation, but not of necessity the evolution of all forms from one, or from a few roots, which theory requires stronger evidence than is yet, or perhaps ever will be forthcoming, to make it cer- tain. \ CHAPTEE III. ON DISTRIBUTION. As regards the Geographical Distribution of Genera, we find, among fresh-water fishes, that the Genera are confined within much narrower limits than are the Families. To take a few instances. Genus Barbus. Temperate and tropical parts of the Old World —Europe, Asia, Africa, East Indian Archipelago. Genus Labeo. Tropical regions — Africa, and the East Indies, Java, Syria. Genus Discognathus. Mountain streams, Syria, Persia, India, Ceylon. Genus Crossochilus. East Indies, Java and Sumatra. Genus Sclerognathus. North America and North China. Genus Cyprinus. Temperate parts of Europe and Asia. c 2 20 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. Genus Schizothorax. Mountain streams, Cashmere, and Afghanistan. Genus Leuciscus. Temperate and Arctic Eegions, Europe, N. America, Persia, Anatolia. Genus Barilius. India, East Africa, Eiver Nile. The Cyprinidse, being exclusively fresh- water fishes, and also being very numerous, and containing several large genera, are well adapted to elucidate this subject. We find some genera that are frequenters of temperate and cold climates, and others that can only exist in tropical climates. The genus Leuciscus, for instance, is spread over the North of Europe and North America, not extending into Indian waters. The genus Labeo, on the other hand, is found in tropical Africa and the East Indies only. Some genera are confined to North America, occasionally spreading, as in genus Sclerognathus, into China via N.E. Asia. The large genus Barbus is found all over Europe, Asia, and Africa, but does not occur in America. Most of the genera that inhabit the continent of India, extend also to the East Indian Archipelago, Java, and Sumatra. Those Indian genera that inhabit mountain streams, such as Discognathus and Schizothorax, are also found in Afghanistan and Persia, but there seems no community between the fishes of India, and those of Northern Asia. The snowy ranges of the Himalayas seem to present an impassable barrier. ON DISTRIBUTION. 21 The range of species is much, mere closely restricted than that of genera. As before remarked, very few species that occur in India are to be found elsewhere, though most of the Indian species are met with all over the Indian continent. There are a few local species; some that are found only in Assam, some only in the Himalayan streams, some only in the streams of the Neilgherry hills in Madras, and so on, but these are generally species that live in rapid hill streams ; those that inhabit still water, tanks, and the larger rivers of the plains are to be met with all over India. A number of interesting questions suggest them- selves in connection with this subject. How can a fish, take, for instance, Easbora daniconius, have spread from India to the islands of the Eastern Archipelago, or vice versa ? Does this point to a time when these islands were connected with the main land? If this question is to be answered in the affirmative, we have here data for inferring the comparative antiquity of this species, as it is evident that it must have ex- isted before the separation of these islands from the main land took place, and cannot have undergone any perceptible variation since that time. Again, take a genus, Labeo, for instance, of which some species are confined to India, while others closely allied are found in Africa. This is essentially a tro- pical genus, which fact accounts for its not spreading northwards into Europe, but it would seem as if the relative positions of land and sea must have been dif- 22 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. ferent from what they are now in far distant ages, while the present species of Labeo must apparently have sprung into existence since that time, as some species are now confined to India, and others to Egypt. There are several isolated waters in different parts of India, which it would be interesting to examine carefully and to note the species of fish to be found in them. The lake at Nynee Tal is a good example ; it is a large piece of water at a height of 6000 feet, having only one outlet, from which the surplus water escapes down a series of cascades, up which no fish could pos- sibly make its way. Some fishes have been imported into the lake, I believe, from below, but it would be very interesting to know what species inhabit it na- turally, and if they are the same as are to be found in the streams below. Again, in the Khasia hills, the southern face of the plateau, overlooking the Sylhet district, breaks off very suddenly, and the streams are precipitated over the edge from a height of 3000 or 4000 feet, forming waterfalls of several hundred feet at a time. Unfor- tunately, in this case, the natives have a habit of poisoning the streams, so that there are very few fish of any kind to be found on the plateau. However, there is one little species very common at Cherrapoonjee, and curiously enough it seems to be very closely allied, if not identical with a species (Danio neilgherriensis) that occurs in the streams on ON DISTRIBUTION. 23 the Neilgherry hills, which are far away. It does not, so far as I am aware, occur in the streams at the foot of the Khasia hills ; at any rate, it is not common in them, while of numerous kinds that are met with below the ridge, one can find no traoe in the streams above. Much patient and careful investigation would be required before any definite conclusion could be arrived at in cases like these. I merely mention the facts as they occur to me, in order to show what interesting inquiries present themselves in prosecuting the study of Natural History, It need not be merely a pedantic affair of long names and formulae, nor is there any absolute necessity for making it a cause of jealousy and bickering; on the contrary, it may be made a delightful and perennial source of amusement and interest, while out of it spring problems which elevate the study to the rank of a science, and connect it in close relationship with Geography, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Such problems as hinge on the geographical distri- bution of species cannot be answered off-hand ; they necessitate a great amount of patient observation ; our knowledge as yet is very imperfect ; in fact, we may say that what we now know is only sufficient to indi- cate the lines on which further inquiries can be most usefully made. There is plenty still to be done : of hardly one single district or river of India can we say that we know what fishes are, and (which is more im- portant still) what kinds are not to be found there. Of hardly any species do we know its exact range, or 24 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. are we sufficiently acquainted with its food and habits, to be able to account for the reason of its occurring in one stream rather than in another. There are are two institutions which are calculated to afford much assistance in this study. I mean museums and aquaria. The first to be of any real use should be a public affair ; the second, even on a small scale, in a private house, is of great value. Some day perhaps every province, or even every district of India, may have its museum containing specimens of all objects of Natural History indigenous therein, well arranged and properly looked after. (Only on this condition are they of any use, otherwise they be- come mere curiosity shops.) It would be an immense boon to the collector to be able to deposit his speci- mens in the nearest museum, if he knew that they would be duly examined, and, if new or interesting, described, or forwarded to the British Museum as the case might require. This is perhaps too much to hope for just now. Meanwhile the aquarium as a means of study is available to all of us on a small scale. It is in itself a source of much interest, be- sides being ornamental ; it need not be a large or expensive affair — one or more glass globes, or even lamp shades, enable one to watch the habits of a great variety of the smaller species, which abound in every tank and pond. And very little trouble or attention is required, the main point being not to put too many fish into ON DISTRIBUTION. 25 one vessel, and not to allow the snn to shine upon the water, or else it soon gets thick and green. If properly arranged, with a few sprigs of water weed growing in it, the water will remain clear and bright for months. It would be a great boon if a fresh- water aquarium on a large scale, similar to the marine aquaria that have lately been established at home, at Brighton and other places, could be set up in India. The great variety and beauty of the Indian fishes would then be appreciated ; and valuable results might ensue in re- lation to the importance of fish as a food supply, a subject which Dr. Day has lately been investigating on behalf of Government. CHAPTEE IV. DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. I propose here to notice very briefly some of the most important and best known of the Families, previous to the consideration of those species in detail, with which we are more especially concerned. Gasterosteidce. Sticklebacks. These are eccentric little fishes, inhabiting both fresh and salt waters ; being fonnd plentifully in England, their habits have been well observed and described by Couch, Yarrell, "Wood, and other authors. Some of the species build nests for the protection of their eggs, and are very pugnacious in their defence. Percidce. Perch. This is a very extensive family, inhabiting fresh and salt water, in all climates. The common Perch of England, the Black Basse of America, are ex- amples. In Indian seas the family is represented by PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 27 several genera. Serranus, Genyoroge, Mesoprion, etc., and Ambassis, the latter are small fishes, and are found in fresh water. Pris tipomatidce. These form a large family, mostly found in salt water, in the tropical regions. They are large, hand- some fishes. Several genera, for instance, Therapon, Diagramma, Datnoides, etc., are represented in Indian seas. Mullidce. That delicious fish, the Reel Mullet, belongs to this family, it inhabits European seas. Squamipinnes. " Scaly-finned fishes." This family consists mostly of bright-coloured fishes, with bodies very deep in comparison to their length, and very narrow, with small mouths, inhabit- ing tropical seas. The Chcetodons, and Holocanthi, form good Indian examples. This family is distin- guished by the scales extending over a large portion of the dorsal and anal fins. Triglidce. Gurnards. Are a large family, containing a great variety of fishes of extraordinary shapes and coloration, mostly marine. The British Gurnards, Bullheads, Miller's thumb, the Indian Dactylopterus, or Flying Gurnard, Pterois, Scorpoena, and Platycephalus, are included in this group. Trachinidce. The fishes of this family are generally of a long 28 IKDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. shape, and usually inhabit salt water, the European Sting fishes are armed with poisonous spines. The Indian Sillago is much esteemed for eating. Scicenidce. This family has several representatives, generally of a large size, in the Indian seas, belonging to the genera, Scieena, Collichthys, Corvina, etc. Some species, such as the Maigre, have the power of pro- ducing a drumming or grunting sound beneath the surface of the water. Polynemidce. The delicious Mangoe fish, Polynemus paradiseus, and P. indicus, are good examples of this family. The former has seven, and the latter five filiform appendages below the pectoral fin. Scombridce. The Mackerel family. Are well known on account of their importance as an article of food. They are marine fishes. The family includes the common Mackerel, the Tunny, the Albacore, the Bonito, the Pilot-fish, the Eemora or Sucking-fish, the John Dory, and the Coryphene, or dolphin of sailors. Carangidce. Are deep narrow fish, represented in Indian seas by the genus Caranx (containing the Cobbler-fish), Equula, and others. Ziphiidce, or Swordfish. Are well known on account of their bony weapon, PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 29 specimens of which may be seen in most museums and curiosity collections. Gobiidoe. The Gobies. Carnivorous fishes, living at the bottom, in fresh and salt waters of temperate and tropical regions. Gobius giuris is a very common Indian Example. Bleniidce. The Blennies. Are a most ferocious lot of little fishes ; they reside mostly on or near the bottom, and include the Sea Wolf, the Shanny, Jumper-fish, etc. ; some of the species are remarkable for producing then young alive, and not depositing eggs. Acronuridce. Herbivorous fishes, found in tropical seas, the tail is usually provided with a sharp spine. Nandidce. Carnivorous fishes, of which the sub -family Nan- dina, including the genera Badis, Nandus, and Cato- pra, inhabit the fresh waters of the East Indies. Labyrinthici. Fresh waters of the East Indies, and South Africa. These fishes are remarkable for the length of time they are able to live without water, their gills being especially adapted to breathe the air direct. Even when in water they are obliged to ascend to the sur- face constantly to breathe, otherwise they are soon drowned. Anabas scandeus, and Trichogaster fasciatus are common Indian examples. 30 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. Mugilidce. Grey Mullet. Are found in the fresh waters, and near the coasts of all temperate and tropical regions. Ophiocephalidw. " Snake-headed fishes." Are well represented in the Indian rivers and tanks. They can exist without water for a considerable time, and are carnivorous in their habits, Fistidaridce. Have long slender snouts, like the stems of tobacco- pipes, they are found in the Indian Ocean. Mastacembelidce. Spiny eels. These fishes are found in Indian fresh waters. Labridce. Marine fishes, inhabiting temperate and tropical regions, they are remarkable for the great beauty of their coloration ; some species of Labrus, found off the British coasts, are known as Wrasse ; they feed chiefly on shell-fish. Gadidce. The Cod-fish is a fine specimen of this family, in which are also included the Haddock, Whiting, Pollack, and Hake. Pleuronec tidce . Flat-fishes . Should more correctly be termed deep, or thin fishes, as in truth they rest on one side, some species on the left and some on the right side. Their pe- culiarity consists in their carrying both eyes on one side of the head, the right or left side, whichever is PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 31 uppermost ; and it is remarkable that when young their eyes are placed as in other fish, but become twisted round as they grow larger. The upper side of these fish is always dark, and the under side light coloured. The Sole, Turbot, Brill, and Flounder are English examples of this family, and some species are also found in India. Siluridce. This is one of the largest families of fish known, and includes no less than 114 genera, more than any other family ; they are inhabitants of the fresh waters of temperate and tropical regions, some of the species frequenting the sea also, and are numerously repre- sented in India. They are hardly known in Europe, one species only being found in the Eastern parts of Europe. They are without scales, and have fleshy tendrils or feelers attached to their mouths. Also frequently a gristly, or adipose fin on the back, placed behind the usual rayed dorsal fin. Scojoelidce. Are deep sea fishes, among them is included Har- podon nehereus, the " Bombay duck," a well-known delicacy, when dried and smoked, in India. They have an adipose fin like the preceding family, but no barbels, and sometimes are covered with scales, en- tirely, or partially. Salmonidce. The Salmon family. Are well known in Europe and North America ; it includes the Salmon, Trout, Greyling and Smelt. 32 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. There are no representatives of this family in India, nor indeed anywhere south of the Equator, excepting that lately Salmon and Trout have been naturalized in Australia and New Zealand. They have an adipose fin, but no barbels, and are covered with scales. Esocidce. This family includes the English Pike, a carnivorous and most voracious fish. Scombr esocidce. Mackerel-pike, Include the Gar-fish, Belone vulgaris, a long, queer- shaped fish which is often taken in mackerel nets ; also a fish very closely similar, Belone cancila, which is found in Indian rivers. The genus Exocetus, or Flying-fish, belongs to this family. Cyprinidce. Carp family. This family is perhaps the largest in actual num- bers of all the families; it contains 107 genera, and being confined to the fresh waters of the Old World and North America, the members of it are well known. By far the greater number of Indian fresh-water fish belong to this family. The Carp, Barbel, Koach, Bream, etc., are English representatives. They have scales, and frequently barbels, but no adipose fin. Clupeidce. Herring family. Are well known for their excellence as food. PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 33 The Herring, the try of which is the Whitebait, the Pilchard or Sardine, the Shad, Anchovy, and Sprat, in Europe, and the Hilsa or Indian Shad, in India, are examples. The last named ascends the large rivers hundreds of miles for breeding purposes. Notoptcridce. Are queer shaped fishes, found in the fresh waters of the East Indies and West Africa. There are only five species known of this family, of which two are Indian. Gymnotidiu. Eel-like fishes found in fresh waters in Tropical America. The electric eel belongs to this family. Symbranchidce. Eel-like fish of the Tropics, the genera Amphipnous and Symbranchus occur in India, Muramidce. Eels. Are found everywhere in fresh and salt water ; they are not, numerous, however, in India. Gymnodontcs. This family have the jaws formed like a beak, in two, three, or four bony pieces. Some species of Tetradon are found in India, and arc queer looking little fish. They have a trick when handled of in- flating themselves with air, till they form a complete ball. Acipenseridce. The Sturgeons. These fish have five rows of bony plates running D 34 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. the whole length of the body, they grow to a large size. Chimceridce. Are very extraordinary looking fishes, very bril- liantly coloured, inhabiting the seas of the North and Sonth Hemisphere remote from the Tropics. The sub-order Selachoidei, or Sharks, include the families : ScylliidcB) or Dog-fish. Carchariidce, including the Blue Shark, Hammer- headed Shark, etc. Lamnidce, including the terrible White Shark. Spinacidce, Rhinodontidce^ Notidanidce, Heterodontidce, Rhinidce, and Pristiophoridce. The Sub -Order Batoidei contains the Pristidce, or Saw-fish. Torpedinidce ) or Electric fish. Rajidce, Trygonidce, and 3fyliobatidcc, which com- prise the various Bays, Skates, Sting-rays, Horned- rays, etc. PetromyzontidcB. Lampreys. Are long-bodied snake-like fishes, with mouths formed into suckers by which they cling to stones, and a row of holes for breathing on each side of the throat. They live both in salt and fresh water. PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 35 Oirrostomi. Only one species, the Amphioxus, is known of this family, the lowest form in the scale of de- velopment among fishes. In fact, it can hardly be ranked as a vertebrate animal, as it appears to pos- sess neither bones nor any of the usnal organs of sense. n 2 CEAPTEE Y. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES AND GENERA INHABITING THE FRESH WATERS OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. In these descriptions I shall not altogether follow the order of sequence observed in strictly scientific works, bnt I shall attempt to describe first snch fishes as are most commonly met with, and most easily pro- cured for purposes of identification. It will be found that when once acquaintance has been formed with the peculiarities of a few species, it becomes much easier to recognise any other kinds, and to hit off at once the points of difference or resemblance they may possess. Neither shall I attempt to give a full scientific de- scription of each species, for such as wish to devote much time to the study more ambitious works are procurable. My aim will be to indicate some one or more peculiarities of each species by which it may be quickly identified, preferably such outward peculiari- ties as the number of the scales, or of the fin rays, and SPECIES AND GENERA. 37 so on, that can easily be observed. It must not therefore be supposed that the points I here notice are in all cases the ones with regard to which the classification of the fish has been decided. , It is necessary to know the names of the fins, and the signification of the other terms used in these de- scriptions. By referring to Plate 10 it will be seen that the fin on the back of the fish is termed the " Dorsal fin." There may be one or two dorsal fins ; of which the hindmost may bo an adipose, or gristly fin, without rays. The fin opposite to the dorsal, on the lower surface of the body, is termed the Anal fin. The fin at the end of the tail is the Caudal fin. (NJB. The tail of a fish is understood to be that part of the body between the anal and the caudal fins, it is a mistake to call the fin itself the tail). These comprise the vertical fins, the remaining fins are disposed in pairs, and answer to the four limbs of a quadruped. The upper pair are termed the Pectoral fins, the lower pair are called the Yentral fins. In taking measurement the following rule has been observed: — By the u total length" I understand the length in a straight line from the end of the snout to the base of the caudal fin ; that is to say, the total length not including the caudal fin. This affords a better standard of comparison, as the fin is frequently damaged, or may vary slightly in length, than if the fin were included. 38 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. The length of the head is from the end of the snout to the hinder edge of the gill cover, in a straight line, not measured round the corner. The depth of body is taken at the deepest part, usually just in front of the dorsal fin. By " Scales," is meant the number of scales in the length of the body, from the gill cover to the end of the tail. There will usually be found a line of pores running along the side ; this is called the lateral line, and when it runs straight along the middle of the side, the scales may conveniently be counted along it. Sometimes however it is interrupted, or bent suddenly downwards, or wanting altogether. u Tr. " (= trans- verse,) means the number of rows of scales from the back to the belly ; it is as well to count these in three divisions, viz. from the back to the lateral line, from the line to the ventral fin, and from the ventral fin to the centre of the abdomen, thus 7 + 4+3. The barbels may be variously placed. If belonging to the nostril, they are termed nasal. If at the end of the snout, rostral. If under the chin, mandibular. If on, or at, the corner of the upper jaw, maxillary. CYPRINID.2E. 39 FAMILY CYPRINIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. vii.) I take this Family first, as they are the most gene- rally known, and everywhere procurable. Geographical distribution. Fresh waters of the Old World and North America. Description. This family is best recognised by the absence of any marked peculiarities. The gold carp is an example familiar to most people. The body is covered with scales, which do not extend on to the head. There is only one dorsal fin, of which the first two or three rays (counting from the head) are united, and form an unbranched ray, which is frequently bony and strong, and is sometimes toothed or serrated on the hinder edge. The remaining rays are soft and divided towards the free end, the last ray generally appears double, care must therefore be taken in counting the fin rays not to count this one twice over, as it is in fact only one ray. Tliey have no, teeth in any jiart of their mouths. The only teeth they possess are situated on a pair of bones in the throat, just beneath the gill- cover, these are termed Pharyngeal teeth, and may be in one, or in two, or in three series. Char. Xo visible teeth. Xo adipose fin. Body covered with scales, head naked. Mouth frequently with barbels. 40 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS BABBUS. This being the largest genus, I will take it first. Geographical Distribution. Europe, Asia, and Africa. Description. The species of this genus differ greatly in size, from the mahaseer, which has been known to grow to 80 or 1001b. in weight, to the minute Barbus (/cliits of an inch, or an inch and a half in length. In appearance they also differ considerably, but the graduation being perfect from one end of the series to the other, they have all been included in one genus. They all possess a short dorsal and anal fin, the num- ber of rays being Dorsal 3 + 8, Anal 7 or 8. These numbers are almost invariable, there may sometimes be one more or less. The number of scales varies from 20 to 47. Char. The mouth opens forwards, the lips arc clean, without fringes, or inner folds, or horny covering. The lateral line runs along the middle of the body and tail. We may, for convenience, divide this large genus into three groups. A. Species having four barbels. B. Species having two barbels. C. Species without barbels. v-1 < o- O CO c£ O Q *> fc ^ (D Ph J CO p o CQ T? £ cd C of Ham. Buchanan, the [Tor J principal difference between which appears to lie in the shape of the head. [ Progeneius. " Jhnngha." Assam. ) Macrocephalus " Burapetea," Ass. \ ' Megalepis. ( = Mosal, H.B.) ) Here again the principal difference seems to be in the head. However, as two of these varieties are known to the natives of Assam by different names, there is reason to believe that they may really be dis- tinct species. Dr. Gimther has given Barbus macrocephalus a separate place in his Catalogue, but remarks that it is at present a very doubtful species. The remainder he has placed together under the name of Barbus mosal. Dr. Day considers Barbus mosal and putitora of Buchanan, and macrocephalus of M'Clelland, to be one species ; and B. tor, and B. progeneius, he describes- as a separate species under the name of Barbus lor. The difference between these two forms he states to consist in the latter having a pointed snout, the lower jaw being the shortest ; mouth somewhat deeply cleft, lips thick and cartilaginous, with protruding lobes. Barbus macrocephalus,, M'C. Barbus mosal, Giinth. Cyprinus putitora, H.B. > Barbus mosal, Cyprinus mosal, H.B. J Day, Cyprinus tor, H.B. I Barbus tor, Barbus prog cneius, M'C. ^ a y< CYPRINIMl. 43 These fish vary so much, however, with regard to the apparent shape of their heads and the thickness of their lips, according to their age, the kind of stream they are living in, and the season of the year, that I think it safer at present to leave them under one name, although they may possibly turn out eventually to belong to two or more distinct species. I have found generally that those which are found in still water, or such as have been feeding chiefly on water weeds, and the larger specimens, have soft thick lips, more or less lobed, of which the upper has a tendency to project over the lower one, and to make the head appear more pointed. So far as I can make it out, the only reliable point seems to be the com- parative length of the head. In Barbus mosal the length of the head is contained of times in the total length (exclusive of the tail fin). 91 .^t; xiiuiv iuuaio ullc jji u uujl tiuu id ucaici times. In large individuals the proportion is nearer 3- 2 Counting the scales along the lateral line from the head to the caudal fin, there will usually be found to be about 26, sometimes one more or less. Counting diagonally downwards from the centre of the back, there will be found four series to the lateral line, and four more from the line to the centre of the belly. There are two entire series between the lateral line and the root of the ventral fin. Char. Dorsal ray bony and strong. 25 to 27 scales along the lateral line, not more than two rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. 44 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. Head contained 3^ to 3 J times in the total length. 2. Barbus hexastichus. Habitat. Assam and Himalayan streams. Grows to 2\ feet in length = 10 or 121b. weight. Char. This fish differs from Barbus mosal in having a smaller head, the length of which is contained 4| times in the total length. Scales 24 to 28. 3. Barbus carnaticus. Hab. Eivers along the base of the Neilgherries and the Wynaad range of hills. Beaches 251b. weight. Char. Head contained \.\ times in the total length. Scales 30 to 32 (Day). " 25 to 29 (Gimth.) 4. Barbus chilinoides. Hab. Eivers of the Himalayas. 8 inches in length. Char. Head contained 4 to 4^ times in the total. Scales 32 to 35. Dorsal ray very stout. 5. Barbus himalayanus. Hab. Ussun river, near Simla. Sylhet. 7 inches. Char. Head contained 2f (?) times in the total. Scales 32 to 34. Dorsal ray moderately strong. Colour golden above, in the young a black mark behind the gill openings. 6. Barbus conirostris. This fish is described by Dr. Day as Barbus mysorensls. I think it is perhaps better to adhere to Dr. Gimther's name which has been, as it were, stereotyped in the Catalogue of the British Museum. CYPRINID/E. 45 Hab. Eivers at the base of the Ncilgherries and Wynaad Hills. It attains a large size. Char. Head contained 4 times in the total. Scales 40, transversely 7 + 7. Dorsal rays 4 + 9 7. Barbus dubius. Hab. Base of the Neilgherries. Char. Very similar to the last species. Scales 42, transversely 9 + 7. Dorsal rays 4 + 9. 8. Barbus micropogon. One specimen is in the British Museum, but the locality is doubtful. Perhaps either Mysore or Assam. Char. Scales 38, transverse 4|+5. 9. Barbus neilli. Hab. Tamboodra Eiver, said to attain 50 or GO lb. weight. Char. This fish may be distinguished by the dorsal ray, although bony, being weak instead of thick and strong. Scales 24 to 26. Dorsal rays 4 + 9. 10. Barbus compressus. Hab. Probably Cashmere. Char. It has only 22 scales along the lateral line, 3-j rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. 11. Barbus Sophore (not Giinther's). This small fish was described and figured by Ham. Buchanan. He stated that it had four small barbels. Dr. Day states that a specimen exists in the Calcutta 46 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. museum with barbels ; aucl that the fish described under this name by Dr. Giinther is a different species which has no barbels at all ; (this fish will be found described under the name Barbus stigma). Hab. Ponds in Bengal. 3 or 4 inches. Char. Scales 25, transverse 3^+4^. A black spot at the end of the tail on each side, a dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, and a golden spot on the gill-covers. 12. Barbus jerdoni. Hab. Eivers below the Ghats, in Canara (Madras). Char. Fins tipped with black. Scales 28, transverse 6 + 4. Four rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. (b). Principal ray of the dorsal fin osseous , very strong ', and toothed on the inner edge. 13. Barbus spilopholis. Colours. Body silvery, fins red, head plates golden tinted, eye light yellow, base of each scale above the line slightly shaded. This fish is very oily, and I should imagine on that account it would not be good eating. Sometimes one or two of the rays of the anal fin are produced into long filaments. Hab. I obtained a specimen at Hazareebagh. (Bengal.) Char. Scales 46, transverse 9^+9-|-. Eight rows of scales between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Head 4 times in total. Ml < CO ID PQ < o- O P^ a pi o CTPRINIDJE. 47 14. Barbus chagunio, (beavam) Gihith.) It is an undecided question, whether the fish de- scribed by Buchanan under this name is identical with Gunther's B. bcavani. As the distinction seems doubtful, I have preferred Buchanan's name for the present. This and other similar questions will doubtless be settled some day, by further investi- gation; it would be out of place to discuss them here. Hab. Bengal. Attains \\ feet in length, and is said to be good eating. Char. Scales 44 to 47, transverse 11 + 11. Six rows of scales between the lateral line and ventral fin. 15. Barbus clavatus. Hab. Sikkim and base of Khasia Hills. Char. Scales 42. Head contained rather more than 4 times in total. 16. Barbus sarana. The ray of the back fin is strong and finely ser- rated, the teeth on it are not large like those of the preceding species, and they lie in a double row. This is a very common fish, and liable to considerable variation in different localities. Hab. Throughout India, grows up to 2 feet in length. Char. Scales about 31, transverse 5 or 6 + 6 or 7. 3 or 4 rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. 48 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 17. Barbus immaculatus. This fish, seems scarcely to differ from the preced- ing species, except that the number of the scales are slightly greater. It may possibly be a variety of B. sarana. Hab. Himalayan streams, 10 or 12 inches. Char. Scales 32 to 34. 18. Barbus pinnauratus. Hab. E. Indus, Kurnool, and Malabar. 5 inches. Char. Scales 27 to 29, transverse 6 + 5. A dark spot on the side, about the 24th to the 28th scales along the lateral line. 19. Barbus roseipnmis. Hab. Pondicherry. 4^ inches. Char. Scales 22. Lower border of the caudal fin tinged with black. (c). The principal ray of the dorsal fin is flexible, and not serrated. 20. Barbus spinulosus. Hab. Found near Darjeeling, in Sikkim, a Hima- layan region. Char. Scales 32. Head contained 4 times in the total length. 21. Barbus pulchellus. Hab. Canara district, Madras. Length of one speci- men, 17^ inches. Char. Scales 30, transverse 6 + 5|. Four rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. cyprinim:. 49 22. Barbus melanampyx. In Dr. Giinther's Catalogue this species is named B. aruliiis. This name belongs however to a fish described by Dr. Jerdon, which, having only one pair of barbels, will be noticed presently. This one, with four barbels, would seem to be a distinct species. Hab. The base of the Wynaacl, Neilgherry, and Travancore Hills. A small species, rarely attaining 3 inches. Char. Scales 20, transverse 3^+3^. 23. Barbus thomassi. Hab. South Canara. 18 inches. Char. Scales 31. Dorsal rays 4+9. 2\ rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Dorsal fin edged with black ; pectorals, ventrals, and anal fin stained. 24. Barbus lithopodos. Hab. South Canara. Char. Scales 38. 3^- to 4 rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Colour slaty ; outer rays of the caudal fin, whitish. B. Species having two Barbels. We now come to the second division of the genus Barbus, comprising those species with only one pair of barbels. We can subdivide these also, for convenience sake, into (a), Species with a strong bony dorsal ray. (b). Species ivith a soft flexible dorsal ray. E 50 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. There are no Indian species of this division (as yet known) with the dorsal ray serrated, (a). Species having a strong bowj ray to the dorsal fin. 25. Barbus chola. Hab. Throughout India. 5 inches. This fish is said to be bitter, and not good for food. Char. Scales 26 or 27, transverse 5^+5. Head contained 4 times. Depth of body 2^ times in the total length. Generally a dark mark on the base of the anterior rays of the dorsal fin, and a spot on the tail near the end of the lateral line. 26. Barbus dorsalis. Hab. Madras and Mysore. "It does not attain a large size." Char. Scales 24, transverse 4^+4. A black spot at the hinder portion of the base of the dorsal fin. 27. Barbus thermalis. Hab. Mysore, Cachar. 3 inches. Char. Scales 25, transverse §\-\-§\ (Day) ; or 5+ 4 J (Giinth). According to Dr. Day, the lateral line is incomplete, extending only over 8 scales. A round black finger mark on the tail, near the base of the caudal fin. 28. Barbus amphibius. Hab. Bombay and the Western coast. 6 inches. Char. Scales 23, trans. 4-J+4. Generally a black spot on the tail, near the base of the caudal fin. Lateral line complete. cyprlnldjE. 51 29. Barbus lepidus. This fish is almost exactly similar to Barbus fila- mentosus, the only exception being that the latter has no barbels. Dr. Day considers them as distinct species, and I have therefore shown them as such. Hab. "Western coast, and base of Neilgherries, also Ceylon. 6 inches. Char. Scales 21. Colour silvery white, with a deep black oval mark on the lateral line from about the 14th to the 18th scales. Caudal fin red, tipped with black. The branched rays of the dorsal fin are elongated in the adult fish. 30. Barbus parrah. Hae. Malabar, Mysore, and Madras. 6 inches. Char. Scales 25. A dark bluish line along the side. Pectoral, ven- tral, and anal fins tinged with yellow. Dorsal and caudal fins dusky. A diffused black spot on the lateral line, from the 20th to the 22nd scale. 31. Barbus titius. Hab. Bengal and Northern India. 5 inches. Char. Scales 25. A round black spot on the lateral line, behind the gill openings, and a second midway between the end of the anal and the base of the caudal fins. Dorsal and anal fins tipped with black, sometimes the upper half of the former stained darkish. e 2 52 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. (b). Species having a soft flexible ray to the dorsal ; M 32. Barbus kolus. Hab. Bombay, Deccan. 1 foot, or upwards. Char. Scales 40 to 42, transverse 10 + 8. Dorsal rays 3 or 4+9, 33. Barbus curmuca. Very similar to Barbus kohis, Dr. Day mentions what seems to be a local variety of this species, found in South Canara, which has a second pair of maxillary barbels. Hab. Malabar, and Central Provinces. Char. Scales 42, transverse 10 + 9. Head contained 4 times, depth 3^ times in the total. Anal and caudal fins sometimes edged with black. L D 34. Barbus denisonii. Hab. Hill ranges of Travancore. 6 inches. Char. Scales 28. Two series between the lateral line and the ventral fin. A longitudinal black band runs along the side from the snout to the base of the caudal fin, and above it a crimson band. An oblique black band runs across- the caudal fin. 35. Barbus arulius. (Not Giinther's.) Hab. ISTeilgherry and Wynaad Hills. 4 inches. Char. Scales 23. < o 0- D U s £ pd a) > ID O tf U 01 FJ D o pq q prf H «1 PQ CYPRIXID^E. 53 Three transverse black bars down the sides. Dor- sal and caudal fins edged with black. 36. Barbus puckelli. Hab. Bangalore. 3 inches. Char. Scales 24, transverse 4 + 3. A scarlet stripe along the side. A deep black mark on the dorsal fin. An indistinct dark mark on the lateral line from the 19th to the 21st scales. C. Species without Barbels (Puntius). We next come to the third division of genns Bar- bus, containing snch species as have no barbels. They form a gronp of small fishes common all over India in ponds, and are generally brightly coloured. Ham. Buchanan designated them as a separate division under the name of Puntius, but the series is so perfect between these and the species last described that it is impossible to draw the line of distinc- tion except at those species that are without barbels, which are sometimes so minute as to make it difficult to ascertain their existence. It is even possible that some species, such as Barbus lepidus and filamcntosus, the former with two barbels, the latter with none, or Barbus tit his and B. tetrarupagus, may by further in- vestigation turn out to be identical species which are liable to variation in this respect. In this group the number of the scales is not of much value for identification, as, with the exception of Barbus ambassis with 36 scales, and Barbus punja- 54 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. bensis with 43, the greater number have about 25 scales along the lateral line. The points to be looked at are the number and position of the dark spots with which most of them are ornamented, and the lateral line, which in some cases is incomplete, not running the whole length of the body Like the first group, these may also be subdivided into A. Species with a serrated dorsal ray. B. Species with a smooth, bony dorsal ray. C. Species with a soft, flexible dorsal ray. A. Dorsal ray serrated. 37. Barbus ambassis. Hab. Bengal and Madras. 3 inches. Char. Scales 36. A silvery streak along the side. A small spot at the base of the dorsal fin, and a mark on the tail. Lateral line incomplete. 38. Barbus ticto. Hab. India generally. 4 inches. Char. Scales 23. A black spot on the side of the tail, immediately behind the anal fin. Another at the commencement of the lateral line. Fins often black. Lateral line incomplete, ceasing after 6 or 8 scales. CYPRINIME. 55 39. Barbus conchonius. Hab. Bengal and "N. W. Provinces. 5 inches. Char. Scales 25 or 2G. Deeper in the form of the body than B. ticto. A round black spot on the tail, above the end of the anal fin, but not so far back as in B. ticto ; sometimes a second spot near the head, more or less distinct. Lateral line incomplete, ceasing after traversing 8 or 10 scales. 40. Barbus phutonio. Hab. Bengal, Orissa, also Ceylon. 3 inches. Char. Scales about 22. General colour reddish brown, two black bands pass downwards across the body, with two darkish marks between them, and one at the base of the caudal fin, forming five bands altogether. Lateral line incomplete, extending 3 or 4 scales. 41. Barbus gelius. Hab. Bengal, Central India. 1^ inches. These minute fish are found in tanks and ponds, they swim in shoals among the water weeds, and, being brightly coloured, have a very pretty appear- ance. Char. The bases of the dorsal and anal, and some- times of the ventral fins are black. A black belt runs across the tail. Lateral line incomplete, extending over G scales. 56 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 42. Barbus pyrrhopterus. Hab. Assam. Char. One dark spot on the lateral line, over the hinder end of the anal fin. Lateral line complete. 43. Barbus guganio. Hab. Assam. 1-| inches. Char. A small transparent, silvery species, without spots. Lateral line hardly perceptible. 44. Barbus punctatus. Hab. Malabar. 3 inches. Char. A black spot on the 20th and 21st scales. The anterior half of the fourth scale in the row below the lateral line, black. Dorsal fin with two rows of black spots, besides a short intermediate row. Late- ral line complete. B. Dorsal ray strong, but not serrated. 45. Barbus duvaucelii. Hab. Bengal. Chir. Scales 27. A black spot just in front of the base of the caudal fin. Lateral line complete. 46. Barbus stigma. (8ophore, Giinther.) Hab. India generally. This is a very common species. It is described in Gunther's Catalogue under the name of B. sophore, which was the name given by Ham. Buchanan to a CYPRINIDiE. 57 species nearly resembling this one, but with four minute barbels. Dr. Day states that -a specimen answering tins description exists in the Calcutta museum. Stigma is the name bestowed on the present species by Cuvier. Char. It has a black spot on the tail, and one on the base of the dorsal fin. This last mark is sometimes wanting. Dr. Day states that at certain seasons it has a scarlet band along the side. Lateral line complete. 47. Barbus modestus. Hab. Madras. Char. ~No spots on the body, but a dark band across the dorsal fin. Lateral line complete. 48. Barbus chrysopterus. Hab. Northern India, Assam. McClelland describes this species as having no dis- tinguishing spots. Dr. Day states that the ends of the dorsal, anal, and ventral fins are discoloured with minute dots, and a dark mark sometimes on the tail near the caudal fin. Lateral line complete. 49. Barbus terio. Hab. Bengal. 3 or 4 inches, Char. Scales 21. A large black spot on the side of the body, above the front ray of the anal fin, sometimes a dark line from this spot to the end of the tail. In old individuals this spot becomes surrounded with a faint, light ring. Lateral line incomplete, ceasing after the 3rd or 4th scale. 58 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 50. Barbus tetrarupagus. Hab. Assam. Char. One spot on the lateral line near the gills, and a second near the end of the line, on the tail. 51. Barbus filamentosus. Hab. Southern and Western India. 6 inches. Similar to Barbus lepidus, but without barbels. Body strongly compressed. Dr. Day remarks, " a very curious change occurs in this fish immediately after death, the whole of its body becoming scarlet." Char. The rays of the dorsal fin are extended into long filaments. Caudal fin red, tipped with black. A dark spot on the tail. Lateral line complete. C. Dorsal ray weak and feeble. In this division there are five known species, which are easily distinguished apart, (not including Leucisciis presbyter of Cuvier, which is a doubtful species, insuffi- ciently described). The lateral line in each of them is incomplete. 52. Barbus vittatus. Hab. Mysore and Malabar. 1^ inches. Char. Scales 20 to 22. Generally with four black spots on each side, in the adult ; one just in advance of the dorsal fin, one below its hinder end, one at the base of the caudal fin, and a fourth at the base of the anal ; a black streak on the dorsal fin. Lateral line incomplete, extending five scales. CYPRINIDiE. 59 53. Barbus puntio. Hab. Bengal. 3 inches. Char. Scales 23. A wide black band encircles the free portion of the tail, and includes the tip of the anal fin. Dorsal fin orange tipped with black. 54. Barbus cosuatis. Hab. Bengal. 2 or 3 inches. Char. Scales 22 or 23. A black mark on the top of the dorsal, and one on the front part of the anal fin. 55. Barbus waageni. Hab. Salt Eange, Punjab. 2J inches. Char. Scales 23 or 24. A black blotch on the 17th and 18th scales, posterior to the anal and dorsal fin. Lateral line ceases on the 7th scale. 56. Barbus punjabensis. 2 inches. Hab. Punjab. Char. Scales 43. Fore part of dorsal fin black, and a spot on the tail. A bright silvery stripe along the side. 80 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. GENUS LABEO. This is also a large genus, containing several fine species, such as the Eoho, which are of considerable importance as an article of food. It is essentially a tropical genus, being found only in tropical Africa and the East Indies. The mouth is differently formed from that in the genus Barbus. It opens downwards, not forwards, being situated on the lower surface of the snout ; the lips are thick and fleshy, one or both lips having an inner transverse fold, which is covered with a horny substance. The barbels are small, either one pair or two, those at the corners of the mouth are more or less hidden m a groove. The rays of the dorsal fin" vary considerably. Dr. Giinther has divided the Labeos into two genera, according as there are more than twelve rays or less than 13 in the dorsal fin, forming the latter into the genus Tylognathus. I lately had brought to me about a dozen specimens of Labeo ricnorhynchus, of these about half had twelve rays (3 + 9), and the remainder thirteen (3 + 10), in the dorsal fin; in all other respects they were similar. As Dr. Giinther himself acknowledges the divison to be an artificial one, it will perhaps be better for our purposes to class them all as Labeo. The snout projects over the mouth, and has some- times a lateral lobe, or projection, on each side, in form something similar to the nose of a dog. CYPRINIDiE. Gl Char. Mouth situated below the snout, lips thickened, and some times fringed, with a horny inner fold on one or both. We can divide the genus Labeo into — A. Species having a pair of barbels on the snout. B. Species without barbels on the snout. A. Species with Eostral Barbels. 1. Labeo nandina. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 3 feet. Char. This fish may be at once recognised by the length of its dorsal fin, which contains about 25 rays in all. It grows to a large size. " Two or three feet in length, and is a well-flavoured and wholesome fish." It has four barbels, two on the nose, and one at each corner of the mouth. The lips are thick, and both the upper and lower lips are fringed. There are from 40 to 44 scales along the lateral line. Labeo macronotus is probably only a variety of this species. 2. Labeo fimbriatus. Hab. Southern and Central India. Char. Dorsal rays 18 to 21. Scales 44 to 47. The head is small, and the lips are fringed. {Labeo leschenaultii appears closely to resemble this species, but from specimens I have taken in the JSTer- budda river intermediate in character, and showing considerable variation among themselves, I am in 62 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. doubt as to their being distinct. I have therefore postponed the notice of Labeo leschenaultii to the ap- pendix.) It has four small barbels, of which the lower pair are the longest, the upper ones are sometimes absent in large specimens. 3. Labeo calbasu. " The Kala-bans." Hab. Throughout India. Attains 4 feet. This is a very common fish, it is dark in colour, generally blotchy, and very slimy ; lips fringed. Char. Dorsal fin rays, 3 + 14. Scales about 42. 4. Labeo porcellus. Hab. Bombay. Char. Very similar to L. calbasu, but having only 39 scales along the lateral line. 5. Labeo nigrescens. Hab, Madras. 1^ feet. Char. A small lateral lobe to the snout. 36 scales along the lateral line. Colour deep brown, each scale with a black sjDot at the base. Fins black. Lower lip deeply fringed. The following three species are remarkable for the small size of their scales. They have about 16 rays in the dorsal fin. They are not considered particu- larly good as food. fc CO o PQ wJ -I o- U > i-j g o -I CYPRIXIDJE. G3 6. Labeo cursa. Hab. Bengal. 3 feet. Char. Scales along the lateral line 80. Lower lip finely fringed. Four minute barbels, the upper pair are sometimes absent. 7. Labeo gonitis. Hab. Bengal. 1^ feet. Char. Scales 74. Lips fringed. Four small barbels. 8. Labeo dussumieri. Hab. India and Ceylon. 1 foot. Char. Scales 54. Lips fringed. Four minute bar- bels, of which the upper pair are sometimes absent. Young examples have a large blackish spot on the end of the tail. 9 Labeo rohita. " The Boho." Hab. India generally. Up to 3 feet. This is perhaps the commonest of Indian fish, and the one most generally esteemed for eating purposes. It is to be found in all tanks and ponds, and, like other much domesticated fish, is often liable to varia- tion. It grows to a large size. H. Buchanan remarks thus : "Of all fresh-water fish, so far as I have seen, it is perhaps the most excellent." The best are those taken in clear running water, and not too large. It is deep in form, narrowing rather suddenly to the tail. Usually two barbels only, at the corners of the mouth, the rostral barbels being generally absent. Char. Scales 41. Dorsal rays 16. Lips fringed. 64 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 10. Labeo kontius. Hab. Madras. 2 feet. Char. Scales 39. Dorsal rays 3+12. Lower lip fringed, snout with lateral lobes. Eye behind the centre of the head. 11. Labeo morala. Hab. Bengal. This fish is only known from the figure and descrip- tion given by Ham. Buchanan. It has four barbels, lower lip indented on the edge, about 13 rays in the dorsal fin, and (according to the figure) about 32 scales along the lateral line. There is a black spot on the tail, and the darker colour of the back is extended down the side in very faint bars. B. Species without Rostral Barbels. The following three species are very similar to one another, they have 12 or 13 rays in the dorsal fin, 43 scales along the lateral line, five or six rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. They can best be recognised apart by the position of the eye. .12. Labeo falcatus. Hab. Bengal and Assam. Attains 3 feet in length. Char. The eye is situated far behind the centre of the head. 13. Labeo ricnorhynchus. Hab. Base of the Himalayas, Bengal. Char. The eye occupies the centre, or slightly behind the centre of the head. The lower lipis fringed. cyprixim:. 65 14. Labeo diplostomus. Hab. Cashmere and the Punjab. Char. The eye is in advance of the centre of the head. The following three species have a small lateral lobe to the snout, on each side. Lower lip not fringed. Eye behind the centre of the head. 15. Labeo bicolor. Hab. ~N. W. Provinces and Assam. Char. Scales 43. There are 1\ rows of scales be- tween the lateral line and the ventral fin. 16. Labeo boga. Hab. India generally, also Burmah. Char. Scales 42. Five rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. 17. Labeo pangusia. Hab. Bengal and Cachar. 8 inches. Char. Scales 40. Four and a half rows between the lateral line and the ventrals. 18. Labeo ariza. Hab. India generally. 1 foot. Char. Scales 37 to 40, transverse 15. Eye in advance of the centre of the head. Lower lips slightly fringed, No lobes to the snout. 19. Labeo nukta. Hab. Deccan. 1 foot. Char. Scales 38, transverse 17. 66 INDIAN FRESH-WATER EISHES. Eye in the centre, or slightly behind the centre of the head. Lips not fringed. Colour silvery, with some red marks on the scales. 20. Labeo nashii. Hab. Base of the Coorg Hills. 4 inches. Char. No barbels. Scales 41, transverse loi. A black band from the eye to the centre of the caudal fin. A mark across the dorsal fin and the extremity of the caudal. 21. Labae striolatus. Hab. Deccan and Central Provinces. 7 inches. Char. Scales 58 to 62. One pair of barbels. GENUS CIEEHINA. This genus contains some large and handsome fish, which are of considerable importance as food. They are long in shape, elegantly formed, and of a brilliant golden, bronze, or silvery appearance, fully deserving the Sanscrit ajDpellation of mirga (the deer), which has been appropriated as the scientific name of one species. Char. The lips are thin and clean, neither of them being fringed ; there is a small knob on the centre of the lower jaw, at the junction of the two mandibular bones, by which the fishes of this genus may generally be distinguished. They have either one or two pairs of barbels, or none ; when there is only one pair, they are on the snout, the pair at the corners of the mouth being absent. In this respect they differ from the Labeos. CYPRINIDiE. 67 1. Cirrhina mrigala. Hab. Hindostan generally, attaining 18 lb. weight. This is a fine fish, of elegant appearance, with bright golden scales, and very good for eating. I have never known of its being taken with a hook, bnt if suitable bait could be discovered I should think it would afford remarkably good sport. Generally the rostral barbels only are present, the lower pair being rudimentary or absent. It has from 40 to 43 scales along the lateral line, and 16 transversely. Dorsal fin rays 3+12 or 13. Char. The origin of the dorsal fin is in advance of the central point between the end of the snout and the origin of the caudal fin, but not so far forward as in the next following species. 2. Cirrhina leschenaultii. Hab. Southern and Central India. 1-J feet. Very similar in appearance to C. mrigala. Scales 42 to 44, transverse 17 or 18. Dorsal rays 3 + 12 to 14. Barbels 4. Char. Origin of the dorsal fin much nearer to the end of the snout than to the root of the caudal fin, it lies midway between the end of the snout and the hinder portion of the root of the anal fin. 3. Cirrhina anisura. Hab. Bengal and Assam. No barbels. Scales 43 or 44, transverse 18. e 2 68 INDIAN FRESH- WATER EISHES. (M'Clelland in one part of his work states the scales as 38.) Char. Dorsal rays 3 + 10. Lower lobe of candal fin the longest. Dorsal fin commences midway between the end of the snout, and the root of the candal. 4. Cirrhina dyochilus. Hab. Clear running streams in Assam and Cachar. " Its usual size is from one to two and a half feet in length, and though sometimes coarse, its flesh is always well flavoured." — M " c Clelland. No barbels. Scales 42 to 44, transverse 16. Char. Dorsal rays 3 + 10. Dorsal commences in advance of the middle point between the end of the snout and the base of caudal fin. 5. Cirrhina bata. Hab. Bengal. 1-J to 2 feet. No barbels. Scales 36 to 39. Dorsal rays 2 + 9 or 10. Lower lip smooth-edged. Caudal fin with an ill- defined transverse bar. There is considerable uncertainty about this species, H. Buchanan described three varieties, which McClelland considered to belong to one species. Dr. Day's description differs in some respects from either of Buchanan's, but he states it to be a well-known fish, extensively used for stocking tanks. I have not met with it myself, and cannot therefore form any opinion of my own. CYPRINIM1. 69 GENUS CBOSSOCHILUS. The species forming this genus are generally small, attaining five or six inches in length. They have 10 or 11 rays in the dorsal fin, and 7 in the anal. From 35 to 40 scales along the lateral line, and 12 to 11 transverse rows. Char. The mouth is placed underneath the snout, which projects more or less. The upper lip is fringed. Barbels four or two; if two, the upper only are present. The lower lip has a sharp inner edge, and is not continuous with the upper lip. The fins are usually thick and fleshy, and the body is frequently irregularly marked with dark blotches. 1. Crossochilus latius. Hab. Mountain streams of the Himalayas. Char. Scales 39, 3^ rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Barbels 4, of which the lower pair are sometimes absent. Length of the head contained 5-| times in the total. Eye somewhat behind the centre of the head. 2. Crossochilus gohama. Hab. Bengal and Orissa. 6 inches. Char. Scales 36 ; 3-J rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Barbels 2. Head contained 5 times in the total. Eye in, or slightly in advance of the centre of the head. Body irregularly spotted with brown. 70 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 3. Crossochilus rostratus. Hab. Cossye Biver, Bengal. Char. Scales 38 ; 4 rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Barbels 2. Snont long. Head contained five times in the total length. Eye behind the centre of the head. An irregular black spot on the fifth and sixth scales of the lateral line. 4. Crossochilus barbatulus. Hab. Cashmere and Punjab. Char. Scales 36; 4 rows between lateral line and ventrals. Barbels 4. Head contained b\ times in the total. Eye in the centre of the length of the head. Body more or less marked with dark blotches. 5. Crossochilus sada. Hab. Assam. Char. Barbels 4, longer than the diameter of the eye. Coloration uniform. This appears to be a very small species, but little is known about it. 6. Crossochilus reba. Hab. India and Ceylon. Char. Barbels 2. Scales 35 to 38 ; transverse 14, 4 or 5 rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Eye somewhat in advance of the middle of the head. Young individuals have the upper lips indis- tinctly fringed, old ones smooth. (I have doubts about this fish being identical with CYPMNHLE. 71 the Gobio limnophihis of McClelland, for the reason that this species has a pair of rostral barbels, which the latter has not. M'Clellancl's fish is very abundant in the Sylhet district, where it forms a staple article of food, being taken in vast quantities, especially when the country begins to dry up, and the inundations to subside, about November. The fishermen build a screen of bamboo work at the mouth of a drainage cutting where the water that has flooded the fields for several months flows into a stream. The fish trying to get back to the river are stopped by this impediment and crowd together in thousands, till the water boils with them. A second barrier is then built up a hundred yards or so above, and be- tween these two screens the fish are kept, being bailed out by the fishermen as they are wanted, and sold at the weekly markets at the foot of the Khasia hills, both in a fresh and dried state. In this part of the country this fish is called " Bhie," I am inclined to think, however, that it must be a distinct species from Crossochilus reba. If some person would forward a few specimens to the Calcutta museum, this point might be cleared up.) 7. Crossochilus mosario. Hab. Assam. Length about a span. Char. Barbels wanting. Scales 37, transverse 12. 8. Crossochilus isurus. Hab. Eiver Hoogly. Char. Barbels 2. Scales 36, transverse 10. 72 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. Origin of dorsal fin midway between the base of the last anal ray and the end of the snout. Dr. Day identifies this fish with Gobio isurus, M'CL, from Upper Assam. It does not, however, agree with M'Clelland's description. GENUS DISCOGNATHUS. These are small fishes living in rapid streams, among and under the stones. The lower lip is formed into a horny disk with free margins and is said to be used as a sucker for the purpose of clinging to the rocks. It certainly does assist it in holding on, but I should be inclined to doubt in this and other similar cases, the action of any suctorial power such as is pos- sessed by the lamprey. One thing to be remembered is that in these rapid streams the rocks are invariably covered with a coating of slimy vegetable matter, on which these fishes seem to feed, but which would pre- vent any sucker apparatus from taking a hold of the stone, at least I should imagine so. The pectoral and ventral fins are broad and thick and placed horizontally. By these arrangements these fish are able to cling firmly to the surface of the stones, even in a considerably strong current. Bar- bels 2 or 4. If 2, the upper pair are absent. I was struck with an ingenious method of capturing these fish employed in the Central Provinces. The water was clear and shallow and numbers of these little fish could be seen, but it would have been a vain attempt to throw a net over them, as they would CYPKINIRE. 73 have escaped at once under and between the boulders. The fishermen therefore collected the boulders in heaps and left them thus for some days. Then, on coming to fish, they threw their casting-net over one of these heaps of stones, in which a lot of the fish had taken refuge. They then opened the centre of the net, and lifted the stones out one by one, till at last the fish alone were left in the net ; in this way they secured a good number. 1. Discognathus lamta. This fish is remarkable for the great extent of its geographical range. It is found from Palestine to Burmah, and has been described under many different names, as specimens from different localities are apt to differ slightly especially in the coloration. How- ever, there is no specific distinction to be found be- tween them. There are about 34 scales along the lateral line and 9 transversely. There is a black spot behind the upper part of the gill opening. Char. The pectoral fin is not longer than the head, and terminates at some distance from the root of the ventral fin. 2. Discognathus macrochir. Hab. Bengal and Assam. This species is very similar to D. lamta, and may possibly prove to be only a variety. Char. Pectoral fin longer than the head, terminat- ing close to the root of the ventral. Eye very small. 74 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. Chest and middle of abdomen scaleless; post pelvic region covered with very large scales. This seems to agree pretty closely with the fish described by Dr. Day under the name of Mayoa modes ta. I have in my note-book a sketch of another species of Discognathus with 44 scales, from the base of the Khasia Hills. Dorsal rays 2+6. GENUS PSILOEHYNCHUS. The two fishes belonging to this genus are found in the hill streams in N. E. Bengal and Assam. The snout is very long, the mouth underneath. Barbels none. 1. Psilorhynchus sucatio. 3 inches. Char. Snout much longer than the rest of the head. Sides clouded with dots. Colour above greenish, below whitish and diaphanous, fins dotted. 2. Psilorhynchus balitora. 2 inches. Colour reddish brown, with irregular black blotches, disposed in longitudinal rows. Three bars on the caudal fin. Body diaphanous. cyprinid^. 75 GENUS OBEINUS, " Mountain barbels." These fishes are found in mountain streams, they have a silvery appearance, and are covered with very small scales. The dorsal fin has usually a very strong bony ray toothed interiorly. Dorsal rays 11. Anal 8. Barbels 4. Char. Mouth transverse, on the lower surface of the snout. Margin of the lower jaw covered with a thick horny layer with a sharp edge. A broad fringed lower lip with a free posterior edge. The anal fin and the vent, are contained in a sheath which is covered with enlarged tiled scales. 1. Oreinus plagiostomus. Hab. Punjab, Cashmere, and Afghanistan. Scales about 156, counting just above the lateral line ; they are very irregular and difficult to count ; on the lateral line itself they seem to run one into another, and thus appear larger than on the rest of the body ; below, from the ventral fins forwards, they disappear altogether beneath the skin, which is thick and tough. These fish may be caught with worm or paste bait, and are eaten by the natives, but they are very bony and of a muddy flavour. Char. Head contained about five times in the total length. Margin of the lower lip straight. Serrature of the dorsal fin rather feeble. 76 INDIAN FRESH- WATER PISHES. 2. Oreinus sinuatus. Hab. Himalayan rivers. Grows to 2 feet. This fish has sometimes black clotted spots, and occasionally red spots, on which account it has been described as a Trout. Char. Scales about 105. Head contained 4| or 5 times in the total length. Margin of lower lip concave. Serrature of the dorsal fin well developed. 3. Oreinus richardsonii. Hab. Nepal. Attains 18 inches. Char. Head small, being contained 5^- or 6 times in the total. Margin of lower lip straight. Serrature of dorsal ray of moderate strength. Scales 140 to 145. 4. Oreinus micracanthus, (Capoeta, Giinth. Cat.) Hab. Bhotan. Char. Scales 140. Head contained 5 or 6 times in the total length. No bony dorsal ray. GENUS SCHIZOTHOEAX. This genus differs from Oreinus in the form of the mouth, which is arched instead of being transverse. They are found in Cashmere and Afghanistan, one or two species come from Nepal. Most of the species of this genus are known only from the descriptions in HeckePs ' Fische aus Kasch- mir,' and are difficult to distinguish. I can only indicate a few characteristics of each. Specimens are much wanted for the British Museum. CYPRIKIDiE. 77 1. Schizothorax planifrons. Hab. Cashmere. 14 inches. Char. Osseous ray of dorsal fin coarsely serrated. Head contained of times in the total length. 2. Schizothorax micropogon. Hab. Cashmere. 6 inches. Char. Mouth small, crescentic ; barbels minute. Dorsal ray coarsely serrated. Head contained 4 times in the total. 3. Schizothorax hugelii. Hab. Cashmere and Nepal. 16 inches. Char. Dorsal ray rather short, and but slightly serrated. Head contained 4-^ times in the total. Anal scales very large. Scales along the lateral line about 190. 4. Schizothorax curvifrons. Hab. Cashmere. Char. Dorsal ray conspicuously serrated. Head contained 4^ times in the total. 5. Schizothorax niger. Hab. Cashmere. 7 inches. Char. Dorsal ray with strong, closely-set teeth. Sides with minute blackish dots. Head contained 4 J times in the total. 78 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 6. Schizothorax nasus. Hae. Cashmere. 11 inches. Char. Dorsal with teeth not very closely set. Head contained \.\ times in the total. 7. Schizothorax longipinnis. Hab. Cashmere. 10 inches. Char. Dorsal ray with closely set teeth. Head contained \\ times in the total. 8. Schizothorax esocinus. Hab. Cashmere and Afghanistan. 10 inches. Char. Head depressed, much elongate, with long snont, contained 3 J times in the total. Dorsal ray with strong closely set teeth. Body with numerous blackish dots. 9. Schizothorax gobioides. Hab. Nepal. 8J inches. Char. Dorsal ray moderately strong. Barbels long, their length being greater than the diameter of the eye. Anal scales very slightly en- larged. Colour yellowish, with minute black spots. 10. Schizothorax nobilis. Hab. Nepal and Afghanistan. 18 inches. Char. Dorsal spine strong, with rather feeble serra- ture. Length of rostral barbels 1^ diameters of the eye. Maxillary pair nearly as long. Caudal fin deeply forked. Anal scales moderately developed. Colour silvery, covered with small spots. CYPRINHLE. 79 11. Schizothorax hodgsonii. Hab. Himalayan streams. 20 inches. Char. Lower labial fold broad, with a free edge ; it is not interrupted in the middle like that of all the forego- ing species, but is produced in a small lobe or projection. Snout long and pointed. Head contained 4 times in the total length. Dorsal ray with very strong teeth. GENUS CAPOETA. This genus is distributed over "Western and South- ern Asia. Two species are to be found in the hill streams of Sincle and those of the Punjab that now into the river Indus. Char. Mouth transverse, inferior, with the edge of the lower jaw nearly straight and sharp, the corners bent angularly inwards. 1. Capoeta watsoni. Char. Scales 33, transverse Q-\-Q. Barbels. One pair at the corners of the mouth. Dorsal ray strong and serrated. Colour silvery, dashed with gold. Various and very irregular black spots on the body. 2. Capoeta irregularis. Char. Scales 36, transverse 9 + 9. Scales above the lateral line very irregularly disposed. Dorsal ray weak and serrated. Colour olive, shot with gold. 80 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS CATLA. This genus is represented by a single species. Char. The junction of the two bones forming the lower jaw is loose, without any knob. The snout is broad, and the mouth turned upwards. There is no upper lip. 1. Cat la buchanani. Hab. Upper India, ponds and rivers, attaining a very large size. This fish may be at once recognised by its very large head, and the peculiar upturned mouth. It is well adapted for stocking tanks, as it grows quickly and is good and wholesome as food. Char. Scales 40 to 43. Dorsal rays 2 + 16. Length of head contained 3 times in the total. The foregoing species are all included in the group Cyprinina,) or Carp-like fishes, of the family Cyprinidce. We come next to the group Easborina. GENUS EASBOEA. These are handsome little fishes, brightly coloured, and generally with a dark band running the whole length of the body. Geographical Distribution. Species of this genus are found in the East Indian Continent and Archi- pelago, also on the East Coast of Africa. Char. The lateral line curves downwards and runs along the lower half of the body and tail. Barbels wanting, except in Easbora elanga, which has a small pair. CYPRINIDiE. 81 1. Rasbora daniconius. This is a very common little fish, being fonncl in every tank and pond. It is brilliantly coloured when living with purple and green irradiations, and has a black band running the whole length of the body, from the eye to the end of the tail. It grows to about 5 inches in length. It is very active and voracious, and will rise readily to a fly, or go at a bit of worm on a hook, but the very smallest hooks, and the finest tackle are required to secure it. Char. Scales 31 or 32. A black band runs the whole length of the body. Sometimes the caudal fin is tipped with black. 2. Rasbora buchanani. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 4 or 5 inches. Char. Scales 25 to 29. A faint silvery streak along the side, colour usually yellow, with black tips to the caudal fin. 3. Rasbora neilgherriensis. Hab. Madras. 8 inches. Char. Scales 34. A silvery leaden band from the eye to the base of the caudal fin. 4. Rasbora elanga. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 8 inches. Char. Scales 40. A pair of very small barbels near the upper end of the maxillaries. Colour uniform silvery. G 82 INDIAN FRESH-WATER EISHES. GENUS NUBIA. Char. Barbels 4, the upper pair being short, and the pair at the corners of the month long. Month 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 i& 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 mouth 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. CYPRINIDiE. 83 GENUS AMBLYPHARYNGODON. Char. Small fishes, not exceeding 4 inches in length. Barbels none. Lateral line incomplete. Month di- rected somewhat upwards, with the lower jaw promi- nent. Scales very small. Colour silvery, with a bright silvery band along the middle of the side. 1. Amblypharyngodon mola. Hab. India generally. Char. Scales 65. Height of body contained 3 times, length of head 3-| times, in the total length. Anterior ray of the dorsal fin directly above the posterior ray of the ventral. 2. Amblypharyngodon pellucidus. Hab. Bengal and Assam. Char. Scales 55. Height of body contained 4 times, length of head 3^ times, in the total length. Anterior ray of the dorsal fin directly above the posterior ray of the ventral. 3. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Hab. Southern and Western India. Char. Scales 50 to 57. Height of body contained 4 times, head 4 times, in the total length. Origin of the dorsal fin entirely behind the root of the ventral g 2 84 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS THYNNICHTHYS. Char. Lateral line complete. Barbels none. Very similar to Amblypharyngodon, but attains a larger size. 1. Thynnichthys harengula. Hab. Godavery and Kistna rivers. 1 foot. It also breeds in tanks. Char. Scales 120. Dorsal fin commences above the ventrals, and slightly nearer to the snout than to the base of the caudal fin. The next group are the Semiphtina^ of which there are only two Indian species known. GENUS SEMIPLOTUS. Char. No barbels. Lateral line runs along the middle of the side of the tail. Anal fin short, not extending forwards to below the dorsal. Dorsal fin long, with a strong osseous ray. Mouth large, semi- circular, inferior. 1. Semiplotus M'Clellandi. Hab. Assam. Up to 2\ lb. weight, 12 to 20 inches long. " It is usually found near rapids ; the larger ones in deeper waters, where they are seen, particularly of an evening, rising to the surface, but they refuse all sorts of flies and baits, although if a stone be cast into the water, all these fishes in the vicinity assemble round the spot. The dhoms (fishermen) take them by CYPRINID.E. 85 a casting net, observing great silence, and frequently first dropping a stone to assemble the fish in the spot on which it is intended to cast the net." — Griffith. " This species which is considered the most delicious in Assam, is found only in the upper parts of the province, where the currents become clear and some- what rapid. It is common at Suddyah, and is said to be found from thence to the foot of the moun- tains." " Head covered with a thick skin." — McClelland. Char. Scales 30 to 32. Dorsal fin with a strong, smooth ray, and about 25 branched rays. Anal rays 9. 2. Semiplotus brevidorsalis. Hab. Eivers of the Neilgherry Hills. Char. Scales 40. Dorsal rays 14. Anal 7. The following group, Danionina, contains a variety of bright coloured little fishes, none of which attain a large size. Char. Anal fin with 8, or more than 8, branched rays. The lateral line runs along the lower half of the tail. Abdomen rounded (not compressed into a sharp ridge). 86 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS DANIO. Char. Dorsal fin long (with nine, or more, branched rays), mouth directed obliquely upwards, narrow. Barbels generally four, sometimes two only, or none. 1. Danio dangilia. Hab. Bengal and Behar. 5 or 6 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 2 + 10. Anal 17 to 20. Scales 36 to 38. Barbels four, the upper pair being rather shorter than the head, the lower pair longer than the head. Sides with a network of narrow blue lines, anal fin with two or three blue stripes. 2. Danio lineolatus. Hab. Sikkim. 3 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 13 or 14. Anal 16 or 17. Scales 32 or 33. Barbels four, the upper pair as long as the diameter of the eye, the lower pair very short. Sides with three straight, bluish bands, the middle one being the broadest, alternated with yellow. 3. Danio osteographus, (micronema, Giinther). Hab. India generally. 6 inches. Char. Dorsal 12 or 14. Anal 15 to 17. Scales 34 to 37. Barbels four, the upper pair half as long as the orbit, the lower pair minute or absent. Sides with straight bluish bands, the centre one being the broadest, and being continued clown the caudal fin. CYPRINIBvE. 87 4. Danio aurolineatus, (malabaricus, Giinth). Hab. South Malabar. 3 inches. Char. Dorsal 14. Anal 18. Scales 34 to 40. Barbels two only, half as long as the eye. Sides with three or four narrow steel blue streaks, the end of the tail, and the middle of the caudal fin with a broad bluish band. 5. Barrio neilgherriensis. Hab. Neilgherry Hills. 3^ inches. Char. Dorsal 12 or 13. Anal 13 or 14. Scales 35. Barbels 2 only, very small, sometimes a rudimentary lower pair are apparent. A badly marked, broad, steel-blue stripe, extending from behind the eye to the middle of the caudal fin, edged with yellow above and below. A species very similar to this last one is common in the hill streams at Cherra-poonjee in the Khasia Hills. I should not be surprised if it turned out identical with M'Clelland's Perilampus cequipinnatus. The fish which Dr. Day has identified under this name appears to differ from M'Clelland's in possessing a well developed rostral pah* of barbels, which McClelland does not mention, neither are they shown in the figure. The species I refer to from the Khasia Hills has no barbels, or if present they must be excessively minute. It has several blue and yellow streaks aloug the sides. 88 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 6. Danio devario. Hab. Northern India, Assam. 4 inches. Char. The fin rays appear to vary considerably, the average numbers seem to be Dorsal 18. Anal 18. Scales 40 or 41. Barbels none. Head small. Body deep, marked with blue lines, forming a net- work towards the head, and longitudinal stripes near the tail, one stripe is continued along the tail ; and the upper portion of the caudal fin. GENUS PTEKOPSABION.* ? Char. Dorsal fin long, with nine, or more branched rays, mouth wide, directed obliquely up- wards. Barbels none. 1. Pteropsarion bakeri. Hab. Hill ranges of Travancore. 6 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 13. Anal 16 or 17. Scales 38. A row of large bluish spots along the sides of the body. Dark grey marks on all the fins. No barbels. * Dr. Day classes this lish as a Barilius, from which genus it is ex- cluded by Dr. Giinther, apparently on account of its long dorsal fin. As the point is one perfectly immaterial to the student, I prefer to follow the standard authority. CYPRINIM3. 89 GE]STUS BABILIUS. Geographical Distribution. This genus is found on the Continent of India and the East of Africa, including the Eiver Mle. Char. Dorsal fin short (less than 9 soft rays). Mouth wide, opening forwards. Barbels 4, or 2, or none. We can divide the species, for convenience, into three groups, according to the number, or want, of barbels. It is not however a natural division, as fre- quently the barbels are so small as to be hardly per- ceptible — or wanting, in species that would normally possess them. Where not otherwise mentioned, the rays of the dorsal fin, are 9 or 10, those of the anal fin about 12, and the number of scales along the body about 43. A. Species with four Barbels. 1. Barilius rerio. This is one of the smallest of Indian fishes, it is easily recognised by the indigo -blue bands running the whole length of the body, extending over the caudal and anal fins. Hab. Bengal and Madras. Attaining 2 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 15. Scales 27. Two pairs of small barbels. 2. Barilius radiolatus. Hab. Central India. 2^ inches. Char. Scales 56 to 58. Two pairs of short barbels. 90 INDIAN FRESH-WATER PISHES. 3. Barilius alburnus. Hab. Himalayan streams. 5 inches. Char. Anal rays 13 or 14. Depth, of body contained 5^ times, length of head 4^- to 5 times, in the total length. The two last rays of the dorsal fin arise over the root of the anal. The humeral process, (a bony projection just above the pectoral fin) is very short. Ten or twelve blackish bars descend from the back to the lateral line. 4. Barilius bendelesis. Hab. Eiver Ganges and Southern India. 4^ inches. Char. Depth of body contained 4 times, head 4^, in the total. Dorsal fin terminates in advance of the anal. A series of short, green or bluish, bars on the side not reaching the lateral-line. Some of the scales have occasionally a black spot at their bases. 5. Barilius cocsa. Hab. India generally. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 10. Depth of body contained 4 times, head 4-^ times, in the total. Barbels 4, minute, the upper pair being often absent. Dorsal fin ter- minates in advance of the anal. Humeral process elongate. The back, in young specimens, with indistinct crossbars. Each scale with a small black spot at the base, a row of double spots forming the lateral line. CYPRINII)^;. 91 6. Barilius modestus. Hab, Lahore river Eavi. 4 inches. Char. Depth of times, head 4^ times, in the total length. Barbels 4, the lower pair minnte. The last ray of the dorsal fin over the first ray of the anal. Humeral process short. No bars or bands. Cau- dal fin edged with black. 7. Barilius bleekeri. Hab. Eiver Beeas, Punjab. 3 inches. Char. Depth 4 times, head 4 times, in the total. Barbels 4, long, reaching to below the eye. The one or two last rays of the dorsal fin over the first of the anal. Seven short blnish bars down the middle of the side. Candal fin stained on the onter edge. B. Species with one pair or Barbels. 8. Barilius morarensis. Hab. Eiver Omorar, Gwalior. 3 inches. Char. Barbels 2, very small. Depth 4^- times, head i\ times, in the total. Dorsal fin altogether in advance of the anal. Humeral process very short. Crossbars indistinct. 9. Barilius bicirratus. Hab. Cabnl Eiver. Char. Scales 35. Nine incomplete bars down the .sides. 92 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 10. Barilius barila. Hab. Bengal. 4 inches. Char. Barbels two, small, sometimes wanting. Depth 4^- times, head 4^ times, in total. The last ray of the dorsal fin is opposite the first ray of the anal. Abont 14 bine bars down the middle of the side. Buchanan mentions that there are two lateral lines, the upper one being straight, and the lower one curved. The latter is the true lateral line. 11. Barilius vagra. Hab. Bengal and N.W. Provinces. 5 inches. Char. Scales 42 to 45. Two short barbels. Depth contained 3 times, head 3f times, in the total. Colour silvery, with a light coloured stripe and indistinct crossbars. C. Species wanting Barbels. 12. Barilius barna. Hab. Bengal Assam, and N.W. Provinces. 4 inches, Char. Barbels none. Depth contained 3, head 4 times, in the total. The last three rays of the dorsal fin are opposite to the anal. About nine bluish black bars across the body. Dorsal and caudal fins tipped with black. In this species also Buchanan mentions an upper, straight, lateral line. 13. Barilius gatensis. Hab. Western Ghats and Neilgherry hills. 6 inches. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 16. Scales 38 to 40. CYPRINIDiE. 93 Depth contained 3^-, head 3f times, in the total. Last four rays of the dorsal fin opposite the anal. About 15 irregular bluish bars. Dorsal and anal fins with dark bases and light margins. 14. Barilius papillatus. Hab. Bengal. 3 inches. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 14. Scales 39. Depth contained 3 times, head 4 times, in the total. About 8 broad, deep blue, bars right across the body. 15. Barilius borelio. Hab. Bengal. 4 inches. Char. Barbels none. Scales 39. Depth contained 4 times, head 4 times, in the total. Colour silvery, tinged with green, fins yellowish, dorsal fin edged with grey. "No crossbars. 16. Barilius canarensis. Hab. Western Coast. 6 inches. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal rays 12. Anal, 15. Scales 38. Depth contained 3 times, head 3^ times, in the total. A double row of large green spots along the body, joining on the tail into a single row. Fins grey with broad white margins. 17. Barilius tileo. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 8 inches. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 14. Scales 66 to 70. Two rows of greenish blue spots along the side. 94 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 18. Barilius evezardi. Hab. Poona, Bombay. 4^- inches. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 15. Scales 40. The lower lobe of the candal fin is the longest. Fins deep orange, dorsal and candal edged with black. Depth contained 3f times, head 4-j times, in the total. Colour silvery, without bars. GENUS BOLA. There is only one known species belonging to this genns. Char. Scales small, month very wide and deeply cleft. Barbels none. Dorsal fin short. 1. Bola Goha. This is a finely formed fish, and with its small scales, numerous spots, and large mouth, reminds one strongly of a Trout. The resemblance, however, is only a superficial one, as the family Salmonidse are to be distinguished at once by the second, or adipose dorsal fin, and have no representatives in the Indian waters. Hab. Northern India. Grows to a foot in length. Char. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 12. Scales about 90. Colour silvery, with several irregular series of greenish spots along the side. Fins orange ; caudal edged with black. CYPRINIDvE. 95 GENUS SCHACBA. This genus also contains only one species. Char. Mouth of moderate width, opening forwards; the upper jaw projecting slightly. Scales small. Barbels four. Dorsal fin short. 1. Schacra cirrhata. Hab. Bengal, Assam, and N. W. Provinces. 4 or 5 inches. Char. Scales 72. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 10. Colour silvery, with about 13 bluish, incomplete bars, down the middle of the side. Caudal fin stained with black on the lower half. Barbels 4. GENUS ASPIDOPAEIA. Char. Mouth narrow, crescent shaped, situated below the snout. Dorsal fin short. Barbels none. 1 Aspidoparia morar. Hab. Northern India. 6 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 11. Scales 38 to 42. Head contained 3^ times in the total length. Height of body 4 times nearly. Pectoral fin shorter than the head. 2. Aspidoparia sardina. < Hab. Northern India. 4 inches. Dr. Day considers this identical with the preceding species. 96 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. The following are the apparent points of difference. Char. Head contained 4^- times in the total. Scales 37. Pectoral fin at least as long as the head. 3. Aspidoparia jaya. Hab. Gangetic provinces. 2 inches. Char. Scales 54 to 58. The next group we have to notice are the Abrami- clina. They have a long anal fin. The abdomen, or a por- tion of it, is sometimes compressed into a sharp ridge, in a manner similar to what occurs in the family ClupeidaB or Herrings. Barbels none. GENUS OSTEOBEAMA. Char. Pectoral fins of moderate length. A strong serrated spine to the dorsal fin. Scales small. Lateral line running nearly in the middle of the tail. Dorsal rays 11. The different species may most readily be distinguished by the number of rays in the anal fin, and the number of the scales. Geographical Distribution. India and Burmah. 1. Osteobrama cotio. Hab. India generally. 4 inches. Char. Anal rays 29 to 32. Scales 70. Barbels none. Depth of body contained 2f times, head i\ times, in the total. Dorsal ray not very strong. Jaws even in front. Scales below the lateral line rather irregular. cyprinim:. 97 2. Osteobrama alfrediana. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 6 inches. Chae. Anal rays 31 to 36. Scales 42 to 60. Bar- bels none. Depth contained 2\ times, head 4^ times, in the total. Dorsal ray slender, and bnt slightly serrated. Upper jaw projecting slightly over the lower. Lateral line very strongly marked in the first few scales. If these two species be really distinct, it seems to me that this latter must be the one described by Ham. Buchanan as Cyprinus cotio. He distinctly states the rays of the anal fin as 36, and according to the figure the scales would be between 40 and 50. If, however, as noted by Dr. Day, the native name of the first species is, " Koti," and of the second, " Goonta," and they are really distinct ; then, even if my surmise be correct, it will probably be more convenient to leave the names as they stand. Bu- chanan can hardly be said to have named the fish ht described, but simply to have misappropriated the native name of a nearly allied species. 3. Osteobrama rapax. Hab. Northern India. 8 inches. Char. Anal rays 25 or 26. Scales 75. Barbels none. Depth contained 3 times, head 3f times, in the total. Dorsal ray strong, and deeply denticulated. Lower jaw slightly projecting. Lateral line most strongly developed in the first few scales. H 98 INDIAN" FRESH-WATER FISHES. 4. Osteobrama ogilbii. Hab. India generally. Char. Anal rays 15 or 16. Scales 50 to 5^>. Barbels none. Depth contained 2\ times, head 4 times, in the total. Dorsal ray deeply serrated. The upper jaw pro- jects in advance of the lower. Lateral line slightly bent downwards. An indistinct blotch on the root of the caudal fin. 5. Osteobrama microlepis. Hab. Eiver Godavery. 15 inches. Char. Anal rays 21. Scales 72. Barbels none. Depth contained 2\ times, head 4 times, in the total. Dorsal ray strong and serrated. Upper jaw projects beyond the lower. A dark streak from the shoulder to the pectoral fin. Body partially banded, especially in the young. Dr. Day suggests that the fish described by Va- lenciennes as Lennsius belangeri, and in the British Museum Catalogue as Similiogaster belangerii, may be this species. Should this be the fact, the name of the fish would, I conclude, be properly Osteobrama belangerii, and not microlepis. 6. Osteobrama neilli. Hab. Eivers of the Neilgherries. Char. Barbels four, nearly as long as the eye. Anal rays 21. Scales 59. CYPRINID2E. 99 Depth contained 2f times, head 3^ times, in the total. Lateral line strongly marked in the first few scales. Scales regular. 7. Osteobrama bakeri. Hab. Cottyam. 4^ inches. Char. Anal rays 14. Scales 44. Barbels four, short. Depth contained 3^ times, head 4 times, in the total. Colour silvery, caudal and dorsal fins edged with black. GENUS CHELA. These are bright silvery fishes, termed Chilwas in Hindostani, they are long in the body, with small heads and upturned mouths, the dorsal fin being placed very far back. They keep mostly at the surface of the water, feed- ing on insects, and may be taken with the artificial fly- 4 They are remarkably good eating when fried. Geographical Distribution. This genus is dis- tributed over the continent of India, Burmah, and the East Indian Archipelago. Char. Pectoral fins very long, no spine to the dor- sal fin. Not less than 7 rays in the ventral fin. Abdomen compressed, forming a sharp ridge. The dorsal fin contains 9 or 10 rays, the anal varies in length. h2 100 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 1. Chela gora. Hab. Northern India. 8 inches. Char. Anal rays 15. Scales 140 to 160. The scales of the back extend over the nape as far as the nostrils. The ring of small bony plates, situ- ated behind and below the eye, is broad, but does not entirely cover the foremost gill plate, or proeo- perculum. The abdomen, in front of the ventral fins, is rounded, further back it has a sharp edge. The dorsal fin commences slightly in advance of the anal. 2. Chela bacaila. Hab. Throughout India. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 14 to 16. Scales 90 to 110. Nuchal scales extend forwards not so far as the eye. Suborbital ring broad, nearly covering the proeoper- culum. Origin of the first anal ray below the middle of the dorsal fin. 3. Chela punjabensis. Hab. Eavi Biver, at Lahore. Char. Anal rays 17. Scales about 110. Nuchal scales extend forwards to opposite the suborbital ring of bones. Suborbital ring broad, cover- ing three-fourths of the cheek. Abdominal edge sharp, from the pectorals backwards. Silvery, with a burnished silvery band along the side. 4. Chela phulo. Hab. Bengal and Central India. 4 inches. Char. Anal 20. Scales 87. CYPRINIDtE. 101 Suborbital bones cover two-thirds of the cheek. Dorsal fin commences slightly behind the origin of the anal. Abdominal edge sharp from the pectorals backwards. Silvery, with a burnished band along the side. 5. Chela clupeoides. Hab. Madras, Mysore, and the Dekkan. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 14. Scales 80. Suborbital ring narrower than the diameter of the eye. Origin of the dorsal fin very slightly in advance of the anal. Thorax compressed into a cutting edge. Scales loosely attached, and placed in irregular rows. 6. Chela flavipinnis. Hab. Madras Presidency. Char. Anal rays 18. Scales 65. Suborbital ring nearly covering the cheek. Five small indentations on the edge of the proeopercular plate. Colour silvery, fins tipped with orange. 7. Chela novacula. Hab. India. Char. Anal rays 17. Scales 60. The height of the body is more than the length of the head. 8. Chela untrahi. Hab. Mahanadi Eiver. 5 inches. Char. Anal rays 20. Scales 52. 102 INDIAN FRESH- WATER EISHES. Abdomen sharp from the pectorals backwards. Lower jaw prominent. Scales deciduous, extending forwards on the nape to above the posterior margin of the orbit. Pectoral fin, when laid backwards, reaches the ventral. 9. Chela argentea. Hab. Bowany Kiver, at the base of the JSTeilgherries. 6 inches. This sj)ecies is perhaps the same as the Chela diffusa which comes from the Cauvery Eiver, in which case the latter name would have to be adopted, as having the priority. Char. Anal rays 18. Scales 43 to 45. Suborbital ring broad, covering the cheek. Lower jaw not projecting. Origin of anal below the foremost rays of the dorsal fin. Pectoral fin very long, extending beyond the origin of the ventral. Thorax not sharp. 10. Chela boopis. Hab. South Canara. 5 inches. Char. Anal rays 18. Scales 37. Suborbital ring broad, nearly covering the cheek. Origin of anal below the hinder part of the dorsal fin. Eyes large. Thorax smooth. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins tipped with black. The two following species differ from all the species previously described in not being so long in the body. cyprinid^:. 103 By Drs. McClelland and Day they are placed in a distinct genus, — Perilanipns. 11. Chela laubuca. Hab. Bengal. 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 22 to 24. Scales 34 to 37. Body deep, its height being contained barely 3 times in the total length. The scales of the back do not extend in front of the edge of the operculum, or gill cover. Pectoral fin very long, reaching the anal. Origin of the dorsal fin behind the origin of the anal. A black mark, shot with green, at the base of the pectoral, and one at the base of the caudal fin. 12. Chela perseus. Hab. Assam. 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 21. Depth of body contained 3 times in the total length. Mouth opens upwards. Scales of the nape extend to the margin of the proeoperculum. Back straight from the mouth to the dorsal fin. A blue streak along the side. 104 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS CACHIUS. Char. Pectoral fins very long. No spine to the dorsal fin. Less than seven rays in the ventral fins, which are placed far forwards, nearly beneath the pectorals, one ray of each ventral fin being produced into a long filament. 1. Cachius atpar. Hab. India generally. 4 inches. Char. Anal rays 22 to 26. Scales 52 to 55. Dorsal fin opposite the middle of the anal. The first ray of the ventral prolonged into a long bristle, the other rays being qnite rndimental. Colour greenish, with a silvery lateral band. The next gronp, Homalopterina, contains only one genus, which differs from the members of the other groups in not possessing an air bladder. It appears to be confined to India, Bnrmah, and the Islands of Java and Sumatra. GENUS HOMALOPTEKA. Char. Dorsal and anal fins short, the former opposite to the ventrals. Pectoral and ventral fins placed horizontally. Barbels six, 4 on the snout, and two at the corners of the mouth. 1. Homaloptera maculata. Hab. Hill streams of the N. Eastern Frontier. Char. Scales 78. No scales on the thorax. Snout very broad and depressed, with sharp margins. CYPRINLD^]. 105 Barbels very small, the two rostral pairs beneath the end of the snont. Colour dark brown, with darker blotches. 2. Homaloptera brucei. Hab. Southern India. 3^ inches. Char. Scales 70? Snont broad and depressed, with the margin obtnse. Eostral barbels short, on the edge of the snout ; the pair at the corners of the month rather bigger. Colour dull olive, yellowish below. Body with large brown blotches. The next, and last, group of the family Cypri nidge, are the Cobitidina, or Loaches. They might almost deserve to be ranked as a separate family, but the line of demarcation is so faintly denned, that they have been included in the family of the Cyprinidse. The most distinctive pecu- liarity among them lies in the air-bladder, which is partially, or entirely, enclosed in a bony capsule. They live altogether at the bottom of the water, and many of them bury themselves in sand or mud. They are generally small, and of no great importance, or interest, although the species inhabit- ing Indian fresh waters are numerous. It will suffice therefore to give a list of the various species as yet known, without entering into any detailed descripton. Char. Mouth surrounded by six, or more, barbels. Anal fin short. Scales small, or rudimen- tary, or wanting altogether. 106 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS MISGUKNUS. Char. Barbels ten or twelve. Caudal fin rounded. 1. Misgurnus lateralis. Hab. Bengal. 3 J inches. Char. Barbels 10. Scales very conspicuous. Yellow and brown bands along the side. A black white-edged ocellus on the base of the upper half of the caudal fin. GENUS NEMACHILUS. Char. Barbels six (or eight). No erectile spine under the eye. 1. Nemachilus pavonaceous. Hab. Assam. Dorsal rays 17. About 20 bars across the back. An eye-like spot on the upper part of the end of the tail. 2. Nemachilus botia. Hab. Throughout India. Dorsal rays 14. Char. Body with irregular black blotches, caudal fin barred. 3. Nemachilus rupelli. Hab. Poona. Dorsal rays 12 or 13. Short brown bars along the lateral line. Fin rays barred. A black spot at the base of the upper lobe of the caudal fin. 4. Nemachilus moreh. Hab. Poona. Dorsal rays 12. Caudal wedge- shaped, very similar to rupelli, but with the head more pointed. > < H o ■ O o PQ c^ £> > ui (D 3 i — i 1-1 c O HZ) s o w >A z CYPEINIDiE. 107 5. Nemachilus monoceros. Hab. Assam. Dorsal rays 12. Dorsal and caudal fins with transverse stripes. Body without markings. 6. Nemachilus aureus. Hab. Nerbudda Eiver. Dorsal rays 12. Colouk greenish, with, in the young, a row of seven or eight blotches along the side. Caudal barred, with a dark ocellus. 7. Nemachilus rupecola. Hab. Northern India. Dorsal rays 10 or 11. Caudal fin with rounded lobes. 11 to 17 dark cross- bands ; a black spot at the base of the dorsal fin. Fins spotted. 8. Nemachilus semiarmatus. Hab, Neilgherry Hills. Dorsal rays 11. Marked irregularly with dark spots and bars. Pectoral fin with a partially osseous ray. The remaining species have all about 10 rays in the dorsal fin. Some of them are banded, and others irregularly marked. 9. Nemachilus montanus. Hab. Near Simla. 12 brown bands. Caudal fin forked. 10. Nemachilus beavani. Hab. Bengal. 9 dark bands. Caudal fin slightly forked. 108 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 11. Nemachilus subfuscus. Hab. Assam. 10 narrow brown bands. Caudal forked. 12. Nemachilus denisonii. Hab. Neilgherries. 9 to 12 dark bands. Candal forked. 13. Nemachilus notostigma. Hab. Oauvery River. 12 or 13 brown bands. A black streak across the root of the caudal. A black spot at the base of the anterior dorsal rays. 14. Nemachilus triangularis. Hab. Travancore Hills. Body with about eight dark, blackedged bands, they are bent in the middle, the angles pointing back- wards. A black spot at the root of, and three black bars across the caudal fin. 15. Nemachilus striatus. Hab. Wynaad Hills. Light reddish brown with narrow vertical bands, fins orange with black markings. 16. Nemachilus zonatus. Hab. Northern India. 11 to 13 dark zones, not meeting under the body. 17. Nemachilus sinuatus. Hab. Wynaad. Orange with four bent bands. cyprinim:. 109 18. Nemachilus mugah. Hab. Bengal. About 1 5 brown bands, descending below the lateral line. 19. Nemachilus rubripinnis. Hab. Malabar. Nine bands, not reaching the lateral line, also a number of irregular bars. 20. Nemachilus savona, Hab. Bengal. Ten or twelve very narrow yellow or white bands ; a black blotch at the base of the first few rays of the dorsal fin. The remaining species are not banded down the sides. 21. Nemachilus marmoratus. Hab. Cashmere. Body mottled with brown. Margin of caudal fin convex. 22. Nemachilus spilopterus. Hab. Himalayan streams. 11 to 15 irregular bars across the back. A black blotch at the base of the dorsal fin. 23= Nemachilus butanensis. Hab. Bhotan. 5 inches. Caudal fin rounded. 110 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 24. Nemachilus griffithii. Hab. Assam. 5| inches. Sides irregularly mottled. Several bars across the back, not extending down the sides. 25. Nemachilus turio. Hab. Assam. Body irregularly spotted and blotched. 26. Nemachilus corica. Hab. Northern India. Colour bluish, with a line of black blotches along the middle of the side, and smaller ones above. 27. Nemachilus guentheri. Hab. Neilgherries. Pinkish, with a network of brown markings, leaving three rows of large spots along the side. 28. Nemachilus phoxochila. Hab. Upper Assam. A dark nebulous streak along the side. 29. Nemachilus chlorosoma. Hab. Upper Assam. Straw coloured, with irregular markings. 30. Nemachilus serpentarius. A wide dark chestnut band, from the snout to the base of the dorsal fin. 31. Nemachilus blythii. Brownish, a dark band at the base of the caudal fin. CTPRINIDJS. Ill 32. Nemachilus evezarcli. This species differs from the other members of the i genus Nemachilus, in possessing 8 barbels. Hab. Poona. Caudal fin rounded. Colours greenish, with small dark blotches. GENUS COBITIS. Char. Barbels six, (or eight ?). A double erectile spine below each eye. Caudal fin rounded or square cut. Dorsal fin opposite to the ventrals. 1. Cobitis guntea. Hab. India generally. 4 inches. Char. Barbels well developed, origin of the dorsal fin somewhat in advance of the ventrals. Colour dirty yellowish, with a dark band along the side, and blotches down the back. 2. Cobitis gongota. Hab. Assam and Bengal. 5 inches. Char. Barbels short and thick. Origin of the dorsal fin above the hinder ray of the ventrals. An undulat- ing band along the side, giving off dark bars towards the back. I have in my collection the drawing of a fish from the base of the Khasia Hills, which stongly resembles this species in appearance, but it has 8 barbels, and the origin of the dorsal fin is well behind the ventrals. 112 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS LEPIDOCEPHALICHTHYS. Char. Barbels eight. A double erectile spine beneath each eye. Caudal fin square cut. Dorsal fin nearly opposite the ventrals. The inner ray of the pectoral fin, in the adult male, is often modified into a flat spine, this is made use of to assist the fish in diving down into the mud, though this is probably not the primary object of this formation. 1. Lepidocephalichthys thermalis. Hab. Southern India. Char. Origin of the dorsal fin in advance of the ventrals. Colour sandy, with irregular blotches along the lateral line, and others on the back. Caudal fin banded. 2. Lepidocephalichthys balgara. Hab. India generally. Char. Dorsal fin not in advance of the ventrals. Back and sides irregularly mottled with brown. GENUS BOTIA. Char. Barbels six, or eight. A double erectile spine beneath each eye. Caudal fin forked. Dorsal fin in advance of the ventrals. 1. Botia dario. Hab. Northern India. Char. Barbels 8. Dorsal rays 13. Seven or eight broad brown bands, passing obliquely across the body ; ground colour yellow or white. CYPRINID-E. 113 2. Botia almorhge. Hab. Kumaon Hill streams. Char. Barbels 8. Dorsal rays 12. Body reticulated with brown lines, leaving yellow interspaces. 3. Botia rostrata. Hab. Bengal and Assam. 5 inches. Char. Barbels 8. Dorsal rays 12. Body with irregular brown crossbands, ground colour yellowish. Snout very long, pointed. 4. Botia berdmorei. Hab. Bengal. Char. Barbels 8. Dorsal rays 12. Colour brownish, with a lead-coloured band along the side. 5. Botia nebulosa. Hab. Near Darjeeling. Char. Barbels 6. Dorsal rays 15. Colour brownish, with a lead-coloured band along the side. GENUS JEBDONIA. Char. Barbels 8. A double erectile spine beneath the eye. Dorsal fin long. The inner ray of the pectoral fin modified into a flat osseous spine. 1. Jerdonia maculata. Hab. Madras. Char. Dorsal rays 30. A dark lateral band from the eye to the tail. Fins yellow. Dorsal and caudal fins banded. i 114 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. GENUS ACANTHOPHTHALMUS. Char. Barbels six. A small, double, erectile spine beneath the eye. Dorsal fin commences considerably behind the ventrals. Caudal fin square cut. 1. Acanthophthalmus pangia. Hab. Assam and Bengal. Char. Dorsal rays 8. Colour light cinnamon, with- out marks or bands. We have now completed the large family of the Cyprinidse. We will proceed next to the Clupeidse, or Herring family, as they are nearly related to the Cyprinidse. CLUPEIDiE. 115 FAMILY CLUPEIDiE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. vii.) This is also a large family, but differs from the Cyprinidee in being essentially marine. There are however several species which inhabit the fresh waters of India, and these I now proceed to de- scribe. I will omit however many kinds, such as the Hilsa fish, which, though well known as an article of food in the Calcutta market, is properly a marine fish, ascending the fresh waters at certain periods of the year only for the purpose of spawning. Char, of the Family. Body covered with scales, which are generally thin, and often easily detached. Barbels none. Abdomen generally compressed into an edge which is often serrated. Dorsal fin rather short. Adipose fin none. Anal fin often very long. GENUS ENGKAULIS. Char. Mouth very wide, upper jaw projecting. Generally with small teeth in the jaws, on the vomer, palatine, and pterygoid bones. Gill openings extremely wide. Dorsal rays about 14. 1. Engraulis purava. Hab. This fish is sometimes found in fresh-water tanks and rivers, but never at any great distance from the sea. " It grows to about a foot in length, is so full of bones as to be little valued, and, like many i2 116 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. fishes of this family, dies immediately after being taken ont of the water." — H. B. Char. Anal rays 43 to 50. Scales 46. Both jaws with very small teeth. The entire abdominal edge serrated. Anal fin commencing below the last dorsal rays. 2. Engraulis mystax. Char. Anal rays 34. Scales 42. Both jaws with minute teeth. Sometimes a blackish spot across the nape. The entire abdominal edge is serrated. Anal fin commencing slightly behind the last ray of the dorsal. 3. Engraulis taty. Char. Anal rays 51 to 56. Scales 46. Both jaws with minute teeth. Dorsal fin enveloped by scales. Anal fin com- mencing below the middle of the dorsal. Upper pectoral ray produced into a very long filament. The entire abdominal edge serrated. 4. Engraulis telara. Hab. Found throughout the larger rivers. It grows to the size of a small herring. Char. Anal fin rays 70+75. Scales 55. Minute teeth in both jaws. The anal fin commences in advance of the dorsal. Upper pectoral ray produced into a very long fila- ment. The entire abdominal edge serrated. OLUPEIDJE. 117 GENUS CHATOESSUS. Char. Mouth narrow, inferior, transverse. Upper jaw projecting beyond the lower. Teeth none. Abdomen serrated. Dorsal rays about 15. 1. Chatoessus manmina. Found in rivers and tanks. 8 inches. Char. Anal rays 22 to 24. Scales 58 to 60. A large black spot on the shoulder. 2. Chatoessus cortius. Hab. Assam. Char. Anal rays 2b. Scales 58. Scales rather irregularly arranged. This appears to be probably identical with the preceding species. 3. Chatoessus chanpole. Hab. Bengal ponds and ditches. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 21. Scales 46. Scales arranged irregularly. A blackish spot on the shoulder, followed by several other smaller spots. 118 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS CLUPEA. Char. Upper jaw not overlapping the lower. Teeth none, or quite rudimentary. Abdominal serrature extending in front of the pec- toral fins. 1. Clupea chapra. Hab. Bengal. 6 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 18. Anal 19. Scales 42. Teeth none. Caudal fin longer than the head, covered partially with small scales, and having black margins. 2. Clupea indica. Hab. Bengal and Assam. Char. Dorsal rays 15. Anal 21 or 22. Scales 80. Teeth none. Caudal fin rather shorter than the head. A dark spot on the shoulder. Dr. Day considers the second of these two species to be the Clupea chapra of Buchanan. In this case I presume that the first species would have to be re- named. CLUPEIDiE. 119 GENUS CLUPEOIDES (or COEICA). Char. Lower jaw projecting beyond the upper. Teeth none or quite rudimentary. Abdomen serrated from behind the pectoral fins. Anal fin with less than 20 rays. 1. Clupeoides soborna. Hab. Mahanuddi Eiver. 2 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 16. Anal 15. Scales 40. Scales very thin and transparent, colour brilliant silvery. GENUS PELLONA. Char. Lower jaw prominent. Body much com- pressed. Thorax and abdomen strongly serrated. Easplike bands of minute teeth on the palatine and pterygoid bones, and on the tongue. Anal fin long, ventrals small. The upper ray of each pectoral fin long. Caudal fin deeply forked. 1. Pellona motius. Hab. Eivers and tanks near the coast. 4 inches. Char. Dorsal rays 17. Anal 39 to 45. Scales 43 to 45. 2. Pellona dussumieri. Char. Dorsal rays 18. Anal 49 to 54. Scales 4G. 120 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS MEGALOPS. Char. Lower jaw projecting. Abdomen flat, not trenchant. A narrow bony plate between the man- dibles. Scales large and firmly attached. Bands of viliform teeth on the jaws, vomer, and tongue, on the palatine and pterygoid bones, and the base of the skull. 1. Megalops cyprinoides. Hab. Tanks near the coasts. Char. Dorsal rays 17 to 20. Anal 24 to 27. Scales 37 to 42. > d o (/) p O > 05 I g T-l N0T0PTERIM1. 121 FAMILY NOTOPTEKIDiE. (Gimth. Cat. vol. vii.) This family includes only one genus, containing a few species only, of which two are found in India, and the others in the islands of the East Indian Archipelago and in West Africa. They have some affinity to the Clupeida?, but are only found in fresh water. Char, Head and body scaly c Barbels none. Adipose fin none. Tail tapering. GENUS NOTOPTEKTTS. Body much compressed. Abdomen with a double serrature. Scales very small. Lateral line distinct. Both jaws with a narrow band or series of small teeth, unequal in size, bands of teeth on the vomer, palatine, and pterygoid bones, and on the sphenoid ; two series of teeth on the tongue. Some of the bones of the head serrated. Anal fin very long and united with the caudal. Dorsal fin very short. Ventrals united or wanting. 1. Notopterus chitala. Hab. Throughout India, rivers and tanks. Attain- ing according to Dr. Day, several feet in length. Char. The upper profile of the the head concave. Dorsal rays 8 to 10. Anal 110 to 125. Scales 180. Sometimes marked with dark crossbands on the back, and with some round black occellatcd spots along the lower part of the tail. 122 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 2. Notopterus kapirat. Hab. Throughout India. Attaining 2 feet. Char. Dorsal rays 7 to 9. Anal 100 to 110. Scales 225. Upper profile of the head scarcely concave. Colour leaden, or silvery, without marks. These fish are to be taken with bait, and are eaten by the natives. They are full of bones, however, and very indifferent as to flavour. SILUEIDiE. 123 FAMILY SILXJRIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. v.) This family is a large one, and very numerously represented in Indian waters. It is (like the Cyprmidae) essentially a fresh-water group of fishes ; but some few species belonging to it are also found in salt water, keeping, however, usually near the coast. Geogeaphical Disteibution. Members of this family are found in most tropical and temperate regions, including Africa, America, the East Indies, and Australia. One species only is found in the south- eastern parts of Europe. Chae. The Sihiridse are to be distinguished chiefly by the absence of scales ; but they have sometimes bony plates on certain parts of the body. They are provided with barbels, often of great length, and generally numerous (6 or 8). They have frequently a second dorsal fin which is gristly, or adipose, and without rays, and their mouths are furnished with teeth, which, however, vary much in form and disposition. GENUS CLAEIAS. Hab. Africa and the East Indies. Chae. No adipose fin. Dorsal fin long, extendin from the neck to the caudal. Anal long. Barbels 8, vrz., one pah' of nasal, one of maxillary and two pairs of mandibular barbels. Pectoral fin with a pungent spine. CT © 124 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 1. Clarias magur. Hab. India generally. Attaining 18 inches. This is an ugly-looking, slimy fish, found in ponds and ditches, and fond of the mud ; it is considered, however, by the natives to be wholesome and nourish- ing as food. Char. Dorsal rays 6-4 to 70. Anal rays 50 to 53. The caudal fin is separate from the dorsal, and from the anal fin. The maxillary barbels reach nearly to the ends of the pectoral fins. The pectoral spine is very finely serrated. 2. Clarias jagur. Hab. Bengal. Grows to a larger size than the last species. It is very similar to the last in appearance and habits. Char. Dorsal rays 53. Anal rays 50. Caudal fin united to the dorsal and the anal. No teeth in the palate. " Sides slightly variegated with clouds." GENUS PLOTOSUS. Hab. Countries bordering on the Indian Ocean. Char. The dorsal fin is separated into two por- tions, a short anterior portion, with a strong spine, and a long posterior portion, which, like the anal, is confluent with the caudal. Barbels 8. siltjeim:. 125 1. Plotosus canius. Hab. Bengal. Grows to between 4 and 5 feet. This fish is considered by the natives as excellent food. "It is a long fish, somewhat of the eel form, al- though not quite so flexible, and is of a lurid, uni- form, dark olive colour, with a tinge of violet." Chae. Bays of the two dorsal, the anal, and the caudal fins combined. 244 to 271. 2. Plotosus limbatus. This is a doubtful species, said to differ from the last in the combined fin rays being only 224, and in the margin of the fins being black. GENUS CHACA. These are remarkably ugly fishes, having a wide frog mouth surrounded by numerous tentacles, and of a dirty brown or greenish colour. Chae. The dorsal and anal fins are each divided into two portions, the posterior portion of each being united with the caudal. The anterior portion of the dorsal fin has a strong spine. Head exceedingly large and broad. Mouth very wide. Eyes rudimen- tary. 1. Chaca lophioides. Hab. Bengal. Chae. Fin rays. 1st dorsal 5 ; 2nd dorsal 25. Caudal 10. 2nd anal 12; 1st anal 10. " All over the skin are scattered little fleshy projec- tions, ragged on the surface." 126 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 2. Chaca bankanensis. Hab. Assam. Char. Fin rays. 1st dorsal 5 ; 2nd dorsal 22 to 24. Cadual 11. 2nd anal 11 ; 1st anal 12. Head and body granular, without tentacles. 3. Chaca buchanani. Hab. River Ganges. Char. Fin rays. 1st dorsal 5 ; 2nd dorsal 18. Caudal 11. 2nd anal 8 ; 1st anal 8. " Head and body with short tentacles, eye sur- rounded by a ring of small tentacles." GENUS SACCOBEANCHUS. This genus is restricted to the continent of India and Ceylon Char. No adipose fin. Dorsal short (7 rays). Barbels 8, all moderately long. Pectoral fin pro- vided with a spine. 1. Saccobranchus fossilis. This fish is considered highly nutritious, and is much in request among the natives, as a diet for in- valids. Hab. Throughout India. 18 inches. Char. Anal fin rays 68 to 79. Pectoral spine serrated. silurim:. 127 GENUS SILUEUS. Geographical Distribution. From Germany to China. Chae. Barbels four or six, one pair being max- illary, and one, or two pairs, mandibular. Ventral tins with more than 8 rays. ~No adipose fin. Dorsal very short. Caudal rounded. -, _., c berdmorei 1. Silurus i .... • o C cochmcnmensis ? Hab. 1ST. E. Frontier of Bengal. Char. Anal rays 62. Yentrals 10. Upper jaw projects beyond the lower. Pectoral spine scarcely serrated. Barbels four. 2. Silurus malabaricus. Hab. Malabar. Char. Anal rays 62. Ventrals 9. Lower jaw pro- jecting. Pectoral spine strong and serrated. Barbels 4. 3. Silurus dukai. Hab. Sikkim. Char. Anal rays 78. Pectoral spine smooth. Anal and caudal fins united, without any distinct notch. 4. Silurus wynaadensis. Hab. Wynaad. Char. Anal rays 58 to 62. Barbels 6. 128 INDIAN FEESH- WATER FISHES. GENUS SILUKICHTHYS. Char. Similar to Silurus, from which it may be recognised by its having 8, or less, rays in the ven- tral fin. Canclal forked. Anal and candal fins confluent. 1. Silurichthys lamghur. Hab. Cashmere. Char. Anal rays 53. Ventrals 6. Barbels 4. Lower jaw prominent. Pectoral spine serrated. GENUS WALL AGO. Char. Barbels 4 ; viz., one maxillary, and one mandibular pair. ISTo adipose fin. Dorsal very short. Anal fin not joining the caudal. 1. Wallago attu. "TheBoalli." Hab. Throughout India. Attaining sometimes as much as 6 feet in length, according to Ham. Buchanan. This is a remarkably good fish for eating purposes, when taken from clean water, and is much in request among the natives. In Sylhet they capture it by spear- ing from a boat rowing slowly up stream and coming behind the fish. This would seem to indicate that it is not a bottom feeder like many of the Siluridse. Dr. Day states, however, that it is not a cleanly feeder ; and I can well imagine, being a most voracious fish, that its taste and habits are readily adapted to circum- stances. Char. Anal rays 86 to 93. Maxillary barbels long, nearly twice the length of the head. Pectoral spine feeble, not serrated exteriorly. > 00 3 CO § o ►J si 0) 0) i=i o g SILURIDiE. 129 GENUS CALLICHDOUS. " PUFTAS." Hab. East Indies. Char. No adipose fin. Dorsal very short. Barbels 4 ; viz., one pair maxillary, one mandibu- lar. The lower jaw projects beyond the upper. Eye behind, and partly below, the cleft of the mouth. " They are all rich, fine-flavoured food, and grow from 9 to 12 inches in length." — H. B. 1. Callichrous bimaculatus. Hab. India generally. Char. Pectoral spine denticulated towards the end. Anal rays 57 to 66. Maxillary barbels reach to the anal fin. A blackish blotch above the pectoral fin, at a little distance from the head. 2. Callichrous chechra. Hab. Central parts of India. The serrature of the pectoral spine varies ; in some specimens I have found it stronger on the left side than on the right. In some it is hardly perceptible, and can only just be felt on passing a knife blade along the spine. Char. Anal rays 67 to 73. Maxillary barbel extends to the end of the pectoral fin. Sometimes a blackish spot just behind the gill cover. Sides clouded. K 130 INDIAN FEESH-WATEE EISHES. 3. Callichrous pabda. Hab. Bengal. Chae. Anal rays 54. Pectoral spine smooth. Maxillary barbels long, extending to the middle of the body of the fish. Sides mottled. A black blotch behind the gill opening and a yellow stripe along the side. 4. Callichrous anastomus. Hab. Bengal. Chae. Anal rays 50 to 54. Pectoral spine serrated. Maxillary barbels reach to the anal fin. A blackish spot behind the gill opening. 5. Callichrous canio. Hab. Bengal and Mysore. Chae. Anal rays 69 to 73. Pectoral spine smooth. Maxillary barbels extend nearly to the middle of the fish. Sides immaculate. 6. Callichrous pabo. Hab. Assam. Chae. Anal rays 73. Pectoral spine serrated. Barbels short, the maxillary ones scarcely reaching beyond the eye. Belly red. No markings. 7. Callichrous latovittatus. Hab. Cachar. 4^inches. Char. Anal rays 56 to 58. Pectoral spine strongly denticulated. Maxillary barbel reaches to the end of the pectoral fin. silurid^:. 131 8. Callichrous egertonii. Hab. Punjab and Sincle. Char. Anal rays 52 to 54. Pectoral spine denticulated. Maxillary barbel reaches slightly beyond the base of the pectoral fin. Numerous dark blotches over the body. GEmJS ETJTKOPIICHTHYS. Char. A small adipose fin. Dorsal fin short, with a spine. Barbels 8, all short. 1. Eutropiichthys vacha. " The Butchua." Hab. India generally. 1 foot. Buchanan states that this is an excellent fish for the table. It rises readily to a fly, and affords good sport. Char. Anal rays 47 to 51. Barbels all about as long as the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated. GENUS EITTBOPIUS. Char. A very small adipose fin. Dorsal fin short, with a spine. Barbels 8 ; viz., one to each maxillary bone, one to each posterior nostril, and two to each mandible. The manclibulary pans are placed one behind the other. Eutropius obtusirostris. Hab. India. Char. Anal rays 54, Maxillary barbels as long as the head, the others shorter. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated. x 2 132 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS PSEUDEUTKOPIUS. Char. A very small adipose fin. Dorsal fin short, with a spine. Barbels 8 ; viz., one pair maxil- lary, one between the anterior and posterior nostrils of each side, and two pairs mandibular. The man- dibulary pairs are placed in a line along the front margin of the lower jaw. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated. Eye sitnated behind the angle of the month, and even partly on the lower surface of the head. 1. Pseudeutropius athernioides. Hab. India. 4 inches. This is a pretty little fish, semi-transparent, and marked with three dark stripes running the length of the body and fining away on the tail. Char. Anal rays 36 to 42. The maxillary barbels reach to the origin of the anal fin. The nasal barbels to the end of the head. Dorsal spine rather slender, slightly serrated behind. Pectoral spine stronger, armed interiorly with strong recurved teeth. 2. Pseudeutropius mitchelli. Hab. Madras. 3| inches. Char. Anal rays 37. The maxillary barbels reach to the ventral fins. Nasal barbels to the end of the head. Dorsal spine slender, finely serrated behind. Pectoral spine stronger, armed interiorly with strong recurved teeth. X! CO w Q o U4 < CO o LU Q - • - CO o- o CO CD 8ILTJBID-2E. 133 3. Pseudeutropius megalops. Hab. Central India. G inches. Chae. Anal rays 41. The maxillary barbels ex- tend beyond the origin of the anal fin ; nasal barbels, to behind the eye. Dorsal and pectoral spines finely serrated on both the interior and exterior edges. 4. Pseudeutropius longimanus. Hab. India. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 54. The maxillary barbels ex- tend beyond the origin of the anal fin. Nasal barbels half as long the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated interiorly, and finely granulated exteriorly. 5. Pseudeutropius goongwaree. Hab. Bengal and the Deccan. 10 inches. Char. Anal rays 43 to 54. All the barbels are longer than the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated interiorly. 6. Pseudeutropius taakree. Hab. Orissa and the Deccan. 12 inches. Char. Anal rays 51. Maxillary barbels reach the anal fin. 7. Pseudeutropius sykesii. Hab. Southern Madras and Malabar. 6 inches or more. Char. Anal rays 35 to 37. 8. Pseudeutropius murius. This fish is placed by Dr. Giinther, doubtfully, having only Buchanan's description to go by, in the genus Eutropius. 134 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. Dr. Day, who appears to have examined specimens, says that it properly belongs to this genus. Hab. Bengal and Orissa. 8 inches or more. Char. Anal rays 39 to 43. Barbels not longer than the head. Dorsal spine nearly smooth. GENUS SCHILBICHTHYS. Char. This genus is nearly allied to Pseucleu- tropius. The points of difference seem to be, no adipose fin in the adult. Nostrils close together, very wide. Head covered with skin. 1. Schilbichthys garua. Dr. Day remarks that the young of this species are provided with an adipose fin, which becomes al- together absorbed as the fish grows larger. Hab. Northern India. Char. Anal rays 29 to 36. 1 to 2 feet in length. The maxillary barbels extend as far as the ventral fins. Nasal barbels short. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated interiorly. The amount of the serrature appears to vary. GENUS AILIA. Char. Dorsal fin absent. Adipose fin very small. Barbels eight, all of them long, the mandibular pairs being placed in one line. 1. Ailia bengalensis. " This small but well-flavoured fish is found throughout all the large rivers of India, excluding those of Madras and Bombay. It attains about 7 inches in length." Day. Char. Anal rays 70 to 72. SILURIDiE. 135 2. Ailia affinis. Hab. Himalayan streams. Char. Anal rays 60 to 61. Very similar to the first species, with which it seems likely that it may be identical. GENUS AILIICHTHYS. Char. Similar to Ailia, but destitute of ventral fins. 1. Ailiichthys punctata. Hab. Punjab. 4 inches. Char. Anal rays 76 to 82. Upper surface of the head nearly black. A large black spot at the base of the caudal fin. GENUS PANGASIUS. Char. Adipose fin very short. Dorsal short, with a spine. Barbels slender, four ; one pair maxillary, one mandibular. 1. Pangasius buchanani. This is a large fish, common in the large rivers and estuaries, growing to 3 or four feet in length. It is used for food, but is not considered of the best qua- lity. Char. Anal rays 31 to 34. Head granulated above. Dorsal and pectoral spines toothed on both edges. Barbels shorter than the head. 136 INDIAN FRESH- WATER EISHES. GENUS SILONDIA, Char. Adipose fin very short. Dorsal short, with a spine. Barbels two, mhmte, maxillary. 1. Silondia gangetica. This is a very large fish, attaining 6 feet in length, and sometimes termed a fresh- water shark. It is usu- ally found in the large rivers and estuaries. Char. Anal rays 40 to 46. Barbels short. Colour silvery. Fins stained with grey. The next group have a short anal fin, and the adi- pose dorsal fin well developed. GENUS MACKONES. Char. The anterior and posterior nostrils separate, the latter having a pair of barbels. Adipose fin long. Barbels eight. Pectoral fin with a serrated spine. Dorsal rays 1 + 7. (a) A separate intermural bony shield on the nape. 1. Macrones aor. Hab. Throughout India. 2 or 3 feet. Char. Anal rays 13. Maxillary barbels very long, extending to the caudal fin. A black spot towards the end of the adipose fin. X t S? £ £ ^ S< C ^^ ^s p 1 — ' c/] 6 < 08 > p < . > CO o CO L^ GO _J ua f=i £ o o fn ri U CJ <; q, o QPQOS^O siltjeid^:. 137 2. Macrones lamarrii. Hab. Northern India. 3 feet. Chae. Anal rays 12. Maxillary barbels reach to the end of the dorsal fin. A black spot towards the end of the adipose fin. I have among my notes a description of another species from the Nerbudda Eiver with anal rays 9 and without any spot on the adipose fin. (b) No separate shield on the nape. 3. Macrones cavasius. Hab. India generally. 1 foot. Char. Anal rays 11. Maxillary barbels reach to the caudal fin. Dorsal spine smooth. Adipose fin very long, extending nearly the whole way from the dorsal to the caudal fin. 4. Macrones gulio. Hab. Estuaries of large rivers. 8 inches. Buchanan states that this fish is not very good for eating. Char. Anal rays 14. Maxillary barbels reach to the anal fin. Dorsal spine strongly serrated interiorly. Adipose fin rather short. 5. Macrones tengara. Hab. Upper India, ponds and rivers. Attaining 6 inches in length, and considered good eating. Char. Anal rays 10. Maxillary barbels reach to the caudal fin. Dorsal spine smooth. Adipose fin longer than the anal. Four dark bands along the side, and a black mark above the pectoral fin. 138 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 6. Macrones carcio. Hab. India generally. Attains 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 12 to 14. Maxillary barbels reach the candal tin ; the remaining barbels are shorter than the head. Dorsal spine serrated on both sides. Adipose fin short. Four dark bands along the side, and a black mark above the pectoral fin. & 7. Macrones batasio. Hab. Eiver Teesta, 1ST. Bengal. 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 16. Barbels all shorter than the head. Dorsal spine smooth. Semitransparent with two longitudinal stripes, and a blackish spot on the shoulder. 8. Macrones tengana. Hab. Assam and the Punjab. 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 14. Barbels all shorter than the head. Dorsal spine smooth. Adipose fin short. A dark spot above the pectoral fin, and one on the top of the head. Edge of caudal fin dark, and several dark spots on the dorsal fin. 9. Macrones keletius. Hab. Punjab and Bengal. Not attaining a large size. Char. Anal rays 9 or 10. Maxillary barbels reach to the base of the anal fin. Dorsal spine slender and smooth. Colour greyish, with two light bands along the side. silurim;. 139 10. Macrones chryseus. Hab. Western Coast. 1 foot or more. Char. Anal rays 27. Barbels scarcely longer than the head. Body golden, a black blotch behind the gills. 11. Macrones corsula. Hab. Lower Bengal. 1 foot or more. Char. Anal rays 11 (14 ?). Maxillary barbels reach to behind the ventral fins. Dorsal spine serrated slightly. Adipose fin about as long as the anal. Colour brownish, with vertical rows of fine spots. 12. Macrones punctatus. Hab. Madras. 18 inches. Char. Anal rays 11. Maxillary barbels reach to the base of the ventral fins. Adipose fin of moderate length. Abont ten black spots along the lateral line. 13. Macrones nangra. Hab. Ganges, and Jumna Eivers. 2 inches. Char. Anal rays 9 to 11. Maxillary barbels reach to the vent. Dorsal spine smooth. Adipose fin short. Three vertical greenish bands. 14. Macrones botius. Hab. Northern Bengal. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 11. Barbels all shorter than the head. Dorsal spine smooth. Colour yellowish brown. 140 INDIAN FEESH-WATEE FISHES. 15. Macrones vittatus. Hab. Malabar and Coromandel Coast. Chae. Anal rays 8 to 10. Maxillary barbels reach, to the middle of the ventral fin. Dorsal spines ser- rated on both edges. 16. Macrones malafoaricus. Hab. Malabar. Chae. Anal rays 10. Maxillary barbels reach to the middle of the ventral fin. Dorsal spine smooth. Pec- toral spine serrated on both edges. A round black mark near the shoulder. 17. Macrones oculatus. Hab. Southern India. Chae. Eye large. Anal rays 11. Maxillary barbels reach to the caudal fin. Dorsal spine serrated on both edges. Adipose fin short. Two indistinct bands along the side. 18. Macrones cavia. Hab. Northern Bengal. 6 inches. Chae. Anal rays 9. Maxillary barbels as long as the head. Dorsal spine smooth. Adipose fin short. Two transverse bands across the tail. GENUS EITA. Chae. Anterior and posterior nostrils widely separate, the latter having a pair of barbels. Barbels 6 : viz., one pair maxillary, one pair mandibular, and one minute pair nasal. Dorsal rays 7. Anal 12. Dorsal and pectoral fins with very strong spines. silttrim:. 141 1. Rita crucigera. Hab. Bengal. Grows to three or four feet in length. Char. Upper surface of the head granulated, with two bony shields on the back, in front of the dorsal fin, the foremost haying somewhat the shape of a cross, the hinder one of a heart shape. A bony humeral process, above the pectoral fin, which is nearly as long as the head, and terminating in a rounded point. Dorsal spine very large, smooth on the edge. Pectoral spine strong, serrated on both edges. 2. Eita ritoid.es. 1 foot. This is perhaps identical with the first species. Char. Humeral process about as long as the head. 3. Rita pavimentata. Hab. Southern India. 9 inches. Char. Upper surface of the head covered with skin. Humeral process three-fifths as long as the head, sharply pointed behind. Dorsal spine finely serrated. Pectoral spine strongly toothed on both sides. • 4. Rita hastata. Char. No apparent difference between tins and the preceding species. Head smooth above. 142 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 5. Rita kuturnee. Hab. Deccan. 6 inches. Char. Maxillary barbels longer than the head. Humeral process two thirds as long as the head, narrow and rounded behind. Dorsal and pectoral spines, moderately strong, strongly serrated. Adi- pose fin shorter than the dorsal fin. GENUS OLYEA. This genus contains two small species from the Khasia Hills, but they are very insufficiently known. Char. Head and body very long and low. Barbels 8. Eye small. 1. Olyra longicaudata. Char. Anal rays 23. Pectoral spine strong, ser- rated on both edges. Caudal fin lanceolate. 2. Olyra laticeps. Char. Anal rays 15, the rays becoming longer to- wards the hinder end of the fin. Caudal fin rounded. GENUS AEIUS. This genus contains many species, scattered over the tropical regions of the globe. Many of them in- habit salt water as well as fresh, some are entirely marine. Char. No nasal barbels. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together. Head osseous above. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Barbels six. silurtd^:. 14 o 1. Arius gagorides. Hab. Hoogly river. 2 or 3 feet. Char. Anal rays 17. Dorsal and pectoral spines granulated in front and serrated in rear. Teeth on the palate viliform, in two pairs of con- fluent patches. 2. Arius arioides. Hab. Bengal. Char. Anal rays 21. Dorsal and pectoral spines granulated, the former slightly serrated behind. Teeth on the palate viliform, in two broad trian- gular patches, joining anteriorly. 3. Arius sona. Hab. Bengal. Char. Anal rays 18. Maxillary barbels, and the outer mandibular pair, reach to the end of the pec- toral fins when laid back. Dorsal spine indented on both edges, pectoral serrated. 4. Arius gagora. Hab. Bengal. 3 feet. Char. Anal rays 18 or 19. Barbels not so long as the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines indented on both edges. A large faint spot on the adipose fin. " On the palate are two bones, covered with sharp, crowded teeth." 144 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS HEMIPIMELODUS. Char. No nasal barbels, anterior and posterior nostrils close together. Head osseons above. Eyes below the skin. Barbels six. 1. Hemipimelodus peronii. Hab. India. Char. Anal rays 16. Head covered with soft skin. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, obscurely ser- rated. Adipose fin as long as the anal. 2. Hemipimelodus viridescens. Hab. N.W. Provinces. Small species. Char. Anal rays 11 to 13. Back reddish brown crossed by three green bars. Sides silvery. Dorsal and caudal fins spotted. Dorsal spine not serrated. Pectoral serrated. GENUS OSTEOGENIOSUS. Char. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together. Barbels, one pair only ; maxillary, stiff and bony. 1. Osteogeniosus militaris. Hab. Eiver Ganges. Char. Anal rays 20 to 23. The barbels extend beyond the end of the head when laid backwards. SILURID^l. 145 GENUS BATBACHOCEPHALUS. Chae. The anterior and posterior nostrils, on each side, close together. Barbels, one pair only, rudimentary, inserted on the chin. 1. Batrachocephalus mino. Hab. Ganges. 1-| feet. Char. Anal rays 19. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated on both sides. Lower jaw projecting. The next group have, like the last, the anterior and posterior nostril on each side close together, bnt with a barbel between them. GENUS BAGAEIUS. Char. Barbels eight. Head naked above. 1. Bagarius yarrellii. "The Goonch." Hab. Large rivers of India. Attaining 6 feet in length. This huge creature has been caught over 250 lb, in weight. H. Buchanan says of it, " It is a very ugly animal, with lurid colours." A corre- spondent to the c Pioneer ' wrote lately, describing the sport afforded by this fish. He says the best bait for it is the Spiny Eel or "Bahm" (Mastacemblus armatus). " Like most siluroids this fish will only bite from dark till about two hours after dark, when if taken his maw will invariably be found empty ; and then again from dawn till 8 o'clock. It seems to feed on the young of a species of herring," (probably Clupea chapra). 146 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. Char. Anal rays 15. Maxillary barbel very broad at the base, extending beyond the end of the head. Dorsal, pectoral, and candal fins produced into long filaments. Body with brown, irregular, broad cross-bands. GENUS GLYPTOSTEKNUM. Char. Barbels 8. An adhesive apparatus on the throat, formed with longitudinal folds of skin. Pectoral fins placed horizontally. These are small fishes inhabiting mountain streams. 1. Glyptosternum trilineatum. Hab. Nepal. 12 inches. Char. Anal rays 13. Maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. Dorsal spine rather slender. Pectoral spine broad, strongly toothed. Greyish brown, with 3 light longitudinal streaks. 2. Glyptosternum gracile. Hab. Nepal. 5 inches. Char. Anal rays 14. Maxillary barbels extend nearly to the middle of the pectoral fin. Dorsal spine rather strong, pectoral do. very broad, both being serrated. Colour brownish, fins light-coloured. SILURIDiE. 147 3. Glyptosternum lonah. Hab. Deccan. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 11 or 12. Maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. Dorsal spine rather slender, enveloped in skin. Pectoral spine rather broad, with a fine outer and a strong inner serrature. Yellowish brown with dark bands. Fins yellow, with black bands. 4. Glyptosternum dekkanense. Hab. Deccan. Eiver Jumna. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 11. Maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. Dorsal spine rather slender, enveloped in skin. Pectoral spine very broad, strongly serrated interiorly. Colour blackish. Fins yellow, with black bands. 5. Glyptosternum striatum. Hab. Himalayan streams. 3 or 4 inches. Char. Anal rays 9 to 11. Maxillary barbels extend beyond the root of the pectorals. Dorsal spine slender, enveloped in skin. Adipose fin long. The outer rays of the pectoral and ventral fins are very broad, cartilaginous. Colour brown. Fins yellow, stained with black. 6. Glyptosternum pectinopterum. Hab. Streams near Simla. Char. Anal rays 7. Dorsal spine with a row of sharp points along its anterior margin, the outer pectoral and ventral rays broad. l2 148 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 7. Glyptosternum telchitta. Hab. Punjab and N7W\ Provinces. 6 inches. Char. Anal rays 11 to 13. Maxillary barbels short, extending to the hinder margin of the eye. Lips roughened, but not fringed. Dorsal spine smooth, pectoral spine serrated. Colour reddish brown, a faint brown stripe along the side. 8. Glyptosternum modestum. Hab. Punjab. 3 inches. Char. Anal rays 9. Maxillary barbels nearly as long as the head. Colour uniform brown. GENUS AMBLYCEPS. Small siluroids from the Indian continent. Char. Barbels 8. Head covered with soft skin above. Eyes very small. No adhesive apparatus on the thorax. 1. Amblyceps tenuispinis. Hab. Eiver Ganges. 2 inches. Char. Anal rays 9. Barbels thin. No lateral line. Dorsal and pectoral spines short and slender. Adipose fin indistinct, and pointed posteriorly. Colour olive brown. silukim;. 149 2. Amblyceps mangois. Hab. Ganges and Jumna. 4 inches. Char. Anal rays 8. Barbels all longer than the head, those of the maxillaries reaching to the end of the pectoral fin. Dorsal spine smooth. No lateral line. Colour olive brown. In the remaining species of Siluridse there is no slit across under the throat ; in other worcjs, the skin of the gill membranes is confluent with that of the central portion of the throat itself. The gill open- ings are thus distinctly separated the one from the other. GENUS CALLOMYSTAX. Char. Barbels eight. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together. Nasal barbels short, attached to the flap covering the posterior nostril. Eyes under the skin. 1. Callomystax gagata. Hab. Bengal. 1 foot. "It is pretty common, but is full of small bones, and of a very indifferent flavour." H. Buchanan, Char. Anal rays 15. Maxillary barbels partially osseous, with a broad basal membrane. Dorsal spine serrated in front, smooth behind. All the fins black, with a whitish base, except the caudal which is white. Young specimens with oblique blackish bands on the back, also bands on the dorsal and caudal fins. 150 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. There are two small fishes, viz. Phractocephalus itchkeea, Sykes, and Pimelodus cema, H. B., which may possibly turn out to be the young of this species. The latter, however, is said to be without the nasal barbels. GENUS SISOB. The gill openings in this group are reduced to short slits. Pectoral and ventral fins horizontal. Char. Head and trunk broad, depressed, snout long. Head partially osseous and rough. A series of bony plates along the back, from before the dorsal to the root of the caudal fin, a sharp spine taking the place of the adipose fin. Lateral line covered with small, irregular rough- nesses. 1. Sisor rhatodophorus. Hab. Northern India. Attaining several feet in length. Char. Anal rays 5 or 6. Maxillary barbels reach to the base of the pectoral spine, the other barbels are small and indefinite. Body and tail long. Upper ray of the caudal fin often prolonged. Dorsal ray feeble, finely serrated in front. Pectoral spine strong, with the outer edge serrated. SILUEIDiE. 151 GENUS EBETHISTES. Chae. Head broad, covered with bony plates. Tail narrow. Month small. Dorsal fin with a strong serrated spine. Anal with abont 10 rays. Body with minute tubercles arranged in longitudinal series. Eyes small. 1. Erethistes pusillus. Hab. Assam. 2 inches. Chae. Dorsal and pectoral spines very strong. 2. Erethistes hara. {Hara kcchanani, Giinth.) Hab. Bengal and Assam. 2^- inches. Chae. Dorsal and pectoral spines of moderate strength, the former serrated interiorly, the latter with strong teeth internally, and donble spines, point- ing forwards and backwards, on the exterior edge. Coloue brown, banded. 3. Erethistes conta. Hab. Lower Bengal. 4 inches. Chae. Dorsal spine serrated interiorly, pectoral spine toothed on both sides, the teeth on the ontside pointing forwards. Barbels shorter than the head. Coloue brown, fins spotted. 4. Erethistes jerdoni. Hab. Sylhet. 1 inch. Chae. The pectoral spine toothed as in E. conta, the remaining rays of the pectoral fin are rndimen- tary, and scarcely perceptible. 5. Erethistes elongata. Hab. Naga Hills. 152 INDIAN FRESH -WATER FISHES. GENUS PSEUDECHENEIS. Char. Barbels eight. Head covered with soft skin. Mouth small. An adhesive apparatus on the thorax, differing from that of Glyptosternum in having the plaits of skin transverse instead of longi- tudinal. Gill opening small. Pectoral and ventral fins placed horizontally. 1. Pseudecheneis sulcatus. Hab. Mountain streams of N. E. Bengal. b\ inches. Char. Anal rays 11. Outer rays of the pectoral and ventral fins broad and flexible, striated beneath. Dorsal spine flexible. Mottled with brown and yellow. GENUS EXO STOMA. Char. Adipose fin long. Barbels 6 or 8. Lips formed into a broad flat sucker round the mouth. Gill openings very small. 1. Exostoma labiatum. Hab. Mishmee Hills, Assam. 3^ inches. Char. Maxillary barbels extend to the base of the pectoral fin. 2. Exostoma blythii. Hab. Sikkim Hill streams. 3 inches. Char. Maxillary barbels rudimentary. Colour yellowish brown. SCOMBRESOCTDiE. 153 FAMILY SCOMBRESOCID^. (Giinth.Cat.vol.vi ) This is essentially a marine family, spread over all the temperate and tropical regions. The species, how- ever, noted below are fonnd in the Indian fresh waters, and the first is tolerably abundant. This family includes the genus Exocoetus or flying fish. Char. Eayed dorsal fin opposite the anal. No adipose fin. Body covered with scales. GENUS BELONE. Chae. Both jaws prolonged into a long slender beak, provided with pointed teeth. Body elongate, slender, covered with small scales. 1. Belone cancila. (Kangkila.) This is very similar to the Gar fish, which is com- mon off the British coasts, and is often taken in mackerel nets. Both species are well flavoured. It is a voracious fish, and may be easily caught with a bait or with a fly ; it usually swims near the surface. Hab. Ponds and rivers. 1 foot. Char. Dorsal rays 16 or 17. Anal 17 or 18. 154 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS HEMIEAMPHUS. Char. Lower jaw only elongated like a beak. Teeth viliform in both jaws. 1. Hemiramphus ectuntio. Hab. Eivers and ponds Bengal and Orissa. 1 foot. Char. Dorsal rays 13. Anal 11. Scales 52? A ridge along the side. Scales fall off easily. On each side a broad, silvery, longitudinal stripe. 2. Hemiramphus brachynotopterus. Hab. Hoogly. Char. Dorsal 9. Anal 15. CYPRINODONTIDJE. 155 FAMILY C YPRINODONTIDiE . (Giinth. Cat. vol. vi.) Fresh- water fish of temperate and tropical regions. Char. Head and body covered with scales. Adipose fin none. Barbels none. Teeth in both jaws. GENUS CYPRINODOK Char. Teeth in a single series, incisor-like, notched. Origin of dorsal fin in advance of that of the anal. Colouration of sexes often different. 1. Cyprinodon stolickanus. Hab. Cntch. Small species. Char. Dorsal 9. Anal 9. Scales 27. GENUS HAPLOCHILUS. Char. Teeth in narrow bands, pointed. Dorsal commencing behind the anal. 1. Haplochilus panchax. Hab. Bengal. Attaining 2 or 3 inches. Char. Dorsal 6 to 8. Anal 14 to 16. Scales 30 to 34. A bright silvery spot on the head, a second near the dorsal fin, a dark mark at the base of the dorsal, and a dark edging to the caudal fin. 156 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 2. Haplochilus melastigmus. Hab. Bengal. 1 inch. Char. Dorsal 7. Anal 22. Ventral fins very minute. A black spot at the base of the dorsal. Teeth slightly hooked. 3. Haplochilus rubrostigma. Hab. Madras and Sind. Small species. Char. Dorsal 8. Anal 14-15. " Numerous brilliant blue spots on the body, alternating with rusty red ones along the sides." Day. 4. Haplochilus argenteus. Hab. Madras. 1^ inches. Char. Dorsal 6. Anal 14. Scales 27. • 5. Haplochilus lineatus. Hab. Coorg and Malabar. 4 inches. Char. Dorsal 8 or 9. Anal 15 or 16. Scales 32 to 34. A green spot on each scale. Body banded. Fins tipped with red. The only remaining families of Physostomi to be considered are the Symbranchidce and Murcenidw or Eels. These do not, however, include the spiny eels or Mastacembelidw, which will be found in another division. SYMBKANCHIM1. 157 FAMILY SYMBRANCHID^l. (Giinth. Cat. vol. viii.) Char. Body long, snake-like, with or without minute scales. No pectoral or ventral fins. Vertical fins rudimentary, reduced to mere folds of skin. Only one aperture to the gills, situated on the lower surface. GENUS AMPHIPNOUS. Char Palatine teeth in a single series. Small scales on the body, arranged longitudinally. 1. Amphipnous cuchia. Hab. Bengal, near the coast. 2 feet or more. Char. No apparent fins. Colour above dark green, below a dirty pale red. On every part are scattered small round black spots, and short yellowish lines. Body slimy, the scales not being apparent. This eel, having no fins, is very similar in appear- ance to a snake. It is fond of lying in the grass near the water, but on being disturbed takes to the water at once. The natives catch them with wicker baskets, open at the ends, which they place over them as they are trying to reach the water. 158 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. GENUS SYMBRANCHUS. Char. Palatine teeth in a band. Scales absent. 1. Symbranchus bengalensis. Hab. Lower Bengal and coast districts. Char. Snont very short, eyes small, close to the end of the snont. MUR^NID.^. 159 FAMILY MURJENID.E. (Giinth. Cat. vol. viii.) Char. Body naked, or with rudimentary scales. Ventral fins none, vertical fins united one with the other, without spines. GENUS ANGUILLA. Char. End of the tail surrounded by the fin, tongue free, nostrils superior or lateral, pectoral fins present. Skin with rudimentary scales. 1. Anguilla bengalensis. Very similar to the common eel of Europe. It is found throughout India, generally in marshes, and is a very foul feeder. 2. Anguilla bicolor. Hab. Lower provinces of Bengal and Madras. I am not acquainted with the distinctive peculiari- ties of these two species. GENUS OPHICHTHYS. Char. End of tail free, nostrils labial, tongue tied down, pectoral fins small, dorsal and anal fins very long. 1. Ophichthys hyala. Hab. Eivers of Bengal both salt and fresh. 18 inches. Upper parts dotted with minute green spots. A row of pale round spots along the lateral line. The natives have a superstition that this fish proceeds from the ear of the porpoise. 160 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS MOKINGUA. Char. Tail much shorter than the trunk, pectorals none or small, vertical fins only developed towards the end of the tail. No scales. 1. Moringua raitaborua. Hab. Bengal. Colour above purple with black dots. Dorsal and anal fins interrupted in the middle, the hinder portion of each being joined into one fin. It grows to the length of nearly two feet. We have now completed the Fishes of the great order Physostomi. There is one peculiar little fish which I will here notice, as it is found in fresh water. It belongs to the ORDER LOPHOBRANCHIL Char. Gills not laminated, but composed of small rounded lobes, attached to the branchial arches. Body covered with an armour of bony plates. Snout produced, mouth small, toothless. syngnathim;. 161 FAMILY SYNGNATHIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. viii.) Char. Gill opening very small, situated near the upper angle of the gill cover. One soft dorsal fin, no ventrals. GENUS DOPYICHTHYS. Char. Pectoral and caudal fins present, body with prominent ridges. The male has a pouch on the abdomen for carrying the eggs after they are deposited by the female. 1. Doryichthys deocata. Hab. Eivers of Northern Bengal. Colour brown, with the sides of the belly beauti- fully variegated with red and blue. A very small mouth situated at the extremity of a long tube. There are several other species of Pipe fishes found in the estuaries of Indian rivers, but, as they appear to be strictly speaking marine species, are not included within the scope of the present work. 31 162 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. The Tetrodons are most eccentric-looking little creatures with round bodies, which when taken out of the water they inflate suddenly with air, till they have the appearance of a bladder. They belong to the ORDER PLECTOGKATHI. Char. Mouth narrow, the bones of the upper jaw united, ' sometimes produced into the form of a beak. FAMILY GYMNODONTES. (Giinth.Cat.vol. viii.) Char. Body rounded. One dorsal fin without spines. No ventral fins. Jaw bones forming a beak with a sharp edge. ~No teeth. GENUS TETKODON. Char. Each jaw divided in the middle, forming an appearance of four teeth. Dorsal and anal fins very short. Body inflatable, sometimes covered with spines. 1. Tetrodon patoca. Hab. Coasts and rivers. 13 inches. Back and abdomen densely covered with very small spines. Upper parts brown, with white or yellowish spots. Dorsal 11. Pectoral 16. Anal 10. Caudal 10. GYMNODONTES. 163 2. Tetrodon cutcutia. Hab. Coasts and rivers. 4 inches. Body smooth. Green above, sides with a network of brownish lines. A large black spot edged with white is nsnally present on the side in advance of the dorsal fin. Dorsal 12. Pectoral 21. Anal 11. Candal 8. 3. Tetrodon fluviatilis. Hab. Coast and fresh waters. 6 or 7 inches. Char. Body apparently smooth, but the head, back, and belly are armed with small prickles, which can be retracted beneath the skin. Upper parts greenish with irregular roundish dark blotches, lower parts uniform whitish or dark coloured. Dorsal 16. Pectoral 17. Anal 14. Caudal 8. M 164 INDIAN FRESH -WATEB FISHES. I will next take into consideration the large and important ORDER ACANTHOPTERYGII, or spiny rayed fishes. In most systematic works this order is placed first, it does not, however, occupy such an important place among the Indian fresh-water fishes as it does in other parts of the world, and for this reason I have placed them after the Physostomi. They are to be distinguished by having a number of the rays of the dorsal and anal fins and often the first ray of the ventral composed of strong sharp spines. They have frequently two dorsal fins, but both of them are composed of rays, and the adipose, or gristly, fin does not appear in this order. When v here are two dorsal fins, the first is composed entirely of spinous rays ; or the two fins may be united. The Ophiocephalidie appear at first sight to be exceptions to the general rule, inasmuch as they have no spinous rays in any of their fins. There is no doubt, however, of their belonging to this order, and we may conclude, as occurs in some other cases, that the first dorsal fin is wanting, or perhaps on account of their burrowing habits, the soft portions of their fins may have become developed at the expense of the spiny rays. PElK'IDiTC. 165 FAMILY PERCIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. i.) This family, of which the European Perch is the type, are carnivorous fishes, and are found in the seas and fresh waters of all parts of the globe. The only representatives of the family in Indian fresh waters are small fishes belonging to the GENUS AMBASSIS. Char. All the teeth viliform, two dorsal fins. Scales large, deciduous. Prreoperculum with a double toothed edge, the first dorsal with seven, the anal with three spines, a recumbent spine in front of the dorsal pointing forwards. They are all small fishes, with the body deep and compressed, more or less transparent. 1. Ambassis nalua. Hab. Bengal. Body deep in proportion to its length. Fin rays. Second dorsal 1+10 or 11. Anal 3 + 10. Scales large, about 30. 2. Ambassis ranga. Hab. Bengal and Madras. 1| inches. Body deep. Fin rays. Second dorsal 1 + 12 to 14. Anal 3 + 13 to 15. Scales small, 58. 10G INDIAN FKESH-WATER FISHES. 3. Ambassis baculis. Hab. Throughout India. Dorsal 1 + 13. Anal * + 13. Scales absent or very minute. 4. Ambassis lata. Hab. Bengal and N.W. Provinces. Fin rays. Second dorsal 1 + 12 to 14. Anal 3 + 15. Scales small. Coloub, in the adult, golden, with orange dots, the sides have several transverse bars alternately of dusky and of gold, with a green gloss. 5. Ambassis nama. Hab. Throughout India. Attaining 3 or 4 inches in length. This differs from the preceding 4 species in having a longer body. Fin rays. Second dorsal 1 + 14 to 16. Anal 3 + 13 to 17. Scales none, or excessively minute. 6. Ambassis thomassi. Hab. Western coast. Second dorsal 1 + 11. Anal 3 + 10. Scales 38. Appears, from the description, to be very similar to A. nalua. G0BI1M). 167 FAMILY GOBIIDiE. (Guntb. Cat. vol iii.) Char. Body elongate. Two dorsal fins, the spinous portion being always the less developed, and composed of flexible spines. The Gobies are carnivorous fishes, living in the fresh waters and off the coasts of temperate and tropical regions. They reside mostly at the bottom of the water. GENUS GOBIUS. Char. Both ventrals united into one disk-shaped fin. Body scaly, teeth conical, those of the upper jaw in several series. 1. Gobius giuris. Hab. Found on all the East Indian coasts and fresh waters. This fish is common all over India, it is much in request for food, being light and well-flavoured. It grows to about a foot, or 1^ feet in length. Colour greenish, with irregular cloudy blotches. Fins spotted. Dorsal fin rays 6 + (1 + 9). Anal 1+8. Scales 26 to 34. 2. Gobius malabaricus. Hab. Madras and Malabar, small species. Colour brown with a black crescentic, white edged mark, on the first dorsal fin. Dorsal rays 6 + (1 + 10.) Anal 11. Scales 50. 168 INDIAN FRESH -WATER FISHES. GENUS EUCTENOGOBIUS. Char. Teeth of the upper jaw in one row. 1. Euctenogobius striatus. Hab. Lower districts of Southern India. 6 inches. Colour buff, with some vertical bands. Dorsal rays 6 + (1 + 10.) Anal 11. Scales 54. NANDJBvE. 169 FAMILY NANDID^]. (Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) Char. Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales. Lateral line interrupted. Dorsal fins united, the spiny portion being more developed than the soft. GENUS BADIS. Char. None of the bones of the head armed. 1. Badis buchanani. Hab. Throughout India, except in Madras. 3 inches. Fin rays. Dorsal 17 + 8. Anal 3 — |— T. Scales 28 to 30. Colour dark, either greenish or purplish black, sometimes banded. A small round blue spot on the shoulder. 2. Badis dario. Hab. Bengal and Behar. 3 inches. Colour silvery, with black transverse belts, but in dirty water the black colour extends all over the body. Dorsal rays 14 + 8. Anal 3 + 7. Scales 26. 170 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. GENUS JSTANDUS. Char. Prpeoperculum serrated, operculum with one or two spines. 1. Nandus marmoratus. Hab. Throughout India. 6 inches. General colour pale green, with a silvery gloss, on which are scattered many large irregular marks of a dark colour, inclining to olive. Dorsal rays 13+12. Anal 3 + 7. Scales 46 to 57. LABYRINTHICI. 171 FAMILY LABYRINTHICI. (Giintli. Cat. vol. iii.) Char. Head covered with scales, teeth small. Gill opening rather narrow. A superbranchial organ, composed of thin laminae, situated in a cavity above the gills. The fishes of this family are remarkable for the length of time they can exist out of the water. The peculiar apparatus with which their gills are provided, seems to enable them to breathe as well, or better, out of the water as in it. GENUS ANABAS. Char. Prseorbital and opercles serrated. Lateral line interrupted. 1. Anabas scandens. Hab. India generally, near the coast. 6 inches. This fish is most remarkable for its powers of living in the air. The fishermen keep them for five or six days in an earthen pot or covered basket. If in a basket, it is necessary to keep it securely covered, as they can climb up the sides and escape with the greatest ease. They can travel a long distance on land, on occasions when the water they are living in becomes stagnant or dried up, and they can also, in common with several other Indian fishes, remain in a semi-torpid condition under the mud for months together. Hence they are often found after a heavy storm in places where they would the least be 172 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. expected, and have frequently been accused of falling from the clouds. Char. Dorsal rays 17 or 18 + 8 to 10. Anal 10 + 10. Scales 28 to 32. Colour varies, sometimes marked with dark bands. GENUS POLYACANTHUS. Char. Mouth small, and but little protractile. Opercles without spines. 1. Polyacanthus cupanus. Hab. Madras, near the coasts. 3 inches. Char. Dorsal fin rays. 11 to 1G spinous + 5 to 7 soft rays and 1G to 19 spinous +10 to 11 soft. Scales 29 to 32. Colour, greenish, fins barred, with a dark spot at the base of the caudal. Ventral fin with an elongated ray, which is scarlet. GENUS OSPHBOMENUS. Char, Operculum without spines, but finely ser- rated in the young. Ventral fins with the outer ray very long, filiform, the remaining rays being small and rudimentary. 1. Osphromenus nobilis. Hab. A small fish found in the N. E. of Bengal. Char. Two white bands along the sides, and a third along the base of the anal fin. Dorsal rays 5 or 6 + 7 or 8. Anal 5 + 23. Scales 28 to 30. LABYKINTHICI. 173 GENUS TEICHOGASTEE. Char. Operculum without serrature. Mouth small, oblique, slightly protractile. Ventral tins reduced to a single long hair-like ray. 1. Trichogaster fasciatus. Hab. India generally, excepting southern and western Madras. Grows to 5 inches. Char. Dorsal rays from 23 to 28, of which 14 to 17 are spinous. Anal rays from 29 to 33, of which 15 to 18 are spinous. A sharp spine under the eye. The colouration appears to vary, but is always brilliant. Usually greenish, with oblique crossbands, often beautifully variegated with red, yellow, or blue. These little fish are admirably adapted for an aquarium, and are easily kept. Buchanan described six varieties as distinct, most of which appear to belong to this species. The following species, how- ever, seems to be distinct, and some of the others may possibly turn out to be so. 2. Trichogaster chuna. Hab. Bengal. 1| inches. Char. Dorsal rays 24, of which 17 are spinous. Anal rays 30, of which 19 are spinous. A broad black stripe running from the eye to the end of the tail. Head unarmed. 174 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. FAMILY MUGILID^S. (Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) Char. Two short dorsal fins, the anterior with four spines. Cleft of the month not wide, the corners of the month being bent angularly inwards. Without teeth, or with feeble teeth. Gill opening wide. Fresh waters and coasts of all the temperate and tropical regions. Feeding on soft organic substances or very small animals. These are the Grey Mullet. They are not to be confounded, however, with the Red Mullets, which belong to a very distinct family. i GENUS MUGIL. Char. No true teeth in the jaws. 1. Mugil nepalensis. Hab. Nepal. 8 inches. Chir. Scales 29. Depth of body contained 5 times in the total length (inclusive of the caudal fin). 2. Mugil parsia. Hab. Northern India. 6 inches. Char. Scales 35. Depth contained 4| times. 3. Mugil cantoris. Hab. Hoogly. Char. Scales 33. Depth contained 4| times. MUGILID2E. 175 4. Mugil corsula. Hab. Bengal and N. "W. Provinces. 1 foot. Char. Scales 49 to 52. Depth contained G times in the total. Head rising higher than the back. Eyes protuberant. Sides with rows of dark dots. This is one of the most delicious of Indian fish. They are to be met with in jheels and deep streams, and are seen swimming in shoals, their eyes only show- ing above water ; they are difficult to catch, as they dart along the surface when disturbed, and leap over any net or other obstruction, and they will not take any kind of bait. The best way to secure them is to shoot them with small shot, waiting for them patiently and quietly on the high bank, and firing into the middle of the shoal. It is necessary to have a boat in readi- ness if the water is deep, as they are apt to sink immediately they are killed. It will be found that a little trouble and patience is well repaid when dinner time arrives. They should be cooked as soon as possible after they leave the water. 5. Mugil cascasia. Hab. Upper India. 3 or 4 inches. Yellow marks on the base of the caudal and pectoral fins, also on the chin and eye. Scales 32. 176 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. FAMILY OPHIOCEPHALIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) (Or snake-headed fishes.) Are found only in the East Indies. They are a fresh-water family, and of carnivorous habits. Like the Labyrinthici they are able to exist for a long time out of the water, they afford a light and wholesome but rather insipid diet. They are long in shape, with a large mouth, the head and body being covered with scales. They have long dorsal and anal fins, without any spines, teeth in the jaws, and on the palate. 1. Ophiocephalus punctatus. Hab. India generally, in ponds. 1 foot. Char. This fish is not considered so good for eating as 0. striatus. Colour dirty green, with a dark stripe, and dark bars. Black dots scattered over the lower half of the body. Scales 40. Dorsal rays 29 to 32. Anal 20 to 22. 2. Ophiocephalus gachua. Hab. India generally. 8 inches to 1 foot. Colour above greenish with several indistinct bands descending obliquely forwards from the back to the lateral line. Pectoral fin with transverse bars. Char. Scales 40 to 46. Dorsal rays 34 to 37. Anal 21 to 23. X c/) p CO < o o o o- u o ophiocephalim:. 177 3. Ophiocephalus stewartii. Hab. Assam. 10 inches. Char. Scales 50. Dorsal rays 39-40. Anal 27. 4. Ophiocephalus striatus. Hab. Throughout India. 2 or 3 feet. This fish is considered the best for eating of the genus, and affords good sport, and may be taken by spinning : the most killing way, however, is to put down night-lines baited with frogs; care must be taken or the frogs will be found in the morning, each seated safely on a weed or stone clear out of the water. Colour dark grey above, with dark bands down the body. Char. Scales 51 to 57. Dorsal rays 37 to 45. Anal 22 to 27. 5. Ophiocephalus barca. Hab. Bengal. 3 feet. An ugly fish, living mostly in holes burrowed in the banks of rivers; considered very good eating. Colours dark green, sides yellow, body covered thickly with irregular black spots, with a few red ones. Char. Scales 62. Dorsal rays 50 to 52. Anal 35 to 36. 6. Ophiocephalus marulius. " The Murrel." Hab. Throughout India. 3 or 4 feet. Colours vary, but there is always an eye-like spot on the caudal fin, in adult specimens, with about five N 178 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. large irregular dark marks along the side below the lateral line. Char. Scales 59 to 64. Dorsal rays 48 to 55. Anal 31 to 36. Depth of body contained 7 times in total length. 4 rows of scales between the back and the anterior portion of the lateral line, which is distinct. 7. Ophiocephalus pseudomarulius. Very similar to the last, but not so long in propor- tion to the depth ; apparently without spots on the side, but having the ocellus on the tail fin. Char. Scales 64. Dorsal rays 47. Anal 33. 6 rows of scales between the back and the anterior por- tion of the lateral line, which is distinct. 8. Ophiocephalus diplogramme. Hab. Western coast. 1| feet. " Two horizontal black lateral bands." Char. Scales 112. Dorsal rays 43. Anal 27. MASTACEMBELID^E. 179 FAMILY MASTACEMBELIDJE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) (Spiny Eels.) Char. Body long, with very small scales. Dorsal fin very long, the anterior portion composed of numerous separate spines. No ventral fins. GENUS BHYNCHOBDELLA. Char. Head elongate, upper jaw pointed, and terminating in a long fleshy appendage, which is striated beneath. Prseoperculuni without any spines. 1. Rhynchobdella aculeata. Hab. India generally. 1 foot in length. From two to nine black, white-edged ocelli along the base of the hinder dorsal fin. Char. Dorsal spines 16 to 20. Fin rays 48 to 55. Anal 3 spines, and 44 to 58 soft rays. GENUS MASTACEMBLUS. Char. Upper jaw with a long movable appendage which is not striated beneath. Preeoperculum with spinous teeth at the angle. 1. Mastacemblus pancalus. Har. Throughout India. 6 inches. Char. The caudal fin is separate from the dorsal and anal. Dorsal spines 24 to 26, soft rays 30 to 40. Anal 3 + 31 to 44. Colour above green, marked with black and white dots on the body and fins. n2 180 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. 2. Mastacemblus armatus. Hab. Throughout India, 2 feet. Char. The caudal fin is continuous with the dorsal Hind anal. Dorsal spines 35 to 39. Fin rays 74 to 87. Anal 3 spines, and 79 to 87 soft rays. Colour brownish olive, variegated with spots or zigzag stripes and bands. 3. Mastacemblus aleppensis. Hab. Bhotan. 18 inches. Char. Dorsal spines 32 to 35. Fin rays 80. Anal 3 + 80. Sometimes a notch between the vertical fins. Colour blackish, variegated with yellow. 4. Mastacemblus guentheri. Hab. Malabar. 7 inches. Char. Horizontal limb of prseoperculum serrated. Colours marbled. Char. Dorsal spines 27-28. Fin rays 60-64. Anal 3 + 62 to 64. There are two species remaining to be noticed which belong to a different Order. It will be sufficient, however, to mention the characteristics of the Family. CHROMIDES. 181 FAMILY CHUOMIDES. (Gunth. Cat. vol. iv ) Char. Dorsal fin single, the spinous portion usually of greater extent than the soft, and with three or more spines. Colouration brilliant. GENUS EUTBOPLUS. Char. Body elevated and compressed. Teeth in two rows in the jaws. Lateral line interrupted or abruptly ceasing. 1. Eutroplus suratensis. Hab. Malabar and Coromandel coast. 1 foot. Found in tanks not far from the sea. Colour green or purple, with eight vertical bands. Char. Scales 45. 2. Eutroplus maculatus. Hab. Madras and Malabar. 3 inches. Colour canary yellow, with seventeen horizontal rows of golden spots, and three dark blotches along the middle of the side. Char. Scales 35. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER Y. A few species remain still to be noticed, which I have purposely omitted hitherto, on account either of their being so slightly known or insufficiently de- scribed, that their position is doubtful, or else of there being some uncertainty as to their being distinct species or only varieties. In most of these cases it will be observed that they are known only from description, there being no specimens in the British Museum to refer to. Barbus chrysopoma, Guv. Dr. Day considers this the same as Barbus sarana. Hab. Poona. Char. Scales 29, transverse 5 + 4 J. Body strongly compressed, somewhat elevated. Generally a large blackish blotch on the side of the end of the tail. Barbus russellii, Giinther. Dr. Day considers this to be a variety of Barbus pinnauratus. There are two specimens from the river Indus at Sabzilkot in the British Museum collection, length 5 inches. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 183 Hab. Western and southern parts of India. It appears to be without the black spot on the tail, otherwise there seems little to distinguish it from Barbies pinnauratus. Barbus polydori, Cut. No specimens in the British Museum. Hab. Bombay. Char. Barbels 4. Dorsal ray slender and finely serrated. Colouration uniform. Dorsal rays 12. Scales 27. Barbus liacanthus, Bkr. Dr. Day considers this fish to be the same as Barbus chola. It was described by Bleeker from specimens collected in Java, and it seems very possible that the single species from Cochin in the British Museum may belong to Barbus chola, and that the Java species may be distinct. My reason for making this suggestion is that I perceive that the British Museum has no specimen of Barbus chola which is a common species in India. However, I am not in a position to judge definitely on this question. Barbus sophoroides, Giinther. Here again is a disputed species, which Dr. Day considers to be a variety of Barbus chola. Hab. Bengal, Cachar. 3 inches. It has a black spot across the base of the middle dorsal rays (as well as one on the tail). B. chola has 184 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. frequently a dark mark at the base of the anterior dorsal rays, besides irregular spots on the fin (and a spot on the tail). Barbus hamiltonii, Day. Described first by Dr. Day in his Fish of Malabar. He seems since to have had reason to consider it only a variety of B. chola. The apparent distinctions are : scales 24 ; barbels short. No dark mark on the dorsal fin. Leuciscus presbyter, Cnv. A doubtful species, perhaps belonging to genus Barbus. Hab. Bombay. Char. Barbels none. Dorsal ray weak, not bony. Scales 26. Lateral line concave. Dorsal fin slightly edged with black. Oreinus progastus, McClelland. Hab. Upper Assam where it is called the " Adoee." " Found chiefly in rivers, along the borders of Assam, where the stream is rapid enough to prevent any kind of navigation with boats or canoes. It attains 6 or 8 pounds in weight. It is not fit to eat, as it occasions swimming of the head and temporary loss of reason for several days. It is to be recognised by its lengthened and fleshy snout." It is impossible to tell from the description alone whether this is a distinct species, or identical with either of those already described. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 185 Labeo leschenaultii, Cuv. "Very similar to, if not identical with Labeo fim- briatns. There would appear to be two specimens in the British Museum, one from a tank in South Arcot, the other from Central Asia. The distinctive points are as follows : Scales 43 to 44, transverse 9 + 8. 5^- series between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Cyprinus nancar, H. Buchanan. Hae. Small rivers of the Gorruckpore district. 3 lbs. Description. Dorsal rays 20. Anal 8. Barbels 4, minute edges of the lips smooth. Scales large. (By this term Buchanan would probably mean to indicate from 35 to 40.) Mouth low, extends straight back and is small. The jaws protrude in opening. Back sharp edged. Colour above dark green, with a golden gloss. Fins dark coloured. Eyes reddish. This fish may perhaps be a Labeo, but its position is very doubtful, until some one shall procure speci- mens. Chondrostoma boggut, Sykes. Perhaps the same as Labeo striolatus. Hab. Deccan, Central India. Char. Dorsal rays 12 or 13. Scales 60 to 65, transverse 12 + 14. One pair of maxillary barbels. 186 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. Chondrostoma mullya, Sykes. Probably a Labeo. Hab. Beema Biver, Deccan. 6 inches. Char. Dorsal rays II. Anal 8. Colour dark olive with red, green, and orange tints. Cirrhina sindensis, Day. This species would not belong to the genus Cirhina, as denned by Giinther. It is probably a Labeo. Hab. Sincl Hills. 8 inches. Char. Barbels 2 ; maxillary, short. Dorsal rays 3 + 10. Anal 2 + 5. Scales 43, transverse 8 + 8. 6^ rows between the lateral line and the ventral fin. Depth contained 4 times, head 4 times in the total. Eye situated in the middle of the length of the head. Mandibles sharp with a thin horny covering. Lips entire. Cyprinus dero, H. B. This fish may be a Labeo, but its true position is doubtful. Hab. Bramapootra River. 4 inches. Char. Barbels 2, small, maxillary. Mouth small, with a ridge on the lower jaw. The lateral line is below the middle and is bent downwards. The colours of the back and belly are irregularly indented into each other on the sides. Dorsal rays 13. Anal 7. Scales about 43 in the figure. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 187 Chondrostoma gangeticum, Cut. Insufficiently described. This and the three following species are placed temporarily in the B. M. catalogue under the heading of Gymnostomus. They have no barbels. Hab. Ganges. Char. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 7. Scales 33. Chondrostoma semivelatus, Cuv. Hab. Madras. Char. Dorsal rays 12. Anal 7. Scales 40. Chondrostoma duvaucelli, Cuv. Hab. Madras. Char. Dorsal rays 11. Anal 7. Scales 40. Chondrostoma fulungee, Sykes. Hab, Deccan. Cirrhina fulungee, Day. Dr. Day describes a fish by this name, which he thinks is probably Sykes' fish. Hab. Poona. 6 inches. Char. Barbels 2, rostral. Dorsal rays 2 + 8. Anal 7. Scales 44, transverse 8 + 9. Depth con- tained 5 times, head 4 times in the total. 6i rows between the lateral line and the ventrals. Snout overhangs the mouth. Lips smooth. Mayoa modesta, Day. This species seems nearly to resemble Discognathus macrochir. Description. " Mouth with an adhesive sucker 188 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. formed by both lips, and having a free margin, it is extended some distance posterior to the lower jaw as in the genus Discognathus, from which it essentially differs in that the sucker is completed by the upper lip, so as entirely to surround the opening of the mouth." Char. Barbels 4. Scales 35. Dorsal rays 8. Anal 6. ~No scales on the chest. A dark blotch under the dorsal fin, and a mark at the base of the caudal. Hab. Probably Northern India, 3^ inches. Leuciscus rubripes, Jerdon. This may be a Easbora, or a Barilius. It was described from a single species and requires redis- covering. Hab. Bowany Eiver. • 6 inches. Description. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 9. Scales 45, transverse 12. Barbels 2. Depth contained 4 times, head 4 times in total. Mouth very slightly oblique. The dorsal arises above the interspace between the ventral and anal fins. Caudal fin lunate. Lateral lines bent down- wards. Colours : green above, golden on the sides, silvery beneath. Dorsal fin yellow, edged with black ; pectorals yellow, ventral and anal white, tipped with vermilion, caudal pink in the centre, yellow externally. APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 189 Danio alburnus, Heckel. Hab. Bombay. This species is very insufficiently described, and there would seem to be no specimens extant. It appears to be very similar to Danio osteographus^ (Mwronema, B. M. catal.) but without markings on the side. Barbels apparently wanting. Danio canarensis, Jerdon. This again is a doubtful species. Hab. Canara district. Char. Dorsal rays 15. Anal 20, Depth contained 2^ times, head 4^ times in the total. Sides with blueish streaks. Barbels ? Dr. Day considers it to be a female specimen of Dan to osteo- graphns. Danio sequipinnatus, McClelland. Apparently very similar to Danio iVilgherriensis. McClelland calls it a very well-marked species. Hab. Assam. Char. Dorsal rays 13. Anal 13. Scales 32. 8 rows of scales from the back to the ventrals. Barbels none? The depth of the body is from one-third to one quarter of the total length. Danio sequipinnatus, Day. This seems to be quite a distinct species ; from the base of the Garo Hills, with the following cha- racteristics. 190 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. Barbels 4, the rostral pair extending to the middle of the orbit. Dorsal rays 12. Anal 14 to 16. Scales 32 to 34. Several horizontal bine bars. Similiogaster belangerii. There seems to be no specimen of this fish in the British Museum. Valenciennes considered it as belonging to a genus distinct from Osteobrama, but Dr. Day seems to think that it must be identical with Osteobrama microlepis. Hab. Bengal. Abdomen sharp, without serrature. Char. Dorsal rays 10. Anal 21. Scales 75, transverse 45. Chela diffusa, Jerdon. A species described by Dr. Jerdon from the Cavery Kiver. Dr. Day suspects that it is the same as Chela argentea, in which case the latter name would have to be suppressed. There appear to be no specimens in the British Museum of Jerdon' s fish. Char. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 17. Scales 50, trans- verse 9 or 10. Profile of back perfectly straight. Length 4 to 6 inches. Callichrous gangeticus, Peters. In the B. M. Catal. this species is placed in the genus Cryptopterus. It is said to have come from the APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 191 Ganges, but has not been met with since it was described by Peters in 1861. Body very long and narrow, the height being contained 9-|- times, the length of the head nearly seven times in the total length (including the caudal fin). Dorsal rays 2. Anal 75. Haplochilus cyanophthalmus, Blyth. Hab. Calcutta. 1^ inches. Char. Dorsal rays 7. Anal 22 or 23. Colour whitish dotted with darker. Irides light blue. Wandus marginatum, Jerdon. Hab. Western Ghats, attaining 4 inches in length. Char. Anal rays 11. Scales 25. Pseudobranchise present. Trichogaster lalius, Buchanan. In the B, M. Catalogue this is included as the same species as Trichogaster fasciatus. Dr. Day considers it distinct. Hab. Eivers Jumna and Ganges. 2 inches. Char. Dorsal fin rays 24, of which 16 are spinous. Anal fin rays 33, of which 18 are spinous. Colour green with transverse red bars. No lateral line. Head unarmed. CHAPTEK VI. In this chapter I propose to collect a few facts of a miscellaneous character, from various sources, regard- ing Indian fishes, their habits, breeding, etc. There is not much reliable information to be had on these points, as observation is from the nature of the case difficult, and those who take a sufficient interest in the subject to devote their time to careful and patient investigation are few and far between. First as regards their habits ; in the cold months the generality of Indian fishes seem to lead a dormant and inactive existence, at least this is the case in Upper India. The rivers at this time are low, and the fish seem to resort to the deeper pools, where they lie quiescent at the bottom, neither seeming to care to move about, nor to feed ; indeed those species that are naturally obliged to come to the surface to breathe at other times of the year, seem at this period able to exist without even a supply of fresh air. HABITS, BREEDING, ETC. 193 Often, in places where rivers or streams issue from the hilly country into the plains, large, deep, and clear pools of water are to be found, sometimes run- ning for long distances into the hills overshadowed by precipitous cliffs. In places of this sort the Mahaseer, Kalabans, and other large Cyprinoids may be seen in thousands lying near the bottom during the months of December, January, and February. In the Ganges above Hurdwar, for instance, where the water is brilliantly clear, although the stream is swift, I have seen, on looking over the side of a boat, thou- sands upon thousands of large fish crowded together. I fancy the fact is that food is scarce at this time of year, the water weeds and vegetation die off and become rotten, and there are no insects or small fry about for the larger fish to feed upon. It is thus a necessity of their existence that at this time of year they should lie quiet and lead a semi-torpid kind of life, without caring to feed much, or to exert them- selves by moving about, which would only increase their appetites. In some parts of the country, where tanks abound which are apt to dry up altogether, several kinds of fish bury themselves in the mud, and are often dug out alive from thence by the natives. This fact, extraordinary as it may appear, has been so well attested by several observers as to leave no doubt of its actual truth. In this way it happens that on the first fall of rain full-grown fish are sometimes to be o 194 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. found in places that were a day or two previous hard and dry. Some species, as the Anabas scandens and the Ophiocephalidse, are able to travel a considerable dis- tance on dry land ; this they do when they find the water failing them in their own pond. They generally make their migrations during the night, and seem to possess an instinctive knowledge of the direction in which to proceed in order to reach water. They have often, however, been noticed travelling in the broad daylight, but this is a dangerous proceeding, as the kites and crows make short work of these fish out of water. On the approach of spring the fish generally appear to wake up again. Their seasons are, however, much dependent upon the rains, which commence at different times in various parts of the country; thus in Assam the first rains fall in March, in the Punjab not until July. Another cause that affects the streams of the Hima- layan ranges is the melting of the snows, by which such of the rivers as have their sources among the higher hills are filled with cold snow-water during the first half of the year. Thus the habits of the fish vary in different rivers. As far as the Mahaseer are concerned, however, I believe that, generally speaking, March and April are considered the best months for fishing. When the rains begin, these fish commence moving up the streams for spawning pur- poses. At this time of year every rivulet becomes HABITS, BREEDiNG, ETC. 195 full, and places that were only dry boulder-strewn courses become full-grown streams. The Mahaseer, and many other Cyprinoid fish, are said not to deposit their spawn all at once like the salmon, but in several batches during a period of several months, say from May to August. In consequence they are never out of season or unfit for food, and may be taken all the year round. (In many species the interior is found to contain a copious oily secretion when breeding ; this is not, I believe, the case with the Mahaseer.) The time that they are in the best condition, fattest and most active, is at the commencement of the rains before they begin spawning, but their flesh will be found good and wholesome even in August, while by October they have quite recovered themselves again. Thus, there is no necessity, in order to encourage the breeding of the Mahaseer in India, to place any restrictions on the capture of fish at certain seasons of the year, such as they are obliged to have in salmon- fisheries at home. Neither for other kinds of fish does it appear necessary, as the great majority, includ- ing all the kinds of most importance in an economical point of view, inhabit ponds and still waters in the plains, where they breed, and do not ascend to deposit their spawn into the small hill streams where they could be destroyed in a wholesale manner. The pre- cautions necessary in this country are of a different description. Nor yet in the case of the Mahaseer is it necessary o 2 196 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. to provide for a clear passage for fish up the rivers, except in one or two special cases, for this reason ; in the first burst of the rains, when the fish have to go up stream, the rivers are generally so much swollen that they have no difficulty whatever in reach- ing their destination. All impediments, excepting masonry irrigation works, which are not often met with, are cleared out of the way by the great rush of water. It is after the rains are over, when the rivers are low again and the young fry are coming down stream, that care has to be taken of them. Often every drop of the water is strained through wicker-work traps, and the young fish are destroyed by millions. It may, perhaps, be said that the fecundity of nature is so great that this destruction of fry does not perceptibly decrease the supply of fish. To some degree this is no doubt true, but it should be remembered that the small fry are the natural food of many of the larger kinds, and if the former are destroyed by man, he cannot expect to find a plentiful supply of large fish as well, nor to have them in good condition and well fed. There is no doubt, I think, that when fish of any kind have an insufficient supply of food they never attain their full size, nor, I should imagine, that such kinds as naturally prefer a carni- vorous diet, if forced to feed on vegetable matter, or filthy refuse, are not nearly so good or wholesome for eating. This consideration also disposes of the argu- ment that, of the small fry taken in these basket-work , HABITS, BREEDING, ETC. 197 traps, a large proportion are of species that would never attain a large size, or be of any importance as food. To sum up, it seems that the fish supply of any district or river system is limited. First, by the amount of water available for the fish during the winter, when the rivers are at their lowest. Secondly, by the supply of food available for the fish. Some kinds, as the Siluroids and Ophioce- phalidse, are chiefly carnivorous ; others, as the Cypriniclse, feed on both vegetable and animal food. The former are mainly dependent for food on the smaller species which swarm in great profusion everywhere, or on the young fry of their own and other species or on frogs. The latter live chiefly on water-weeds and other vegetables, and consume also a vast quantity of water-snails and insects. Thirdly, the supply of fish may be checked at the fountain-head by artificial interference with the con- ditions necessary to their reproduction, owing to the ignorance, cupidity, or apathy of the people of the country or their rulers. Perhaps the most mischievous habit in this respect is the custom of poisoning streams which prevails in many hill districts. By this means every fish, large or small, in the water is destroyed, and it may be years before the fish supply in that stream can recover itself. It would be a mistake, however, to condemn even 198 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. this practice in every instance without inquiry. In some cases fish poisoning may be carried on without bad effects, but it depends entirely on the character of the locality, and the process has to be conducted carefully. At the base of the Khasia Hills, for instance, towards Sylhet, the streams form pools, long, narrow, and very deep, which are full of splendid fish. The Khasias poison these pools on certain occasions, once, I think, in three years, and capture an enormous quantity of fish which they dry in the sun and which forms their principal diet till the next time comes round again. In this instance the harm done is not great, although it takes several years for the water to recover its supply of fish ; but there is no other way in which the fish could be captured in this place, as nets could not be used, on account of the depth of the water, and the jagged limestone rocks. Neither are the fish wasted, but, on the contrary, being carefully dried, they form an important portion of the food supply of the adjoining villages. Also it is important to notice in this case that there is free water communication both with the upper portions of the streams and with the river below, from both of which sources these pools can become restocked. In other cases these conditions are not fulfilled, for example in these same Khasia Hills, in the streams on the plateau above, the natives seem to have practised the same method of capture that they find successful in the pools below, but here there are no means of naturally restocking these streams, and consequently HABITS, BREEDING, ETC. 199 there are now hardly any kinds of fish to be found at all in them. That this is not a natural condition seems probable. At one place I remember a tank about which the natives had a superstition, and in this there were numerous fish, but they considered it haunted, and never dared to destroy the fish, for fear of offending the ghost or demon who lived there. Thus river poisoning may in certain cases be allowable, but only then under proper restrictions, while as a general rule it ought to be strictly forbidden. The taking of small fry in basket-work traps should always be jealously guarded. It is a wasteful and improvident system, and although it might perhaps be permitted to a certain extent in certain places, so long as provision was made for a fair proportion of the little fish to make their way down stream, yet in most cases it would seem that if the practice could altogether be put a stop to there would result a great improvement in the quantity and the quality of the food supply. In deciding upon the necessity of any restrictive measures in any par- ticular district, the question would resolve itself into this. Do the number of the fish destroyed in this manner form an appreciable proportion of the total supply of the district? If they do, measures are decidedly necessary for their protection. In some parts of the country when the rains are over, the streams are entirely diverted from their 200 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. proper courses, in order to irrigate the fields of rice and other crops. Here the young fish thrive splendidly, but in each field where the water runs off, these traps are fixed. In consequence, hardly any of the fry can possibly ever reach the river again ! I need not further pursue this subject, as it is being investigated and reported upon by Dr. Day, Inspector General of Fisheries. The Cyprinidse are very prolific ; they deposit a great number of eggs, apparently at intervals during the rainy season. The Siluridae deposit fewer eggs, and of a large size ; in some species of the genus Arius, the male fish is said to carry the eggs about in his mouth until they are hatched. The Ophiocephalidse are said to pair, living together in holes ; the young remain with them a certain time in a shoal, being afterwards driven away by their parents to fish for themselves, or, if not inclined to be off quickly, are eaten up and disposed of by the affectionate old couple. Many of the Indian species are unable to live entirely under the surface of the water, but have to come to the top every now and then to take in a supply of air. The Labyrinthici and the Ophioce- phalidaB have an accessory chamber connected with the gills which enables them to breath the pure air. Thus they are able to live for days without water, or with only a little damp grass or mud. They have to pay however for this advantage, for if they are kept HABITS, BREEDING, ETC. 201 under water and prevented from reaching the surface, they quickly become drowned, especially if they are excited and moving much about. When remaining quiet, they seem to be able to keep under the surface a long time ; perhaps at such times their gills are able to supply them with sufficient oxygen from the water, but when active they are obliged to come constantly to the surface. Many kinds of fish do well in tanks, and will grow to a large size. The species best adapted for this purpose seem to be the Koho, " Labeo Eohita," " Catla buchanani," u Cirrhina mrigala," u Barbus sarana," and some others. The Murrul, " Ophiocephalus marulius," grows to a large size, but it is a predaceous fish and will not get on with the other kinds. The same may be said of the large siluroids. In stocking a pond, it is said to be the best plan to keep in it one species only, selecting a species that will grow to a large size. The Catla is perhaps the best for this purpose, as it is quick of growth and of first-rate quality as food. Besides this, there may be other fish of small kinds, but care should be taken to exclude all carnivorous species. It should not be forgotten, however, that continuous interbreeding among the same stock is injurious. In old fish ponds it often happens that the fish get diseased from this cause, hence care should be taken to introduce fresh stock occasionally from a different locality. 202 INDIAN FRESH- WATER FISHES. As a rule it would seem advisable to employ for stocking ponds such, species as naturally thrive best in the same part of the country, as these are more likely to succeed than species imported from other districts. It is not easy to tell beforehand what conditions are necessary for any particular species to live and breed, and especially to thrive, as they may be able just to exist without attaining the size or quality that they would do in their natural location. In places where particular species do not occur naturally, it would seem probable that the conditions are not favourable to them, unless any special reason is apparent for their non-appearance. We are led to this inference by finding so many species in places that happen to be suited to them all over the Indian continent, though not to be found in intermediate localities, and also by the paucity of cases in which any species is confined only to one river- system or district. I am alluding here only to Indian species. There might be among the Himalayan ranges many streams admirably adapted to European fish, such as trout, but no one would expect to find them there for this reason only. But if it were an Indian fish in question, I should say that the fact of any par- ticular species not being found in a stream would be a good prima-facie reason for concluding that the stream was not adapted to the requirements of that species, and that even if it were introduced from elsewhere it would not get on well therein. HABITS, BREEDING, ETC. 203 These notes are necessarily very imperfect; they will suffice, however, to show what a large field for investigation lies open; and if one or two of my readers are hereby induced to turn their attention to this branch of inquiry, and to publish the results of their investigation, the object of this little work will have been attained. ADDENDA. The following four species are doubtful ones that should have been noticed in the Appendix to Chap. V. Ophiocephalus nigricans, Cuvier. This fish is said to come from the East Indies, but the locality seems doubtful. Description. Dorsal rays 50. Anal 34. Large teeth in the lower jaw, on the vomer and palatine bones. Depth of body contained 9 times, length of head 4| times in the total length. Colour brownish black, with some indistinct darker bands across the back. Dorsal and caudal fins black. Rita rama, Ham. Buchanan. This small fish, found by Buchanan in the Brama- putra river, was described and figured by him under the name of Pimelodus rama. It would appear to belong to the Genus Rita, and may perhaps be the young of some larger species. Description. Dorsal rays 8 ? Anal 15. Barbels 6, thick and shorter than the head. Colour yellowish, body diaphanous. On the nape is a large black spot, divided into four lobes. ADDENDA. 205 Danio chrysops, Cuvier. Known only from Cuvier' s description. Scales 45. Dorsal rays 13. Anal 20. Colour silvery. Hab. Bengal. Nemachilus guttatus, McClelland. Said by McClelland to have only four barbels. Hab. Tanks near Joorhath, in Upper Assam. Colour light green with dark blotches. Dorsal rays 8. 206 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES LIST OF THE FKESH-WATEK FISHES OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. NOT INCLUDING BURMAH OR CEYLON, AND EXCLUDING THOSE SPECIES THAT ARE PROPERLY MARINE. Arranged according to the order observed in the Catalogue of the British Museum. (names in italics are those of doubtful species.) PERCIM]. Ambassis nalua, H. B. nama, H. B. ranga, H. B. lala, H. B. baculis, H. B. tliomassi, D. a >> >) )) gobiim:. Gobius giuris, H. B. . . „ malabaricus, D. . Euctenogobius striatus, D. NANDID^]. Badis buclianani, Bkr. . „ dario, H. B. ... Nandus marmoratus, Cuv. . „ marginatusj J. . . Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. Reference to the pages of the present volume. vol. i., p. 225 165 p. 228 166 p. 228 165 p. 222 166 p. 222 166 166 vol. iii., p. 21 167 167 168 vol. iii.j p. 367 169 p. 367 169 p. 367 170 191 OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 207 Reference to Gunther's Catalogue. Reference to the pages of the present volume. LABYRINTHICI. Anabas scandens, Dald. vol. iii._, p. 375 171 Polyacanthus cupanus, Cuv. . Osphromenus nobilis, M'C. p. 381 p. 384 172 172 Tricliogaster fasciatus, Bloch. p. 387 173 „ lalius, H. B. . p. 387 191 „ chuna, H. B. . . . p. 387 173 MUGiLnm Mugil nepalensis, G vol. iii., p. 424 174 p. 426 p. 430 174 174 p. 460 175 p. 410 175 OPHIOCEPHALID^E. Ophiocephalus punctatus, Blocli. . } , gachua, H. B. . vol. iii., p. 469 p. 471 176 176 „ striatus, Blocho p. 474 177 „ barca, H. B. . . p. 477 177 „ nigricans; Cuv. p. 477 ., marulius, H. B. p. 478 177 ,, pseudomarulius, G. p. 478 178 „ stewartii, PL 177 „ diplogramme, D. . 178 MASTACEMBELID^E. Rhynchobdella aculeata, Blocli. . Mastacemblus pancalus, H. B. vol. iii., p. 540 p. 541 179 179 3) armatus, Lacep : „ allepensis, Blocli. . „ guentheri, D. p. 542 p. 541 180 180 180 CHROMIDES. Eutroplus suratensis, Bloch. . . „ maculatus, Blocli. . . vol. iv., p. 266 p. 266 181 181 208 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES a a a a a SILURID^E. Clarias maguiv, H. B. . . » jagur, H. B. . . . Plotosus canius, H. B. . „ limbatus, Cuv. Chaca lophioides, Cuv. . . buchanani, G. . bankanexms, Bkr. Saccobranchus fossilis, Bloch. Silurus cochinchinensis, Cuv. malabaricus, Cuv. . dukai, D wynaadensis, D. Silurichthys lamghur, H. . Wallago attu, Bloch. . . Eutropiichthys vacha, H. B. Callichrous gangeticus, Peters. bimaculatus, Bloch chechra, H. B. pabda, H. B. anastomus, Cuv. canio, H. B. pabo, H. B. latovittatus, PL egertouii, D. Eutropius obtusirostris, G. Ailia bengalensis, Gray . . „ affinis, G Ailiichthys punctata, D. Schilbichthys garua, H. B. Pseudeutropius murius, H. B. athernioides, Blch mitchelli, G. . megalops, G. . longimanus, G. goongwaree, S. taakree, S. „ sykesii, J. . . )> a » a >> yy Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. v, p. 17 p. 21 p. 25 p. 25 p. 29 p. 29 p. 29 p. 31 p. 34 p. 34 p. 36 p. 36 p. 38 p. 44 p. 45 p. 46 p. 47 p. 47 p. 48 p. 48 p. 53 p. 56 p. 56 P- P- 57 54 p. 58 p. 59 P- P- 60 60 p. 61 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 124 124 125 125 125 126 126 126 127 127 127 127 128 128 131 190 129 129 130 130 130 130 130 131 131 134 135 135 134 133 132 L32 133 133 133 133 133 OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 209 Pangasius buchanani, Cuv. Silondia gaugetica, Cuv. Macrones cavasius, H. B. . „ slot, H. B „ lamarrii, Cuv. „ guliOj H. B _,, tengara, H. B. „ carcio ,, batasio, H. B. ... „ tengana, H. B. „ keletius, Cuv. . . . „ chryseus, D „ corsula, H. B. ... „ punctatus, J „ nangra, H. B. ... „ botius, H. B „ vittatus, Bloch „ malabaricuSj D. . „ oculatus, Cuv. „ cavia, H. B Rita crucigera, Ow ,, pavimentata, V „ liastata, V „ kuturnee, S „ ritoides, Cuv „ rama, H. B Olyra longicaudata, M f C. . „ laticeps, M'C Arius gagorides, Cuv yy arioides, Cuv „ sona, H. B „ ^ gagora, H. B. . . . . . Hemipimelodus peronii, Cuv. . „ viridescens, H. B. Osteogeniosus militaris, L. . Batrachocephalus mino, H. B. . Bagarius yarrellii, S Glyptosternuni trilineatum, Bly. . „ gracile, G. Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. v., p. 62 p. 65 p. 76 p. 78 p. 79 p. 79 p. 81 p. 83 p. 84 p. 84 p. 74 p. 75 p. 92 p. 93 p. 93 p. 93 P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- 92 98 98 140 143 168 177 181 182 183 185 186 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 135 136 137 136 137 137 137 138 138 138 138 139 139 139 139 139 140 140 140 140 141 141 14) 142 141 142 142 143 143 143 143 144 144 144 145 145 146 146 210 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES Reference to Giinth er's Catalogue. Reference to the pages of the present volume. Glyptosternum lonah, S. ... „ dekkanense, G. vol. v., p. 187 p. 187 147 147 „ striatum, M f O. . p. 188 147 „ pectinopterum,M f C. „ telchitta, H. B. p. 188 p. 185 147 148 „ modestum, D. . 148 Amblyceps tenuispinis, Bly. . . Callomystax gagata, H. B. . p. 190 p. 190 p. 218 p. 262 p. 264 148 149 149 150 151 ,, hara, H. B. (Hara bu- chanani, Giinth.) . p. 189 151 „ conta, H. B. (Hara conta, Giinth.) p. 189 151 151 151 Pseudecheneis sulcatus, M'C. . p. 264 152 Exostoma labiatum, M'O. p. 265 152 152 SCOMBKESOOIDiE. vol. vi., p. 153 Hemiramphus ectuntio, H. B. . „ brachynotopterus, Bkr 154 154 CYPRINODONTID^E. Haplochilus panchax, H. B. . . „ cy anophthalmia, Bly. „ lineatus, Cuv. . 155 191 156 „ melastigmas, M'C. 156 „ argent eus, D. . „ rubrostigmus, J. . 156 156 Cyprinodon stolickanus, D. . . . 155 CYPRINID^E. Catla buchanani, Cuv vol. vii. p. 34 80 OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 211 Cirrliina mrigala, H. B. . „ leschenaultii, Cuv. . „ anisura, M'C. „ dyochilus, M f C. „ sindensis, D. „ dero, H. B. . . . „ bata, H. B. . . „ fulungee, D. . Labeo nandina, H. B. „ fimbriatus, Bloch. „ leschenaultii, Cuv. „ calbasu, H. B. . . . „ porcellus, H. . . . „ rohita, H. B. „ kontius, J „ morala, H. B. . „ diplostomus, H. . „ ricnorhynchus, M'C. . „ falcatus, Gray. . „ pangusia, H. B. „ dussumieri, Cuv. . . „ gonius, H. B. . . . „ cursa, H. B. . . „ nancar, H. B. . „ nigrescens, D. . . „ nashii, D „ striolatus, Or. . . . „ ariza, H. B „ boga, H. B. . . . „ boggut, S „ bicolor, M'C. . . . „ mullya, S „ nukta, S Mayoa modesta, D. . . . Discognathus lamta, H. B. . ,, macrochir, Gr. Crossocbilus latius, H. B. „ gohama, H. B. „ rostratus, G. . Eeference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. vii., p P P- P- . 35 i. 36 37 37 p. 35 p. 51 p. 53 p. 53 p. 54 p. 54 P- P« P- P- P- P- P« P- P- 55 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 p. 60 p. 25 P- P« P- P- P- P- 62 63 64 35 76 76 p. 32 p. 69 p. 70 p. 71 p. 72 p. 72 ?2 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 67 67 67 68 186 186 68 187 61 61 185 62 62 63 64 64 65 64 64 65 63 63 63 185 62 66 66 65 65 185 65 186 65 187 73 73 69 69 70 212 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES 33 » 33 33 a 33 Crossochilus barbatulus, H. sada, H. B. reba, H. B. mosario, H. B. isurus, M'C. Gymnostomus gangeticum, Guv. semivelatus, Guv. duvaucellii, Guv. . fulungee, 8. . . . Capoeta watsoni, D „ irregularis, D Barbus spilopholis, M'C. ... chagunio, H. B. (beavani, Gunth.) clavatus, M'C immaculatus, M'C. . chrysopoma, Guv. pinnauratus, D sarana, H. B russellii, G poly dor i, Guv micropogon, Cuv. conirostris, G dubius, D chilinoides, M'C. . . carnaticuSj J spinulosus, M'C. hexastichus, M'C. mosal, H. B melanampyx,D. (arulius, G.) roseipinnis, Cuv. jerdoni, D sophore, H. B. (not Giintli.) neilli, D compressus, D him alay anus, D pulchellus, D thomassi, D lithopodos, D a >> 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 3> 33 33 33 33 Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol vii., p. 72 p. 74 p. 74 p. 71 p. 63 p. 76 p. 76 p. 76 p. 76 p. 96 P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P« P- P« P- P- P- P- P- P< 96 97 113 113 114 115 121 122 126 127 127 127 128 128 129 130 133 83 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 70 70 70 71 71 187 187 187 187 79 79 46 47 47 48 182 48 47 182 183 45 44 45 44 44 48 44 41 49 48 46 45 45 45 44 48 49 49 OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 213 Barbus koluSj S ,, liacanthus, Bkr „ dorsalis, J „ thermalis, Cuv „ chola, H. B „ sophoroideSj G j, amphibius, Cuv. ,_, titius, H. B „ lepidus, D. (filamentous, vjr. caij.i ...... j, denisonii, D „ hamiltonii, D „ parrah, D „ curmuca, H. B ,, arulius, J. (not Giintli.) „ puckelli, D „ duvaucelii, Cuv j, stigma, Cuv. (sophore, Giinth. cat.) . j, chrysopterus, M f C. . . . }) ticto, H. B „ conchonius, H. B. . . . „ terio, H. B „ puntio, H. B „ tetrarupagus, M f C. (titius, Giinth. cat.) . „ phutonio, H. B ,, gelius, H. B „ vittatus, D „ modestus, Kner. „ cosuatis, H. B „ pyrrhopterus, M'C. . . . „ ambassis, D „ punctatus, D „ guganio, H. B „ filamentosus, Cuv. (not Giinth.) „ waageni, D „ presbytery Cuv Reference to Gunther's Catalogue. vol. vii.j p. 136 p. 141 p. 142 p. 143 p. 143 p. 144 p. 144 P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- 145 146 146 83 p. 151 152 152 153 153 153 154 154 154 154 156 156 157 157 p. 83 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 52 183 50 50 50 183 50 51 51 52 184 51 52 52 53 56 56 57 54 55 57 59 58 55 55 58 57 59 56 54 56 56 58 59 184 214 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES )) >> a >) )) a a }) a )3 Barbus punjabensis, D. . . Oreinus micracanthus, G. plagiostomus, H. . sinuatus, H. . richardsonii, Gray. . progastus, M'C. . Schizothorax planifrons., H. micropogon, H. hugelii, H. curvifrons, H. niger, H. . nasus, H. . . longipinnis, H. esocinus, H. hodgsonii, G. . nobilis, M'C. . gobioides, M'C. Rasbora daniconius, H. B. . buchanani, Bkr. neilgherriensis, D. elanga, H. B. Nuria danrica, H. B. . „ malabarica, D. . Amblypharyngodon mola, H. B. „ pellucidus, M'C „ melettinus, Cuv Thynnichthys harengula, Cuv. Semiplotus M'Clellandi, Bkr. . „ brevidorsalis, D. Danio dangila, H. B. ... lineolatus, Bly. . . . osteographus, M'C. (micro nema, Giinth. cat.) albumuSj H. .... aurolineatus, D. (malabari cus, Giinth. cat.) . neilgherriensis, D. . . canarensis, J. . devario, H. B )) a >) a a )> » a Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. vii., p. 81 p. 160 p. 161 p. 161 p. 160 p. 163 p. 163 p. 164 p. 164 p. 164 p. 166 p. 166 p. 166 p. 167 p. 162 p. 162 p. 194 p. 196 p. 197 p. 198 p. 200 p. 200 p. 202 p. 202 p. 202 p. 157 p. 204 p. 282 p. 282 P- P- 282 283 p. 283 p. 283 P- P- 284 284 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 59 76 75 76 76 184 77 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 79 78 78 81 81 81 81 82 82 83 83 83 84 84 85 86 86 86 189 87 87 189 88 OP THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 215 Danio chrysops, Guv. . „ eequipinnatus, M'C. „ sequipinnatus, D. . Pteropsarion bakeri, D. . Aspidoparia morar, H. B. sardina, H. . jaya, H. B. . a Bar ilius tileo, H. B. radiolatus, G. bendelesis, H. B. . cocsa, H. B. . . . alburims, G. . . . morarensis, G. . . bicirratus, M f C. . . modestus, D. . . barna, H. B. . barila, H. B. . . gatensis, Cuv. . . rerio, H. B. . . bleekeri, D. . . . vagra, H. B. . . canarensis, J. . . papillatus, D. . . borelio, H. B. . . evezardi, D. . . . Bola goha, H. B Schacra cirrhata, M f C. . . Osteobrama cotio, H. B. rapax, G. . . alfrediana, Cuv. ogilbii, S. . . microlepisj Bly. neilli, D. . . bakeri, D. . . Similiogaster belangerii, Cuv. Chela gora, H. B bacaila, H. B. . clupeoides, Bloch. phulo, H. B. ... )> >> Eeference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. vii., p. 281 p. 285 P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P« P- P- P- P- P- P- P- P- 284 285 285 286 287 287 p. 288 288 289 290 290 290 291 291 292 286 284 286 293 294 323 323 324 324 325 y> p. 328 p. 332 p. 332 p. 333 p. 334 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 189 189 88 95 95 96 93 89 90 90 90 91 91 91 92 92 92 89 91 92 93 93 93 94 94 95 96 97 97 98 98 98 99 190 100 100 101 100 216 LIST OF THE FRESH-WATER FISHES }> Chela novacula, Val. . diffusa, J. argentea, D. laubuca, H. B. . perseus, M C C. . untrahi, D. . flavipinnis, J. . punjabensis, D. boopis, D. . . Cachius atpar, H. B. . Homaloptera maculata, Gray „ brucei, Gray . Psilorkynchus sucatio, H. B. „ balitora, H. B. Misgurnus lateralis, G. . Nemachilus pavonaceus, M f C. botia, H. B. montanus, M'C. beavani, G. . rupecola, M'C. . subfuscus, M'C. denisonii, D. notostigma, Bkr. triangularis, D. semiarmatus, D. striatus, D. . savona, H. B. . marmoratus, H. spilopterus, Cuv. butanensis, M f C. monoceros, M f C. griffithii, G. turio, H. B. corica, H. B. guentheri, D. phoxochilus, M'C. guttatus, M'G. . rupelli, S. m or eh , S. . a a )) >) )) )> >) )> )> )) >) Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol, vii., p. 334 p. 334 p. 334 p. 335 p. 331 p. 334 P' P- P- P P- P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P 339 340 340 343 343 346 348 349 350 350 351 351 352 352 p. 352 p. 353 353 354 356 358 358 358 360 360 361 361 p. 361 p. 361 p. 347 p. 347 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 101 190 102 103 103 101 101 100 102 104 104 105 74 74 106 106 106 107 107 107 108 108 108 108 107 108 109 109 109 109 107 110 110 110 110 110 106 106 OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 217 Cobit Nemachilus aureus, D. . . zonatus, M f C. . sinuatus, D. chlorosouia,, M'C. serpentarius, D. mugali, D. blythii, D. . . rubripinnis, J. . evezardi, D. is guntea, H. B. „ gongota, H. B. . Lepiclocephalichthys thermalis, Cuv. „ balgara, H Botia dario, H. B. ahnorliEe, Gray . rostrata, G. . nebulosa, Bly. . berdmorei, Bly. Acanthophtkalmus pangia, H. B. Jerdonia maculata, D. ... 3) )) )) >) B CLUPEID^E. Engraulis purava, H. B. . . mystax, Bloch. taty, Cuv. . telara, H. B. . Clupeoides sorbona, H. B. . Chatoessus cortius,, H. B. chanpole, H. B. ruanmma, H. B. Clupea indica, Gray . „ chapra, Gray . Pellona motius, H. B. „ dussumieri, Cuv. Megalops cyprinoides, Brouss. NOTOPTERIMS. Notopterus clritala, H. B. ,, kapirat, Lacep. . a )) )t Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. vii., p. 347 p. 347 p. 347 p. 363 p. 363 p. 364 p. 365 p. 366 p. 367 p. 367 p. 366 p. 366 p. 370 vol. vii., p. 397 p. 397 p. 400 p. 401 p. 410 p. 410 p. 406 p. 444 p. 447 p. 456 p. 457 p. 471 vol. vii.j p. 479 p. 480 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 107 108 108 110 110 109 110 109 111 111 111 112 112 112 113 113 113 113 114 113 115 116 116 116 119 117 117 117 118 118 119 119 120 121 122 218 LIST OF INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. SYMBRANCHDm Amphipnous cuchia, H. B. . . Symbranchus bengalensis, M'C. Anguilla bengalensis, Gray . . bicolor, M'C. . . . Ophiclithys hyala, H. B. . . Moringua raitaborua, H. B. SYNGNATHIM]. Doryichthys deocata, H. B. GYMNODONTES. Tetrodon patoca, H. B. . . . „ cutcutia, H. B. „ fluviatilis, H. B. . . Reference to Giinther's Catalogue. vol. viii., p. 13 p. 16 vol. viii., p. 27 p. 35 p. 60 p. 90 . | vol. viii., p. 179 vol. viii., p. 288 p. 290 p. 299 Reference to the pages of the present volume. 157 158 159 159 159 160 161 162 163 163 ■ .■ •- INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Aart-candee Tamil. abbreviates, Bagrus . . . Cant. abramoides, Cyprinus . . . S. ") „ Hypselobarbus . Bkr. ) acanthopterus, Opsarius . . M'C. acinaces, Chela G. acinaces, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. acra, Cyprinus H. B. aculeata, Schistura . . . M'C. aculeatus, Macrognathus . . Lacep. ") aculeatum, Opliidium . . . Bloch. ) Adoee Assam. sequipinnatus, Perilampus . M'C. ") Pteropsarion G. ) affinis, Batasio Bly. affinis, Cirrhinus .... J. affinis, Pelecus J. ageneiosus, Batracliocephalus Bkr. agrensis, Platacantlms . . D. Ahhee Sind. Aku-chappah Tel. Aku-jeUah Tel. Aku-rati Tel. albilabris, Bagrus .... Cuv. albulus, Opsarius . . . . M'C. alburna, Chela Heck. alfrediana, Rohtee . . . . D. alfredianus, Leuciscus . . Cuv. Alghad Cash. alkc-otee, Chela S. Alii, or Addi Ooriah. alta, Ambassis Cuv. alta, Garra D. Anibutan-wahlah .... Tarn. Amlee Deccan. amnicola, Cobitis .... Cuv. amphibia, Capoeta .... Cuv. ampliibius, Systomus ... J. , C Silurus . . . Cuv. 7 anastomus, ( WaUag0 . . Bkr . j angius, Pimelodus . . . . H.B. ") angius, Bagrus Cuv. y Barilius gatensis. Macrones gulio. Catta buchanani? Barilius barna. Chela clupeoides. Chela clupeoides. Cirrhina bata. Lepidocephalichthys balgara. Rhynchobdella aculeata. Oreinus progastus. Danio sequipinnatus. Macrones affinis. Labeo calbasu. Chela? Batracliocephalus mino. Lepidocephalichthys thermalis . Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Thynnichthys harengula. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Ambassis nama. Macrones gulio. Chela phulo. Danio alburnus. Osteobrama alfrediana. Osteobrama alfrediana. Schizothorax niger. Chela? Macrones aor. Ambassis ranga. Discognathus lamta. Notopterus kapirat. Aspidoparia morar. ? Cobitis gongota. Barbus amphibius. Barbus liacanthus. Callichrous anastomus. Pseudeutropius atherinoides 220 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Angjani Beng. angra, Cyprinus .... H.B. angroides, Gobio .... J. anguilla, Muroena .... H.B. anguillaris, Plotosus . . . Lacep. „ Platystacus . . Bloch. anisocheilus, Opsarius . . M'C. anisura, Platycara .... M'C. auisurus, Gobio . . . . M'C. anisurus, Pimelodus . . . M'C. Anjana, Cyprinus .... H.B. Anwarie . . * Hind. aor, Bagrus Cuv. aor, Pimelodus H.B. aorellus, Bagrus .... Bly. apalike, Elops D. apiatus, Cyprinus .... V. apiatus, Leuciscus .... Cuv. aral, Rhynchobdella . . . Bloch. arenata, Cobitis V. arioides, Bagrus Cuv. ariza, Cyprinus H.B. armatus, Macrognathus . . Lacep. arracana, Anguilla .... M'C. Arriah alii Ooriah. arulius, Barbus G. arulius, Puntius D. arulius, Systomus .... J. arundinaceus, Ptyobranchus M'C. Aruzu Tel. Asia Nepal. asotus, Silurus Cuv. Assaree Tamil. assimilis, Systomus ... J. ater, Cossyphus M'C. ater, Phagorus M'C. athemioides, Bagrus . . . Cuv. athemioides, Silurus . . . Bloch. athu, Silurus Bloch. atkinsonii, Mola Blyth. atpar, Cyprinus H.B. atpar, Perilampus . . . . D. aurantiacus, Ophiocephalus . H.B. auratus, Cyprinus . . . . S*. auratus, Engraulis . . . . D. aurolineatus, Paradanio . . D. aurolineatus, Paradanio . . Bkr. aurolineatus, Perilampus . D. australis, Platycara ... J. Ayser Beng. } } Rasbora daniconius. Labeo? Labeo boga. Anguilla bengalensis. ? Plotosus canius. Barilius barila. Homaloptera maculata. Cirrliina anisura. Amblyceps ? Rasbora daniconius ? Mugil corsula. Macrones aor. Megalops cyprinoides. Barilius cocsa. Rhynchobdella aculeata. ? Nemachilus turio. Arius arioides. Labeo (tylognathus) ariza. Mastacemblus armatus. Angoilla bengalensis. Macrones aor. Barbus melanampyx. Barbus arulius. Moringua raitaborua. Cirrliina leschenaultii. Orenius richardsonii. Wallago attu. Lepidocephalichthys thermalis. Barbus filamentosus. £ Clarias jagur. y Pseudeutropius Athernioides. ' Wallagu attu. Amblypharyngodon pellucidus. Cachius atpar. Cachius atpar. Ophiocephalus gachua. Labeo nukta. EngrauUs mystax. Danio osteographus. Y Danio aurolineatus. Homaloptera brucei. Crossochilus reba. ? } bacaila, Cyprinus bacaila, Leuciscus baculis, Chanda H.B. Bkr. H.B. } Chela bacaila. Ambassis baculis. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 221 . S. Notopterus kapirat. badis, Labrus . . . . . H.B. Badis buchanani. bagarius, Pimeloclus . . . H.B. Bagarius yarellii. Bahgra bahri . . . . Ooriah. Barilius cocsa. Bahm Hind. Mastacemblus armatus. Barilius barna. Hind. Mastacemblus pancalus. Bahrum . Ooriah. Labeo fimbriatus. bakeri, Barilius . . . . . D. rteropsarion bakeri. balgara, Cobitis . . . . . H.B. Lepidocephalichthys balgara . Hind. Barilius barna. , Ass. Nemacliilus chlorosomus. Bali gulah Ooriah. Gobius giuris. Balisunclree . Assam. Barilius barna. balitora, Cyprinus . . . . H.B. Psilorhynchus baUtora. Ballia Ooriah. Wallago attu. . S. . Chela clupeoides. Balu Hind. Lepidocephalichthys thermalis . J. Crossochilus reba. Labeo ariza. Bankoe Ooriah. Chela laubuca. barbatulus, Tylognathus . . Heckel. Crossochilus barbatulus. barbatus, Leuciscus . . . J. Nuria danrica. barila, Cyprinus . . . . . H.B. Barilius barila. Catla buchanani. bama, Cyprinus . . . . . H.B. Barilius barna. bata, Crossochilus . . . . D. Cirrhina bata. bata, Cyprinus . . . . . H.B. Cirrliina bata. Cuv. Macrones tengara. batasio, Pimelodus . . . . H.B. Macrones batasio. batasius, Pimelodus . . . H.B. Macrones tengara. batrachus, Clarias . . . . Bkr. ) Bloch. ] Clarias niagur. batrachus, Macropteronot lis . Lacep. Clarias magur ? , Beng. Crossochilus reba. Ooriah. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Bayi Aspidoparia morar. beavani, Barbus . . . . G.G. ? Barbus chagunio. . Punj. Crossochilus gohama. bejeus, Colisa . . . . bejeus, Tricliopodus . . Cuv. ") . H.B. j Trichogaster fasciatus. belangerii, Alius . . . . Cuv. Arius. belangerii, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. Similiogaster belangerii. belangerii, Rohita . . . . Cuv. Labeo calbasu. bendelesis, Cyprinus . . . H.B. Barilius bendelesis. bengalensis, Cirrliina . . bengalensis, Mrigala . . . Cuv. ) . Bkr. } Crossochilus reba. bengalensis. Malapterus . . Gray. Ailia bengalensis. bengalensis, Murcena . . . Gray. Anguilla bengalensis. bengalensis, Rohita . . . Bkr. Labeo rohita. Tetrodon patoca. Bholta . C.P. Labeo (fimbriatus ?) Bhoondar Hind. Mugil corsula. bicirratus, Opsarius . . . M'C. Barilius bicirratus. bicolor, Gobio . . . . M'C. Labeo bicolor. 222 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Bidah Sind. Bikree Oudh. Bikuntia Ooriah Billi. . . . Punj. Bilturi Assam. bilturio, Cobitis H.B. bimucromata, Cobitis . . . M'C. bimaculatus, Cyprinus . . H. B. bimaculatus, Gonorliynchus M'C. Bipotassi Ooriah birmannus, Bagrus .... Cuv. Bitchu ke mutclilee . . . Hind, blochii, Cirrhina .... Cuv. blythii, Rohtee Bkr. Boaliree N. W. boalis, Silui'iis H. B. boalis, Schilbe S. Boallee Hind. Boassa Hind. bobree, Varicorliinus . . . S. Bodosi Ooriah. boga, Cyprinus H. B. boggut, Chondrostonia . . S. bogoda, Chanda ..... H. B. Bokar Assam. bola, Barilius D. bola, Cyprinus H. B. Bommiday Tel. bontianus, Notopterus . . Cuv. Bonkuaso Ooriah. Boolla Hind. Boondei ....... Ooriah. Bopotassi Ooriah. Bora Bhutan Borajallee Assam. Boreli Beng. borelio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Botchee Tel. botia, Cobitis H. B. botius, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. Boul-la Punj. Bounceputtri Ooriali. Bounchee Pnnj. bovianus, Gobio J. brachialis, Opsarius . . . M'C. brachiatus, Leuciscus . . . M'C. brachypterus, Gonorliynchus M'C. branchiatus, Leuciscus . . M'C. brevifilis, Engraulis . . . Cuv. brevirostris, Anguilla . . . M'C. brevis, Gonorliynchus . . . M'C. brevis, Ptyobranchiis . . . M'C. brucei, Balitora Gray. Buah Punj. buchanani, Bagarius . . . Bkr. } r. } Cacliius atpar. Schilbichthys garua. Macrones tengara. Amblyceps mangois. Nemacliilus botia. Nemachilus botia. Barbus ticto. Discognathus lamta. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Macrones guho. Saccobranchus fossilis. Cirrhina leschenaultii. Osteobrama microlepis. Barbus chrysopterus. Wallago attu. Catla buchanani. Labeo fimbriatus ? Nandus marmoratus. Labeo (Tylognathus) boga. Labeo boggut. Ambassis nama. Barbus hexastichus. Bola goha. Bola goha. llhynchobclella aculeata. Notopterus kapirat. Cacliius atpar. Labeo falcatus. Badis buchanani. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Ophiocephalus barca. Barbus tetrarupagus. Barilius borelio. Barilius boreho. Catla buchanani. Nemaclrilus botia. Macrones botius. Gobius giuris. Ailia bengalensis. Chela gora. Labeo (Tylognathus) ariza. Barilius tileo ? Barihus cocsa. Discognathus lamta. Barilius cocsa. Engraulis telara. Anguilla bengalensis. Crossochilus gohama. Moringua raitaborua. Homaloptera brucei. Mugil cascasia. Bagarius yarellii. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 223 buclianani, Bagrus buclianani, Batasio. . buclianani, Hara . . buclianani, Mola . . buclianani, Mrigala buclianani, Notopterus buclianani, Tancliax V. Bly. Bly. Bly. Bkr. Cuv. Cuv. buclianani, Rita Bkr. buclianani, Roliita .... Cuv. Buchua Hind. Buckra N. W. P. Bucktea Hind. Budusi Ooriah. Buggerah Hind. Bugguah Beng. bukrangi, Cyprinus . . . M'C. Bulli-korah R. Bummi Beng. Bundei Ooriah. Bung ka churrul .... Punj. Bunkuai Ooriah. Burapetea Assam. burnesiana, Cirrhinus . . . M'C. Burr a chang Bhutan. Burreah Punj. But Punj. butanensis, Cobitis .... M'C. Butchua Hind. Pseudeutropius (?) Macrones batasio. Erethistes hara. Amblypharyngodon mola. Cirrhina mrigala. Notopterus chitala. Haplochilus panchax. Rita crucigera. Labeo roliita. Eutropiichthys vacha. Ambassis nama. Botia dario. Nandus marmoratus. Bola goha. Bola goha. Aspidoparia morar. Gobius giuris. Mastacemblus armatus. Badis buclianani. Chela phulo. Barbus ambassis. Barbus mosal. Labeo (Tylognathus) ? Ophiocephalus barca. Barilius cocsa. Notopterus kapirat. Nemachilus butanensis. Schilbichthys garua. cachius, Cyprinus Caedra .... cagius, Clupanodon calbasu, Cirrliinus calbasu, Cyprinus calbosu, Rohita . Calcandee . . . canarensis, Gobio canarensis, Perilampus canarensis, Opsarius cancila, Esox . . canio, Silurus . . canius, Cyprinus cantoris, Osteogeniosus carcio, Pimelodus . caria, Tetrodon . . carnaticus, Cobitis . carnaticus, Puntius carnaticus, Systomus Carrodah . . Cart-kanah . Cart kuntea . Cartua gorai . Cashi mara . catebus, Gobius H. B. Beng. H. B. M'C. H. B. Cuv. Tamil. J. J. J. H. B. H. B. H. B. Bkr. H. B. H. B. J. D. J. Punj. Ooriah. Ooriah. Ooriah. Tel. Cuv. } s Cachius atpar. Barilius barila. Clupea indica ? Labeo calbasu. Homaloptera brucei. Labeo (tylognathus) ? Danio canarensis. Pteropsarion ? Belone cancila. Callichrous canio. Barbus gelius. Osteogeniosus militaris. Macrones tengara. Tetrodon cutcutia. Nemachilus ? Barbus carnaticus. Ophiocephalus striatus. Ambassis nama. Bagarius yarellii. Ophiocephalus punctatus. Etroplus snratensis. Gobius giuris. 224 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Catla Hind. "1 catla, Cyprinus . . . . . H. B. > catla, Leuciscus V. J cauclatus, Gonorliynchus . . M'C. cavasius, Bagrus .... Cuv. ") cavasius, Pimelodus . . . H B. ) caverii, Leuciscus .... J. cavia, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. celebicus, Gobius .... Cuv. Cenia Hind. ") cenia, Pimelodus . . . . H. B . ) ceylonensis, Garra .... Bkr. chaca, Platystacus . . . . H. B. Chadu-paddaka Tel. Chadu-perigi Tel. chagunio, Cyprinus . . . H. B. chalybeata, Rohita .... Bkr. champil, Clupea .... Gray, champil, Pellona .... Cuv. Chandee Hind. Chandee Beng. chandramara, Batasio . . Bly. ~) chandramara, Pimelodus . H. B. > chandramara, Silundia . . Cuv. J clianpole, Clupanodon . . H. B. chapalio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. chapra, Alosa Gray. chapra, Clupanodon . . . H. B. Charkoor Sind. Charl Punj. Chaylaree Sind. Chayung Ooriah. chechra, Silurus . . . . . H. B. cliedra, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. chedrio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Clied-u-ah Punj. cheilynoides, Barbus . . . M'C. Chela-wallah Tain. Chellee Sind. Chellee Punj. Chell-liul Hind. Chelliah Hind. Chelluah Hind. chena, Ophiocephalus . . . H. B. Chenda-la Punj. Chenga Ooriah. Cheroo Cashmere. Chetchua-poora Ooriah. Chetuah Punj. Chiddoo Punj. Chicldulloo Punj. childreni, Ageniosus . . . S. Chmdolah Punj. Catla buchanani. Discognathus lamta. Macrones cavasius. ? Rasbora. Macrones cavia. Gobius giuris. Callomystax gagata (young). Discognathus lamta. Chaca buchanani. Barbus chola. Barbus stigma. Barbus chagunio. Labeo cursa. Clupea indica (young). Clupea indica. Ambassis lala. Ambassis ranga. Macrones ? Chatoessus clianpole. Barilius rerio. Clupea chapra. Clupea indica, or chapra. Ophiocephalus striatus / Barilius alburnus. i Rasbora daniconius. Danio devario. Ophiocephalus gachua. Callichrous chechra. Barilius cocsa. Barilius barila. Ambassis nama. Barbus chilinoides. Callichrous chechra. Eutropiichthys vacha. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Chela gora. Chela bacaila. Aspidoparia morar. Ophiocephalus striatus. Mastacemblus pancalus. Ophiocephalus gachua. Schizothorax esocinus. Crossochilus reba. Callomystax gagata (young) , Barbus stigma. Nuria danrica. Silondia gangetica. Rasbora daniconius. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 225 Chinta-jellah . . . chinta, Bagrus . . Cliippuah .... Chili Cliital chitala, Mystus . . Chitol Cliitrahtoo . . . Cliittahri .... chitul, Leuciscus chlorosoma, Cobitis Choaksi .... Choaree verarl . . chola, Cyprinus . . Chola piuigti . . Chola chola, Systomus Chota kukura . . Chota Saol . . . Chouldhi .... Chowloo-pamoo . . chrysopoma, Systomus cluysopoma, Puntius chrysops, Leuciscus chiysopterus, Systomus chrysosomus, Systomus chrysostigmus, Aplochcilus Chubboo .... Chuchee .... Chula chuna, Trichopodus Chundra .... Churinga .... Chutichi .... cinnamonea, Cobitis cinnamonea, Pangio cirratus, Opsarius . Cirreoh cirrhosus, Cyprinus clupeoides, Cyprinus clupeoides, Leuciscus Coal-ariza candee . Coatee cundee . . cobojius, Coius . . cocsa, Chedrus . . cocsa, Cyprinus . . Coi coila, Malapterurus Coiha colisa, Trichopodus conchonius, Cyprinus conchonius, Puntius conta, Pimelodus . Cooloosee .... R. Cuv. Hind. Pimj. Punj. H. B. Beng. Punj. Tel. S. M'C. Beng. Mai. H. B. Beng. Assam. J. Beng. Punj. Punj. R. J. D. Cuv. M'C. M'C. M'C. Punj. Sind. Assam. H. B. Hind. Hind. Mai. M'C. Bly. M'C. Sind. Bloch. Bloch. Cuv. Tamil. Tarn. H. B. Stein. H. B. Beng. H. B. Ooriah. H. B. H. B. Stein. H. B. Hind. t Arius ? Aspidoparia morar. Badis buchanani. Nemachilus rupecola. } } J- Notopterus chitala. Barbus himalayanus. Crossochilus reba. ? Anibrypharyngodon melettinus , Nemacliilus chlorosomus. Discognathus lamta. Ophiocephalus marulius. Barbus chola. Barbus chola. Aspidoparia jaya. Barbus hamiltonii ? Cobitis gongota. Ophiocephalus striatus. Nemachilus corica. Anguilla bengalensis. {• Barbus cluysopoma. Danio chrysops. Barbus clnysopterus. Barbus immaculatus. Haplochilus panchax. Ophiocephalus gachua. Clupea indica. Aspidoparia morar. Trichogaster chuna. Ambassis ranga. Ophiocephalus gachua. Nandus marginatus. Acantliophthalmus pangia. Schacra cirrhata. Labeo cursa. Cirrliina leschenaultii. Chela clupeoides. Labeo ariza. Barbus conirostris. Anabas scandens. Barilius cocsa. Anabas scandens. Ailia bengalensis. Trichogaster fasciatus. Trichogaster fasciatus. Barbus conchonius. Erethistes conta. Labeo cursa. 226 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Coonchelie N. W. P. Coondalluni-oolooway . . . Tamil. Cooravoo Mai. coramota, Ophiocephalus . Cuv. corica, Cobitis H. B. Corsula Beng. corsula, Pimelodus . . . H. B. \ corsula, Bagrus Cuv. / cortius, Clupauodon . . . H. B. Corvu Ooriah. cosuatis, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. cosuatis, Leuciscus .... Bkr. J cotio, Cyprinus H. B. cotio, Rohtee D. cotis, Abramis M'C. \ cotis, Osteobrama .... Heckel. J cotis, Osteobrama .... Blyth. cotra, Colisa ... . . Cuv \ cotra, Trichopodus . . . . H. B. / Courie Assam. Coursa Hind. Cowlie Tamil. crenulatus, Discognathus . Heckel. cruciger, Arius Owen. Cuaree Mai. cuchia, Symbranchus . . . D. cuchia, Unibrancapertura . H. B. Cucksee Punj. cucura, Cobitis H. B. culius, Cheilo-dipterus . . H. B. Cullah Beng. cultellus, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. cultellus, Pelecus .... J. ) Cumboo-kellettee .... Tamil. Cundali la ...... Ooriah. Cundalali Sind. cundinga, Cyprinodon . . H. B. cundinga, Elops .... Cant. Cunnay Mai. cura, Cyprinus H. B. curchius, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. \ curchius Labeo T>. j curmuca, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Curroo Sind. Currummunnee-candee . . Tamil. Currupoo-veraii Tamil. curs . a ' } Cyprinus . . . . H. B. cursis, J J x Cursua Ooriah. curtiiilis, Megalops . . . Rich. Cutta Tamil. Cuttapoh Ooriah. Cutukhugger Punj. Cutwal alise Ooriah. cuvieri, Cirrhinus .... J. Chela laubuca. Euctenogobius striatus. Ophiocephalus maruhus. Opliiocephalus gachua. Nemachilus corica. Mugil corsula. Macron es corsula. Chatoessus cortius. Anabas scandens. Barbus cosuatis. Osteobrama alfrediana. Osteobrama cotio. Osteobrama cotio. Osteobrama alfrediana. Trichogaster fasciatus. Labeo cursa. Labeo cursa. Danio neilgherriensis. Discognathus lamta. Rita crucigera. Macrones oculatus. Amphipnous cuchia. Amphipnous cuchia. Mugil cascasia. Cobitis gongota. Eleotris fusca. Mugil corsula. Chela? Macrones aor. Etroplus suratensis. Chela bacaila. Megalops cyprinoides. Megalops cyprinoides. Megalops cyprinoides. Cirrhina bata. Labeo cursa. Barbus curmuca. ■ Crossochilus gohama. Labeo kontius. Opliiocephalus striatus. Labeo cursa. Labeo cursa. Megalops cyprinoides. Macrones cavasius. Barbus gelius. Macrones cavasius. Clupeoides soborna. Cirrhina leschenaultii. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 227 cuvieri, Silurus .... cy anophthalmia, Panchax cyanotaenia, Devario cyprinoides, Clupea cyprinoid.es, Clupea Dabah .... Dahrah. . . . Dahwiee . . . dancena, Cyprinus danclia, Leuciscus dandia, Rasbora . dangila, Cyprinus daniconius, Cyprinus daniconius, Leuciscir daniconius, Opsarius Dankena . . . Damiahrah . . danrica, Cyprintia danrica, Esomus Dapeghat . . . dario, Cobitis. . dario, Labrus Debari .... deliciosus, Barbus denisonii, Labeo denisonii, Puntius deocata, Syngnathus dero, Cyprinus . devario, Cyprinus Dhengro . . . Dheri dhok . . Dhoguru . . . Dhonga nu . . Dhuggu . . . Di, Dihee . . . diffusus, Pelecus Dimmon . . . Dinnawah . . . diplocliilus, Barbus diplochilus, Crossocheilus diplocliilus, Cirrhina diplostomus, Varicorhinus Doarah . . . Domarci batta Dondoo, Paum Dongu . . Doodhera . Doordah . Doorkah . Dorikana dorsalis, Systomus dorsovittatus, Arothron Dowlah . . . dualis, Opsarius Gray. Bly. Bkr. Brouss. Sch. N. W. P. Punj. Hind. H. B. Cuv. \ Bkr. ) H. B. H. B. M'C. Kner. Beng. ) Hind. J H. B. | Bkr. ) Cashmere. H. B. H. B. Beng. M'C. H. B. H. B. H. B. Assam. Punj. Punj. Sind. Sind. Punj. J. Sind. Hind. Heck. \ Stein. / D. Heck. Punj. Beng. R Cashmere. Beng. Punj. Punj. Beng. J. Ply. Punj. J. Ailia bengalensis. Haplochilus cyanophthalmus. Danio osteographus. Megalops cyprinoides. Chela clupeoides. Danio devario. Barilius cocsa. Basbora elanga. Chela? Rasbora daniconius. Danio dangila. Basbora daniconius. Rasbora elanga. Rasbora daniconius. Chela laubuca. Nuria danrica. Scliizothorax longipinnis. Botia dario. Badis dario. Danio devario. Barbus immaculatus. Barbus denisonii. Doryichthys deocata. Labeo ? dero. Danio devario. Labeo ? dero. Ophiocephalus gachua. Discognathus lanita. Schilbichthys garua. Opliiocephalus punctatus. Labeo calbasu. Chela diffusa. Callichrous chechra. Scliizothorax hodgsonii. Crossocliilus barbatulus. Crossochilus barbatulus. Labeo diplostomus. Ophiocephalus gachua. Cirrhina bata. ? Amphipnous cuchia. Scliizothorax nasus. Labeo ? Barbus terio. Barbus chrysopterus. Amblvpharyngodon pellucidus. Barbus dorsalis. Tetrodon fluviatilis. Ophiocephalus maruhus. Barilius cocsa ? Q 2 228 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. dubius. Puntius duda, Silurus Dudha pabda . Duhrie . . . Duhrie . . . Dullounga . . Dumbrali D um sah Dundikerri Dungudah porah . . . Dunnahree Durhie Durmurua Durru dussumieri, Ambassis dussumieri, Cirrhina . . dussumieri, Cirrbinichtliys dussumieri, Cirrhinus dussumieri, Clarias . . dussumieri, Leuciscus dussumieri, Rohita . . . dussumierii, Eirgraulis . duvaucelii, Barbus . . . duvaucelii, Cbondrostoma duvaucelii, Leuciscus . . duvaucelii, Leuciscus . . duvaucelii, Systomus . . duvaucellii, Rohita . . dyangra, Cypriuus . . . j i -i ( Catastomus ) dyocneilus, { n ' ( Cyprinus J dystomus, Leuciscus . . Ectuntio, Esox . . . Eelemose ( Leuciscus ) \ Easbora j elanga, Cyprinus . . elegans, Paradanio . . ( Leuciscus eintliovenii. elingulatus { r> -i \ & { Perilampus ) elpliinstonei, Anguilla . erythreus, Ptyobranclms exodon, Bagrus . . . exodon, Bagrus ... Falcata, Cyprinus . . fasciatus, Cirrhinus fasciatus, Opsarius fasciatus, Polyacanthus fascio-punctatus, Gobius filamentosus, Barbus . filamentosus, Megalops filamentosus, Leuciscus filamentosus, Puntius . filamentosus, Systomus I D. H. B. Beng. Punj. N. W. 1 Punj. Sind. Punj. Ooriah. Ooriah. Hind. Hind. Beng. Sind. Cuv. Cuv. Bkr. J. Cuv. Cuv. Cuv. Cuv. Cuv. Cuv. Cuv. p. Cuv. p. Bkr. Cuv. M'C. M'C. M'C. H. B. Tel. Bkr. H. B. D. M'C. S. M'C. Bkr. Cuv. Gray. J. M'C. Cuv. Rich. Giinth. Lacep. Cuv. D. J. } 77. 95.\ / Barbus dubius. Callichrous canio. Osteobrama cotio. Danio devario. Ophiocephalus punctatus . Labeo rohita. Macrones tengana. Rasbora daniconius. Cirrhina bata. Chela phulo. Barbus sarana. Gobius giuris. Barbus chrysopterus. Ambassis nalua. Crossochilus reba. Labeo dussumieri. Clarias ? Chela clupeoides. Labeo dussumieri. Engraulis mystax. Barbus immaculatus. Gymnostomus duvaucellii. Osteobrama alfrediana. Barbus duvaucelii. ? Labeo rohita. Crossochilus gohama. Cirrhina dyochilus. Rasbora elanga. Hemiramphus ectuntio. Crossochilus reba. Rasbora daniconius. Rasbora elanga. Cachius atpar. ? Aspidoparia jaya. Anguilla bengalensis. Moringua raitaborua. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Pseudeutropius ? Labeo falcatus. Labeo (Tylognathus) ? Barilius barna. Trichogaster fasciatus. Gobius giuris. Barbus lepidus. Megalops cyprinoides. Barbus filamentosus. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 229 fimbriata, Rohita . fimbriatus, Cyprinus fimbriatus, Gonorhynchus fimbriatus, Labeo . . flavipiimis, Pelecus flavus, Leuciscus . . fluviatilis, Crayracion fossilis, Silurus . . . fulungee, Choudrostorna fulvescens, Perilampus fuscus, Bagrus . . . fuscus, Opliiocephalus fusiformis, Discognathus fusiformis, Gobius . . Gagata, Pimelodus gagora, Arius . . gagora, Pimelodus . gagorides, Bagrus . Gaice Gaudumenoo . . gangeticum, Choudrostorna Cryptopter gangeticus, pt Pterocry garua, Silurus . , garua, Schilbe . gateusis, Leuciscus gateusis, Opsarius Gaywah . . . Geli pungti . . gelius, Cyprinus gelius, Systomus geto, Cobitis . . Ghora chela . . gibbosa, Cobitis . gibbosus, Barbus gibbosus, Systomus Gid Gid pakki . . . Giddali . . . Giddi kaoli . . . Gilland .... Goa chuppi . . . Goacherah . . . gobioides, Crossocheilos gobioides, Gonorhynchus Godhaee . . . Godhaee ... godiyava, Cyprinus gohama, Cirrhina gohama, Cyprinus goha, Barilius . goha, Cyprinus . goha, Opsarius us is } Cuv. Bloch. M'C. Cuv. J. J. Bkr. Bloch. S. Ely. Cuv. Cuv. H. Bkr. H. B. Cuv. H. B. Cuv. Beng. Tel. Cuv. G. Peters. H. B. Cuv. Cuv. Bkr. N. W. ] Beng. H. B. Bkr. H. B. Assam. M'C. Cuv. MC. Punj. Can. Punj. Hind. Beng. Ooriah. Beng. Bkr. M'C. Ooriah. Ooriah. M'C. D. H.B. Stein. H.B. D. } } Labeo fimbriatus. Crossochilus sada. Labeo rohita ? Chela flavipinnis. Rasbora buchanani. Tetrodon fluviatilis. Saccobranchus fossilis. Cirrhina fulungee. Chela, or Danio (?) Macrones gulio. Opliiocephalus gachua. Discognathus lamta. Gobius giuris. Callomystax gagata. Alius gagora. Arius gagorides. Chela laubuca. Labeo fimbriatus. Gymnostomus gangeticus. Callichrous gangeticus. } | Schilbichthys garua. I Barilius gateusis. \ Labeo bicolor. Barbus gelius. > Barbus gelius. Botia dario. Chela gora. Nemachilus turio. Barbus chrysopoma. Barbus terio. Labeo ricnorhynclius. Barbus sarana. Labeo bicoior. Barbus sarana. Barilius barila. Ambassis nama. Glyptosternum telchitta. Crossocliilus mosario. Corica soborna. Clupeoides soborna. Discognathus lamta. Crossochilus gohama. Crossochilus gohama. } Bola goha. Bola goha. 230 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES A.ND SYNONYMS. Gollund Ooriah. Gongituri Ooriah. gongota, Somileptes . . . Bkr. gonius, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Gool gooli Punj. Goollah Punj. Goolloo Sincl. Gooloowah Punj. Goonch Hiud. Goongwah Punj. 7 Goongwahree N. W. P. ) goongwaree, Hypophthalnius S. Goontah Beng. Goordah Hind. Gootellah Hind. gora, Cyprinus H. B. Gorayi Beng. Goreah Assam. Gorissa Ooriah. Gossiporah Ooriah. gotyla, Garra Stein. 1 gotyla, Gonorhynchus . . Gray. J gracilis, Barbus J. "I gracilis, Puntius . . . . D. J gracilis, Opsarius .... M'C. gracilis, Ptyobranchus . . M'C. Gra-e Ptmj. grandis, Botia Gray. grayi, Puntius D. Gritti Ooriah. Gro-age ........ Punj. Grot Cashmere. guborni, Corica Gray. Gudha Punj. Gugah alii Ooriah. guganio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Gulah Ooriah. gularis, Tetrodon . . . . H. B. gulio, Aspidobagrus . . . Bkr. gulio, Bagrus Cuv. gulio, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. gulioides, Bagrus .... Bkr. Gunda Ooriah. Gundum Sind. Guntea Ooriah. Gupkari Ooriah. Gurchee Punj. Gurdun Punj. Gurha j . Punj. Gurhi-e Hind. gutlxrianus, Ptyobranchus . M'C. guttata, Cobitis M'C. guttatus, Oreinus .... M'C. guttatus, Perilampus . . . M'C. Gutti Ooriah. Osteobrama rapax. Belone cancila. Cobitis gongota. Labeo gonius. Oreinus sinuatus. Bola goha. Gobius giuris. Gobius giuris. Bagarius yarellii. Callichrous bimaculatus. Pseudeutropius goongwaree . Osteobrama alfrediana. Osteobrama cotio. Cirrhina bata. Chela gora. Ophiocephalus punctatus. Ch-rliina dyochila. Oplviocephalus punctatus. Nandus marmoratus. Discognathus lamta. Barbus conirostris. Bola goha. ]\loringua raitaborua. Ophiocephalus punctatus. Botia almorhse. Barbus melanampyx. Bhynchobdella aculeata. Mastacemblus pancalus. Schizothorax hugelii. Clupeoides soboma. Nandus marmoratus. Macrones aor (young). Barbus guganio. Gobius giuris. Tetrodon cutcutia. Macrones gulio. Macrones gulio. Osteobrama alfrediana. Notopterus chitala. Macrones cavasius. Cobitis guntea. Mastacemblus pancalus. Nemachilus rupecola. Schacra cirrhata. Ophiocephalus punctatus. Moringua raitaborua. Nemachilus guttatus. Oreinus sinuatus. Chela laubuca. Bhynchobdella aculeata. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 231 Hamiltonii, Barbus haniiltonii, Puntius hamiltonii, Barbus hamiltonii, Tor . . hamiltonii, Beclula . hamiltonii, Cyprinus hamiltonii, Gobio . hamiltonii, Macrognathus hamiltonii, Bataborua hara, Pimelodus hardwickii Rataborua harengula, Leuciscus ,, Mola hastatus, Alius . . . Hayali , Herilwa . . . . hexagonolepis, Barbus hijala, Ophisurus . hoalius, Cyprinus . hodgsonii, Oreinus . . Hoolsa Hoovina, Murl . . . horridus, Plotosus . , Huddah .... Hum katchari . . Hurdwahree .... hyala, Ophiurus . . hypselonotus, Notopterus Ilisha, Clupanodon immaculatus, Systomus indicus, Megalops . . indicus, Oplnocephalus indicus, Pimelodus indicus, Bliodeus indicus, Silurus . Ingeelee . . . Ingelee . . . irregularis, Scaphiodon isocheilus, Opsarius . isurus, Cirrliina . . isurus, Gobio . . . itchkeea, Phractocephalus Jagur, Macropteronotus Jat, Gagora .... jatius, Alius .... jatius, Pimelodus . . javanica, Capoeta . . javanicus, Acanthophthalmus jay a, Cyprinus Jellahri . . Jellum . . . Jemmi kari . jerdoni, Garra } Guntli. D. J. Gray. Gray. Gray. J. M'C. Gray. H. B. Gray. Cuv. D. Cuv. Beng. Assam. M'C. H. B. H. B. G. Punj. Can. Bkr. N. W. P. Ooriah. Punj. Cant. Bkr. Barbus chola ? I Barbus mosal. Nandus marmoratus. Labeo ? Labeo (tylognatlms) ariza. Mastacemblus armatus. Moringua raitaborua. Erethistes hara. Moringua raitaborua. J Thynnichthys harengula. Rita hastata. Barilius lioahus. Crossochilus mosario. Barbus hexastichus. Ophichthys hyala. Barilius hoalius. Schizothorax hodgsonii. Nandus marmoratus. Oplnocephalus marulius. Plotosus canius. Hemipimelodus viridescens. Chela gora. Mugil corsula. Opliichthys hyala. Notopterus chitala. Clupea ihsha. Barbus immaculatus. Megalops cyprinoides. Oplnocephalus punctatus. Amblyceps ? Amblypharyngodon melettinus . Callichrous chechra. ? Plotosus canius. Mugil corsula. Capoeta irregularis. Barilius vagra. Crossochilus isurus. Crossochilus isurus. Callomystax gagata (young). Clarias jagur. Arius? Barbus liacanthus. Acanthophthalmus pangia. Aspidoparia jaya. Chela bacaila. Pangasius buchanani. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Discognathus lamta. 232 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. jerdoni, Brachygramma . . D. \ jerdonii Amblypharyngodon D. J Jerruah Beng. Jillmig Beng. Jilo Ooriah. Jis Cashmere. joalius, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. jogia, Cyprinus H. B. Johra Mali. Jongia Hind. Jubbi cowrie Ooriah. Jugar N. W. P. Jul Kafoor Oude. Jundoorie Punj. Jungha Assam. Jungla Beng. Jupkari Beng. Juppah Punj. Kachhi Beng. Kadoon Ankapilly. Kagga Punj. Kagur N. W. P. Kaliaan Punj. Kalili bundahni .... Ooriah. Kaitella Beng. Kakachia kerundi .... Ooriah. Kakoo Tartoor. Kakunda . . Ooriah. kakus, Barbus Cuv. Kala bata Beng. Kala battali Ooriah. Kala beinse Hind. Kala pootiah Punj. Kala tala Tel. Kalbasu Beng. Kali korafi Hind. Kanakuri Ooriah. Kang kila Hind. Kani magur Beng. Kani pabda Beng. Kani pungti Beng. Kannaku Tel. Kanya tengara Beng. Kaoii Hind. Kaowa Hind. kapirat, Gymnotus .... Bona. ) kapirat, Mystus . . . . H. B. / Ka raad Punj. Karaal Punj. Kareeree Sind. Kargur N. W. P. Karoon Tarn. karrouvei, Opliiocephalus . Lacep. Karsar Tarn. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Barbus chagunio. Silondia gangetica. Rasbora daniconius. Oreinus sinuatus. Labeo ? Nuria danrica. Barilius cocsa. Nuria danrica. Lepidocephahchthis thermalis. Mastacemblus pancalus. Notopterus kapirat. Barbus sarana. Barbus mosal. Callomystax gagata. Cobitis gmitea. Glyptosternum striatum. Cacliius atpar. Barbus ? Clarias magur. Macrones tengara. Belone cancila. Badis buchanani. Belone cancila. Barbus terio. Barbus ? Mugil corsula. Barbus ? Crossochilus gohama. Labeo boga. Labeo calbasu. Badis buchanani. Thynnichthys harengula. Labeo calbasu. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Haplochilus panchax. Belone cancila. Plotosus canius. Callichrous canio. Barbus gehus. Barbus sarana. Macrones cavia, Barbus ticto. Belone cancila. Notopterus kapirat. Schilbichthys garua. Macrones tengara. Aspidoparia morar. Macrones carcio. Barbus chola. Opliiocephalus punctatus. Etroplus suratensis. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Zoo Katclia karawa Hind. kaums, Chonclrostoma . . S. Kavasi tengara Hind. kawrns, Labeo D. keletius, Bagrus .... Bkr. keletius, Bagrus .... Cuv. Kelette Tarn. Keraad Punj- Kerrundi Beng. Khaga N. W. F. Khange Punj. Khira Tel. Khoksa Beng. Khongta Hind. Khorika Beng. Kliorsula Hind. khudree, Barbus . . . . S. Kinda meen Tarn. Kirridee Sind. Koka nutchee Mai. kokius, Gobius Cuv. Kolees Mali. kolus, Hypselobarbus . . . Bkr. Kondaturi Ooriali. Kongchon pungti .... Beng. kontius, Cyprinus .... J. Kooli Hind. Koorka Punj. kora, Gobius Cuv. Korafi kaoli Hind. . Koramotta R. Korang Assam. Korava Tamil. Koroon Tamil. Koswati Hind. Koti Beng. Kotri Hind. Kubrah Punj. Kuch lii Mai. Kuchindali murl .... Can. Kudgi kerundi Ooriali. Kuggera Beng. Kuggur Sind. kulilii, Pancliax Cuv. Kukkiali Punj. Kul cimdee Tarn. Kul irun Tamil. Kul ka batta Beng. Kul korava Tarn. Kulla Punj. Kul nakura Tamil. Kulotee C. P. Kunda Beng. Kundinga R. Barbus ( Stigma. ( chola. ? Labeo. Macrones cavasius. ? Labeo. Macrones keletius. Macrones keletius ? Macrones tengara. Pseudeutropius murius. Barbus chola. Callichrous checlira. Danio devario. Osteobrama rapax. Barilius cocsa. Erethistes conta. Nemachilus corica. Mugil corsula. Barbus mosal. Labeo (tylognathus) ariza. Sisor, rabdopliorus. Rasbora daniconius. Gobius giuris. Labeo (tylognathus) boggut. Barbus kolus. Cobitis guntea. Barbus conclionius. Labeo kontius. Barbus vittatus. Discognatlius lamta. Gobius giuris. Discognatlius lamta. Opliiocephalus gachua. Bola golia. Opliiocephalus punctatus. Barbus chola. Barbus cosuatis. Osteobrama cotio. Barbus ticto. Opliiocephalus marulius. Oplriocephalus diplogramme. Opliiocephalus striatus. Barbus phutonio. Labeo calbasu. Macrones tengara. Haplochilus pancliax. Barbus mosal. Homaloptera brucei. Nemachilus striatus. Labeo ricnorhynchus. Discognatlius lamta. Callomystax gagata (young). Nemachilus striatus. Labeo calbasu. Labeo calbasu. Megalops cyprinoides. 234 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Kundna Kundul Kimglii Kunnahnee Kunnaku . Kunnamoo Kunnul kunta, Cyprinus Kuiita gugga Kurclii . . . Kurdan . . kurpah, Gobius Kurreah . . Knrriah claliwiee Kussuah . Kuttalirali kuturnee Phractocephalus Labiatus, Glyptosternon Lai Chandee . . lala, Chanda . . lalius, Colisa . . lalius, Trichopodus lamarrii, Bagrus Lambi kaoli . . lamghur, Silurus lamta, Cyprinus lamta, Garra Larreah . . . . Lasseera . . . lata, Ophioceplialus lateralis, Leuciscus lateralis, Leuciscus Latlia laticeps, Branchiosteus latipinnatus, Opsarius latius, Cirrliina . . latius, Cyprinus laubuca, Cyprinus . laubuca, Leuciscus laubuca, Perilampus Layubuka . . . leiacanthus, Capoeta lepidus, Puntius leprosus, Gobio . . leptosomus, Systomus leschenaultii, Dangila leschenaultii, Pellona leschenaultii, Rohita leucerus, Opsarius . leucopunctatus, Ophiocepha lus .... lineatum, Panchax . lineatus, Barilius . lineolatus, Danio . Hind. Punj. Punj. Sind. Tel. R. Punj. M'C. Ooriah. Beng. Mai. S. Sind. Hind. Ooriah. N. W. P. S. M'C. Ooriah. H. B. Cuv. ) H. B. ] Cuv. Hind. H. H. B. \ Stein. ) Punj. Assam. H. B. M'C. p. M'C. p Beng. Gill. M'C. D. H. B. H. B. Bkr. D. Beng. Labeo calbasu. Chela gora. Ambassis baculis. Barbus sarana. Barbus sarana. Barbus russellii. Barilius cocsa. Barbus sarana. Rita kuturnee. Labeo cursa. Gobius giuris. Gobius giuris. Barbus inosal. Nuria danrica. Trichogaster fasciatus. Macrones tengara. Rita kuturnee. Exostoma labiatum. Ambassis lala. Ambassis lala. Trichogaster lalius. Macrones lamarrii. Barbus dorsalis. Silurichthys lamghur. Discognathus lamta. Bkr. D. M'C. M'C. Cuv. Bkr. Cuv. M'C. S. Cuv. D. Bkr. Nemachilus rupecola. Labeo ? Ophioceplialus punctatus. 292 Rasbora (?). 405 Rasbora daniconius. Nandus marmoratus. Olyra laticeps. Barilius barna. Crossochilus latius. Crossochilus latius. | Chela laubuca. Chela laubuca. Chela laubuca. Barbus liacanthus. Barbus lepidus. Labeo ? Barbus phutonio. Cirrhina leschenaultii. Pellona motius. Labeo leschenaultii. Chela bacaila. Ophioceplialus (?) Haplochilus lineatus. Barilius rerio. Danio osteographus. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 235 lineolatus, Leuciscus . . . Bly. limbatus, Ophioceplialus . Cuv. limnopliilus, Gobio . . . M'C. lissorhynchus, Gobio . . . M'C. Loaimee Beng. Lobnra Assam. Lohar Siud. Loharee Punj. lonah, Bagrus S. lopis, Notopterus .... Bkr. loya, C}*prinus M'C. loyukiila, Cyprinus . . . M'C. lumbriciformis, Moringua . Bkr. Maallee Machani Mackundi macrocephalus, Barbus . . macrocephalus, Rhodeus . . macrochir, Moriiigua . . . macrolepis, Labeobarbus macronotus, Cirrhiiius . . macronotus, Labeo . . . macrophthalmus, Eutropius . macrophthalmus, Pseudosi- lurus macrophthalmus, j M b macropterus, ) ° r macropodus, Perilampus . . macropterus, Perilampus macrosomus, Gonorhyuclms. macrourus, Perilampus maculata, Balitora . . maculata, Muroena maculata, Platycara . maculatus, j ius maculosus, ) 1 maculatus, Notopterus maculatus, Oreinus maculatus, Oreinus maculatus, Platacanthus maderaspatensis, Esomus maderaspatensis, Systomus magur, Macropteronotus Mahaseer . . Mahasaula . Mahturi . . Mahwa . . Mailwa . . malabarica, Garra malabarica, Ilasbora malabaricus, Barbus malabaricus, Danio malabaricus, Esomus malabaricus, Leuciscus Punj. N. W. F. Ooriah. M'C. J. Bkr. H. M'C. G. Bly. Bly. Bkr. J. M'C. M'C. M'C. Gray. H. B. M'C. M'C. V. M'C. Giinth. D. D. J. H. B. Hind. 1 Hind. J Ooriah. N.W, Hind. D. D. J. G. D. J. P. Danio lineolatus. Ophioceplialus gaclma. ? (Crossochilus reba.) Cirrhina bata. Labeo pangusia. Barbus hexastichus. Saccobranclms fossilis. Barilius alburnus. Glyptosternum lonah. Notopterus chitala. BariUus vagra. Cacliius atpar. Moringua raitaborua. Danio devario. Labeo calbasu. Chatoessus manmina. Barbus mosal. Amblypharyngodon mola. Moringua raitaborua. Barbus mosal. Labeo nandina. Labeo nandina. Pseudeutropius ? Callichrous? Megalops cyprinoides. Danio ? Nuria danrica. Crossochilus latius. Nuria danrica. Homaloptera maculata. Anguilla bengalensis. Homaloptera maculata. Barilius tileo. Notopterus chitala. Oreinus sinuatus. Oreinus richardsonii. Jerdonia maculata. Nuria danrica. Barbus rilamentosus. Clarias magur. Barbus mosal. Euctenogobius striatus. Nuria danrica. Barilius rerio. Discognathus lamta. Ilasbora daniconius. Barbus ? Danio aurolineatus. Nuria danrica. Rasbora daniconius. 236 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. malabaricus, Opsarius . . J. ? Pteropsarion bakeri. malabaricus, rerilampus . J. Danio osteographus (male), malacopterus, Systomus . . M'C. Barbus cosuatis. malacostomus, Gobio . . . M'C. Labeo falcatus. Malgumaroo R. Aiiguilla bengalensis. mangois, Pimelodus . . . H. B. Amblyceps mangois. Manjil yete Mai. Macrones chryseus. manmiiia, Clupanodon . . H. B. Chatoessus nianmina. margarodes, Leuciscus . . M'C. Aspidoparia jaya ? marginatus, Opliioceplialus . Cuv. Ophiocephalus gachna. Mar korava Can. Opliioceplialus gacliua. marmorata, Anguilla . . . Kaup. Anguilla bengalensis. marmorata, Cobitis . . . H. Nemachilus marmoratns. marmoratus, Mastacemblus Cuv. Mastacemblus armatus. Mar pakkee Can. Barbus dorsalis. Marpoo B- Clarias magur. Marpu Tel. Saccobranchus fossilis. marpus, Clarias .... Cuv. Clarias magur. maya, Cobitis S. Cobitis gongota ? m'clellandi, Cyprinus . . . Cuv. Barbus immaculatus. m'clellandi, Devario . . . Bkr. Danio devario. m'clellandi, Gonorhynclius . J. Discognathus lamta. megalepsis, Barbus . . . M'C. Barbus mosal. megastomus, Opsarius . . M'C. Bola goha. SK^iSS.: : : . S: I ***™*^V7*. melanopterus, Panchax . . Bkr. Haplochilus panchax. melas, Bagrus Bkr. Macrones gulio. melettinus, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. melettinus, Mola . . . . D. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. menoda, Pimelodus . . . H. B. Macrones ? rnicracanthus, Capoeta . . Giinth. Oreinus micracantlius. microceplialus, Silurus . . Cuv. \ Calliehrmm chechra microcephalus, Wallago . . Bkr. ] ^ amcni ous cneclira. microlepidota, Boliita . . . Giinth. Labeo cursa. microlepis, Alausa . . . Cuv. Clupea indica. ^^J^S^T^^. } Amblypharyngodon peUncidns. microlepis, Rohtee . . . D. Osteobrama microlepis. microlepis, Systomus . . . Bly. Osteobrama microlepis. micronema, Danio .... Bkr. Danio osteographus. micropogon, Batrachocephalus Bkr. Batrachocephalus mi no. micropogon, Cirrliina ... V. Labeo calbasu. Mileowah Punj. Rasbora daniconius. militaris, Arius Cuv. \ Qsteogeniosus mHitaris. militans, Silurus .... Lin. ) ° minimus, Ophisurus . . . M'C. Opliichthys hyala. mino, Ageniosus . . . . H. B. Batrachocephalus mino. Mir^al Hind. Cirrliina mrigala. Moali Assam. Amb^pharyngodon mola. modestus, Puntius .... Kner. Barbus modestus. Moh Punj. Notopterus kapirat. Mohaylee N. W. P. Labeo (tylognathus) bicolor. Moinsia ballia Ooriah. Wallago attu. Mola N. W. P. Nuria danrica. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 237 mola, Cyprinus H. B. monocera, Cobitis .... M'C. moritana, Schistura . . . M'C. montanus, Cobitis .... J. montanus, Opliiocephalus . M'C. mooreh, Cobitis S. Mootaharee Mai. Morah Puuj- Morahkee Sind. morala, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. morar, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. ) morar, Leuciscus .... Bkr. y morar, Leuciscus . . . . M'C. morar, Morara Bkr. Morara Ooriah. Mori N. W. F. Moriah Punj. Morur Hind. mosal, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. mosal, Labeobarbus . . . Stein, mosario, Cirrhina . . . . D. mosario, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Mosoo Tel. Mota Tarn. motius, Clupanodon . . . H. B. motius, Clupea Gray. Motusi Beng. mrigala, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Mucknee Punj. Muckni N. W. P. Muddibomidav Tel. Mugah Beng. muhisa, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Mukka Sind. Mukkoor Sind. Mukni Punj. Mullee Punj. Mulleer Sind. mulleri, Silurus Bkr. ) mulleri, Wallago .... Bkr. j Mullucheru Mai. mullya, Chondrostoma . . S. multidentata, Ptyobranchus M'C. multiradiatus, Plotosus . . Bkr. Mulwuj Hind. Munduttee Mai. Munglee almee Sind. murius, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. Muri vaclia Hind. Murrul Hind. Mussayahri Ooriah. Mussooasah Punj. mussullah, Barbus . . . . S. MutijeUa Tel. Muttah R. Amblypharyngodon mola . Nemachilus monoceros. Nemachilus montanus. NemacMlus ? Ophioceplialus gachua. Nemachilus moreh. Nandus marmoratus. Labeo (tjdognathus) ariza. Cirrhina mrigala. Labeo morala. Aspidoparia morar. Aspidoparia morar. Aspidoparia morar ? Amblypharyngodon mola. Cirrhina mrigala. Cachius atpar. Aspidoparia morar. Barbus mosal. Barbus chilinoides. Crossocliilus mosario. Crossochilus mosario. Labeo cursa. Oplriocephalus punctatus. Pellona motius. Pellona motius. Pseudeutropius murius. Cirrhina mrigala. Ambassis nama. Osteobrama cotio. Mastacemblus armatus. Nemachilus mugah. Labeo morala ? Chela phulo. Ophioceplialus punctatus. Amblyphaiyngodon mola. Wallago attu. ]\Iacrones tengara. Wallago attu. Ambassis thomassi. Labeo mullya. Moringua raitaborua. Plotosus canius. Nuria danrica. Barbus sarana. Aiha bengalensis. Pseudeutropius murius. Pseudeutropius murius. Oplriocephalus striatus. Rita kuturnee. Nandus marmoratus. Barbus ? Macrones aor. Ophioceplialus striatus. 238 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. mysorensis, Barbus mysorensis, Cobitis mysoricus, Silurus mysoricus, Perilarapus mystax, Clupea . . . Naharm . . . Naharm . . . Nali-lie . . . Nah kellettee Nairn .... nalua, Chanda . nama, Chanda . nancar, Cyprinus Nandi buchua . nandina, Cyprinus nandina, Roliita nandus, Coins . nangra, Pimelodus Naolli .... nashii, Barbus . nasuta, Platycara nasutus, Discognathus nebulosa, Anguilla Neemuch . . . Nepura .... Netteli .... nieilgherriensis, Paradanio nigroviridis, Tetrodon . Nilusu Nooriee notata, Platycara . . notopterus, Gymnosotus novacula, Leuciscus . Now-u Nullagandu menu . . Nuna tengara . . . Nurhin oblonga, Cobitis . . . obtusus, Discognathus ocellata, Cobitis . . . ocellata, Rhynchobdella ocellata, Schistura . . ocellatus, Macrognathus oculata, Cobitis . . . oculatus, Bagrus . . ogilbii, Rohtee . . . oligolepis, Megalops . Oolaree Ooloowey orientalis, Rhynchobdella ornatus, Notopterus osteographus, Perilampus Ovaree candee . . . J. Barbus conirostris. J. Nemachilus ? Cuv. Callichrous canio. J. ? Danio osteographus. Bloch. Engraulis mystax. Ooriah. Megalops cyprinoides. Hind. Barbus mosal. Pimj. Glyptosternum striatum. Tamil. Pseudeutropius sykesii. N. W. P. Cirrhina mrigala. H. B. Ambassis nalua. H. B. Ambassis nama. H. B. Labeo ? nancar. Ooriah. Eutropiichthys vacha. H. B. \ Cuv. i Labeo nandina. H. B. Nandus marmoratus. H. B. Macrones nangra. Ooriah. Euctenogobius striatus (y jung D. Labeo nashii. M'C. Discognathus lamta. G. Discognathus lamta. M'C. Anguilla bengalensis. N. W. P. Eutropiichthys vacha. Assam. Labeo falcatus. Tamil. Chela clupeoides. D. Danio nilgherriensis. Proce. Tetrodon nuviatilis. Tel. Barbus kolus. Punj. Saccobranchus fossiiis. Bly. Discognathus lamta. Pal. Notopterus kapirat. V. Chela novacula. Punj. Glyptosternum striatum. Tel. Labeo calbasu. Beng. Macrones gulio. C. P. Cirrhina mrigala. Cuv. H. M'C. Cuv. M'C. H. B. M'C. Cuv. S. Bkr. Tamil. Tamil. Bloch. Gray. M'C. Tamil. Acanthophthalmus pangia. Discognathus lamta. Nemachilus botia. Rhynchobdella aculeata. ? Rlrynchobdella aculeata. Cobitis gongota. Macrones ? Osteobrama ogilbii. Megalops cyprinoides. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Gobius giuris. Rhynchobdella aculeata. Notopterus chitala. Danio osteographus. Rasbora neilgherriensis. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 230 owenii, Chela S. Chela phulo ? Paandra Punj. Barbus stigma. Pabanoon Sind. Callichrous egertouii. pabda, Silurus H. B. Callichrous pabda. pabo, Schilbe S. Callichrous chechra. pabo, Silurus H. B. Callichrous pabo. Pahruah Hind. Aspidoparia jay a. Pahtah Punj- Barilius cocsa. palassii, Notopterus . . . Cuv. Notopterus kapirat. Pallu Punj- Callichrous bimaculatus. pancalus, Macrognathus . . H. B. Mastacemblus pancalus. panchax, Esox H. B. ) TT , , ., , panchax, Panchax .... Cant. ) Haplochilus panchax. Pandi pakkee Can. Discognathus lamta. pangasius, Pimelodus . . . H. B. Pangasius buchanani. Pangchak Beng. Haplocliilus panchax. pangia, Cobitis H. B. Acanthophthalmus pangia. pangusia, Cyprinus . . . H. B. Labeo pangusia. pangut, Rohtee S. Barbus cosuatis. Paochar Punj. Aspidoparia morar. Paraga Can. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Para korava Tamil. Ophiocephalus gachua. Parparal Tel. Mastacemblus pancalus. Parrah perlee Mai Barbus parrah. Parri N. W. F. Notopterus kapirat. parvidentata, Ptyobranchus . M'C. Moringua raitaborua. Patia kerundi Ooriah. Barbus stigma. Patoca Beng. Tetrodon. Paungsi Hind. Labeo morala. Paunia puice Ooriah. Pellona dussumieri. Pauni eyri Tamil. Anabas scanclens. pausio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Labeo ? pausius, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Labeo morala. pavimentatus, Arius . . . Cuv. Rita pavimentata. pavonacea, Cobitis .... M'C. Nemachilus pavonaceus. Peedah Sind. Ambassis lala. pellucidus, Leuciscus . . . M'C. Amblypharyngodon pellucidus. Pencha Beng. Engraulis telara. pentophthalmus, Mastacemblus Gron. Rhynchobclella aculeata. perlee, Puntius D. Barbus chola. peronii, Pimelodus .... Cuv. Hemipimelodus peronii. Perowa Hind. Rasbora daniconius. Persee Hind. Barilius barila. perseus, Perilampus . . . M'C. Chela perseus. petrophilus, Gonorhynchus . M'C. Oreinus richardsonii ? Pettohee Sind. Barbus titius. phacra, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Schacra cirrliata. phaiosoma, Gobius .... Bkr. Gobius giuris. Pharbadun Sind. (Jhela bacaila. Pharrie Sind. Chela gora. Phasa Beng. Engi-aulis telara. phasa, Engraulis .... Cuv J Engraulis telara> „ Clupea H. B. ) ° Phoksha Hind. Tetrodon cutcutia. 240 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. pholicephalus, Opsarius Pholoe .... Phool dhok . . Phool murrul . . Phool verarl . . phoxochila, Cobitis phula, Chanda . Plml chela . . phulo, Cyprinus . Phutoni pungti . phutonio, Cyprinus phutonio, Systomus Pichru .... Pila kuturnee M'C. Beng. Hind. Hind. Tarn. M'C. H. B. Beng. H. B. Beng. H. B. Bkr. Sind. Hind. Chela gora. Notopterus kapirat. Opliiocephalus punctatus. | Opliiocephalus marulius. Nemacliilus phoxochilus. Ambassis nama. | Chela phulo. Barbus phutonio. | Barbus phutonio. Trichogaster fasciatus. Macrones chryseus. pinnauratus, CyclocheilichthysD. \ -R nr h n( , ™rmaurntus pinnauratus, Puntius . . . D. } ^ arbus P mnaiuatus D. D. M'C. Ooriah. Hind. H. Cuv. Cuv. pinnauratus, Puntius piscatorius, Barilius piscatorius, Opsarius Pitha kerundi . . Pitul kas .... plagiostomus, Schizothorax planiceps, Opliiocephalus plumbea, Cirrhina . . . Poaree candee Tamil. Pobta Ooriah. Pobta Punj. Pohpree Sind. Poikee . . Sind. polyacantha, Rhynchobdella Bloch. Pompiah N. W. P. Poncha geraldi Ooriah. ponticeriana, Colisa . . . Cuv. ponticerianus, Mastacemblus Cuv. Ponundi Tel. Poola chapa Tel. Poomeen candee .... Tamil. Poonattee Tamil. porcellus, Tylognathus . . H. Potah Hind. potail, Cyprinus . . . . S. potamopiiilus, Tetrodon . . Bkr. Pottiah Hind. presbyter, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. progeneius, Barbus. . . . M'C. Psetta kelettee Tamil. psilopterimus, Perilampus . M'C. Puckwahree Punj. Puddoo Sind. Pud du ah Punj. Pufta Hind. Pulli Ooriah. Pullooree Punj. Pulluttay Mai. Pultosi Beng. Pulwuah Punj. Barilius alburnus. Barihus alburnus. Barbus chola. Etroplus suratensis. ? Oreinus plagiostomus. Opliiocephalus striatus. Cirrhina ? Barbus carnations. Callichrous chechra. Callichrous bimaculatus. Barbus sarana. Wallago attu. Mastacemblus armatus. Ambassis nama. Barilius rerio. Trichogaster fasciatus. Mastacemblus armatus. Trichogaster fasciatus. Opliiocephalus marulius. Barbus mosal. Silondia gangetica. Labeo porcellus. Barbus sarana. ? Labeo. Tetrodon nuviatilis. Barbus stigma. Barbus presbyter. Barbus mosal. Macrones punctatus. Cachius atpar. Barilius cocsa. Ambassis nama. Callomystax gagata (young), Callichrous bimaculatus. Notopterus kapirat. Clupea indica. Etroplus maculatus. Schilbichthys garua. Callichrous egertonii. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 241 pumilus, Arius V. punctata, Schistnra . . . M'C. punctatus, Clarias .... Cuv. punctatus, Mastacemblus . Cuv. Pungella Tamil. Punia buchua Ooriah. Punjali gugga Ooriah. puntio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Punnikowu Ooriah. Punnum Tamil. purava, Clupea H. B. Purrandah Punj. Purri Punj. Purrund Punj. Pussai Ooriah. putitora, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Puttah chettah Ooriah. Puttahree N. W. P. Puttassi Punj. Putter perlee Mai. Putti Ooriah. Puttolah Sind. Puttoo Punj. Puttuah . Punj. Puttul Punj. Puttuli Ooriah. Puttur cheta N. W. P. pyrrhopterus, Systomus . . M'C. quadrimaculatus, Cyprinus Raankaalee . . . rama, Pimelodus Rahtijella. . . . raitaborua, Muraena Ramghurdi . . . ranga, Chanda . . rasbora, Cyprinus . reba, Cirrhina . . reba, Cyprinus . . recurvirostris, Perilampus rerio, Cyprinus . . reticulatus, Perilampus Rewah rewah, Cirrhina . . reynauldi, Rohita . . Rliie rhodopterygius, Bagrus richardsonii, Cyprinus ricnorhynchus, Gobio rita, Arius .... rita, Pimelodus . . ritoides, Arius . . rodactylus, Barbus rohita, Cyprinus. . Rita hastata. Nemachilus corica. Clarias magur. Mastacemblus pancalus. Barbus sarana. Schilbichthys garua. Macrones corsula. Barbus puntio. Megalops cyprinoides. Polyacanthus cupanus. Engraulis purava. Danio devario. Notopterus kapirat. Chela bacaila, Engraulis purava. Barbus mosal. Callomystax gagata. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Ailiichthys punctata. Barbus punctatus. Barbus vittatus. Ambassis nama. Osteobrama cotio. Ailiichthys punctata. Pseudeutropius athemioides. Ailia bengalensis. Discognathus lamta. Barbus pyrrhopterus. M'C. Barbus ticto. Punj. Rasbora daniconius. H.B. Rita rama. Tel. Bagarius yarrellii. H.B. Moringua raitaborua. Cashmere. Schizothorax micropogon H.B. Ambassis ranga. H.B. Rasbora buchanani. Cuv. H B 1 Crossochilus reba. M'C. Nuria danrica. H.B. Barilius rerio. M'C. Danio dangila. Hind. Stein. } Crossochilus reba. Cuv. Labeo calbasu. Beng. ? Crossochilus reba. Bkr. Macrones gulio. Gray. Oreinus richardsonii. M'C. Labeo ricnorhynchus. Cuv. H.B. } Rita crucigera. Cuv. Rita pavimentata. M'C. H.B. Labeo rohita. 242 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. roseipinnis, Barbus rostra ta, Cirrhina . rostratum, Ophidium rostratus, Ophisurus rouxii, Labeo . . rouxii, Rohita . . rubripinnis, Cirrhina rubripinnis, Cobitis rubropunctatus, Cirrhinus rubrostigina, Pancliax rubrotinctus, Systomus Ruchu Ruee riifus, Discogiiathus rugosus, Barilius . Ruhu rupelli, Cobitis . . rupicola, Schistura . rupicolus, Gonorhynchus russellii, Gobius . . russellii, Pellona . russellii, Wallagoo . Saal candee . Saant al . . Sable fish . . sada, Cirrhina sada, Cyprinus Sahinga . . Sahlun Sakujellah . . . Salava jellah . . . salmoides, Leuciscus sandkhol, Leuciscus San go ah . . . . Saoli sarana, Barbus . . sarana, Cyprinus . sarana, Puntius . . Saul Saul ...... savona, Cobitis . . Savon khorka . . Bcalpellus, Leuciscus scandens, Lutjanus scandens, Perca scaturigina, Cobitis schegelii, Bagrus seenghala, Platystoma seengtee, Pimelodus semiplotus, Cyprinus semivelatus, Chondrostoma Sengala .... Sentoree .... Septi Cuv. D. Shaw. M'C. G. Cur. Cuv. J. J. J. J. Tel. Beng. H. G. Hind. S M'C. M'C. Cuv. Bkr. Bkr. Tamil. Punj. Eng. D. H. B. Punj. Ooriah. Tel. Tel. Bly. S. Punj. Hind. Cuv. H. B. Stein. Punj. Punj. H. B. Hind. Cuv. Lacep. Dald. M'C. Bkr. S. s. M'C. Cuv. Punj. Assam. Tel. Barbus ? Crossochilus rostratus. Rhynchobdella aculeata. Ophichthys hyala. Labeo dussumieri. Labeo dussumieri. Cirrhina mrigala. Nemachilus rubripinnis. Labeo kontius. Haplocliilus rubrostigmus. Barbus ticto ? Labeo fimbriatus. Labeo rohita, Discognathus lamta. Barilius gatensis. Labeo rohita. Nemachilus rupeli. Nemachilus rupecola Discognathus lamta. Gobius giuris. Pellona motius. Wallago attu. Barbus carnaticus. Nemachilus montanus. Clupea ilisha. Crossochilus sada. Crossochilus sada. Botia dario. Bagarius yarellii. Macrones tengara. Pseudeutropius taakree. Bola goha. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Macrones aor. Ophiocephalus marulius. Barbus russellii. Barbus sarana. Oreinus sinuatus. Ophiocephalus marulius. Nemachilus savona. Chela? Anabas scandens. Anabas scandens. Nemacliilus ? Macrones gulio. Macrones aor. Macrones cavasius. Semiplotus m'clellandi. Gymnostomus semivelatus. Macrones aor. Semiplotus m'clellandi. Nandus marmoratus. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 243 setipinnis, Megalops . . . Rich. Megalops cyprinoides. Sbaata rah .... Tamil. Mastacemblus armatus. shacra, Barilius . . . . D. Scliacra cirrbata. shacra, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Scbacra cirrbata. Shee nharo .... Sind. Botia dario. Shellee Tamil. Barbus carnaticus. Silond Hind. Silondia gangetica. silondia, Pimelodus . . H. B. Silondia gangetica. sinmlans, Tetrodon. . . . Cant. Tetrodon fluviatilis. Singharee . . N. W. P. Macrones aor. Singi Hind. ^) singio, Silurus . . . H. B. V Saccobrancbus fossilis. singio, Sacchobranclius . . Cuv. j sinuatus, Scliizotliorax . . H. Oreinus sinuatus. soboma, Corica . . . Sobomo kborka . . . . . H. B. \ . Beng. j Clupeoides soborna. Sola Opliiocepbalus striatus. Soli Barilius borelio. solio, Cyprinus . . . . . H. B. ? Barilius borelio. sona, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. Arius sona. Soni ....... . N. W. F. Labeo cursa. Sooksee . . Pimj. Amblyceps mangois. Sooinarah Hind. Nuria danrica. Soon da lee . Pimj. Nemacbilus botia. . Pimj. Crossocliilus reba. sophore, Barbus . . . sopbore, Cyprinus . . . G. \ . . M'C. J Barbus stigma. sopbore, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Barbus sophore. sopbore, Systomus . . . Bkr. Barbus sopboroides. sota, Tricbopodus . . . . H. B. Tricbogaster fasciatus. Sottir Scliizotliorax curvifrons. Souab . Pimj. Belone cancila. Sou-e Clupea indica. Sowarab Tel. Opliiocepbalus striatus. spilopterus, Cobitis . . . . Cuv. ? Nemacbilus spilopterus. spinosus, Anabas . . . . Gray. Anabas scandens. stenorhynchus, Gonorbyn elms J. Discognatbus lamta. stigma, Leuciscus . . . . Cuv. Barbus stigma. striatus. Perilampus . . . M'C. Barilius rerio. striolatus, Tylognatbus . G. Labeo (tylognathus) striolatus subfusca, Schistura . . . M'C. Nemacbilus subfuscus. subnasutus, Barbus . . . Cuv. Barbus ? subrostratus, Arius . . . . Cuv. Arius? sucatio, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Psiloihynchus sucatio. Sudaal . Punj. Amblyceps mangois. sulcatus, Glyptosternon . . M'C. Pseudecheneis sulcatus. sulphureus, Leuciscus . . . Cuv. Barbus chrysopterus. Sundaree . Assam. Semiplotus m'clellandi. sutiha, Cyprinus . . . . H. B. Nuria danrica. , Bloch. Notopterus kapirat. taakree Hypoptbalmus . . S. Pseudeutropius taakree. Taal Ian ab . Punj. Nemacbilus corica. Tahree Labeo (tylognatbus) bicolor. Taila . N. W. F. Catla buchanani. 244 INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. Talla maya . Tambra . . Tampara . . teekanee, Chela Teepah benld telara, Clupea telaroides, Engraulis telcliitta, Pinieloclus Tellarree . . . tengana, Bagrus tengana, Pimelodus tengara, Bagrus . tengara, Pimelodus Tengara . . teiiuinlis, Engraulis . terio, Cyprinus . . . Teri pungti .... testuclineus, Anthias . testudineus, Ampliiprion testudineus, Sparus testudineus, Anabas . testudo, Lutjanus . . tetrarupagus, Systomus Tharlee tliermalis, Cobitis . . thernialis, Leuciscus . thermoicos, Esomus . thermoicos, Nuria . . thermophilos, Nuria . thermopliilus Perilampus ticto, Cyprinus ticto, Rolitee . tila, Cyprinus tileo, Cyprinus . Tilleah . . . tincoides, Rohita titius, Barbus . titius, Cyprinus Tit pungti Took . ,. . , Toolee .... tor, Cyprinus trachacanthus, Bagrus trachipomus, Bagrus . trifoliatus, Anabas . . trilineatus, Glyptothorax tripunctatus, Systomus tristis, Systomus Tsikidundu . . Turi turio, Cobitis . . typus, Gagata . Tel. Bombay. Ooriali. S. Ooriah. H. B. Bkr. H. B. Pimj. Cuv. ) H. B. J Cuv. \ H. B. J Punj. Cuv. H. B. Beng. Bloch. Bloch. Shaw. Cuv. Lacep. M'C. Tamil. Cuv. Cuv. Kner. Cuv. Cuv. M'C. H. B. S. H. B. H. B. Punj. Cuv. G. H. B. Beng. Punj. Mai. H. B. Cuv. Cuv. Kaup. Bly. J. J. Tel. Ooriah. H. B. Bkr. Amblypharyngodon mola. Catla buchanani ? Engraulis telara. Chela (?) Tetrodon cutcutia. Engraulis telara. Engraulis taty. Glyptosternum telcliitta. Crossochilus gohama. Macrones tengana. Macrones tengara. Macrones f tengara. \ lamarri. Engrauhs taty. Barbus terio. Barbus terio. ? Anabas scandens. Barbus tetrarupagus. Saccobranchus fossilis. Lepidocephalichthys thernialis. Barbus thermalis. Nuria danrica. Barbus ticto. ? Barbus ticto. Barilius cocsa. Barilius tileo. Glyptosternum telcliitta. Labeo cursa. Barbus tetrarupagus. Barbus titius. Chela punjabensis. Labeo dussumieri. Barbus mosal. Macrones ? Arius gagorides. Anabas scandens. Glyptosternuni trilineatum. Barbus ticto. Barbus ? Gobius giuris. Mastacemblus pancalus. Neniachilus turio. Callomystax gagata. Undala Hind. Mugil corsula. INDEX TO NATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS. 245 Undee collee Mai. undulatus, Macrognathus . M'C. unicolor, Plotosus .... Cuv. Uutrahi Ooriah. Ursi Ooriah. urua, Bagrus Cuv. urua, Pimelodus . . . . H. B. Vaad hul ' . . Hind. vaclia, Bagrus Cuv. vacha, Pinielodus . . . . II. B. Vaghari Hind. vagra, Cyprinus H. B. Valilah Tamil. Valagah . _. . . . . . Tel. valenciennesi, Rohita . . . Bkr. valenciennesii, Tylognathus H. variegata, Anguilla . . . M'C. variegatus, Psilorhynchus . M'C. velatus, Labeo V. Vella kelettee Tamil. Ven candee Tamil. Yenkendi Tamil. venosus, Mastacemblus . . V. Verarl Mai. Verarlu Tamil. vigorsii, Rolitee S. viridescens, Pimelodus . . H. B. vittata, Cobitis H. vittatus, Puntius . . . . D. viviparus, Plotosus .... Bkr. Vounche Sind. vulgaris, Colisa Bkr. wallagoo, Silurus .... Cuv. Wallah Tamil. Walla ke kelletee .... Tamil. Wallak tattah Mysore. Wanjou . . _ Tel. watsoni, Scaphiodon . . . D. wattanah, Chondrostoma . . S. Wattara Tel. Wellachee candee .... Tamil, woolaree, Rasbora . . . . D. wrahl, Ophiocephalus . . . H. B. Wumboo Mai. xantho gramme, Leuciscus . J. yarrellii, Bagrus . . . . S. zonata, Schistura .... M'C. Anabas scandens. Mastacemblus armatus. Plotosus canius. Chela untrahi. Pellona motius. > Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Nandus marmoratus. | Eutropiichthys vacha. Bagarius yarellii. Barilius vagra. | Wallago attu. Labeo dussumieri. Labeo diplostomus. Anguilla bengalensis. Psilorhynchus bahtora. Labeo calbasu. Macrones cavasius. Labeo nmbriatus. Cirrhina leschenaultii. Mastacemblus armatus ? > Opliiocephalus striatus. Osteobrama rapax. Hemipimelodus viridescens. Nemachilus marmoratus. Barbus vittatus. Plotosus canius. Chela bacaila. Trichogaster fasciatus. Wallago attu. Wallago attu. Silondia gangetica. Notopterus kapirat. Silondia gangetica. Capoeta watsoni. ? Rasbora daniconius. Nemachilus chlorosoma. Chela argentea. Rasbora daniconius. Ophiocephalus striatus. Amblypharyngodon melettinus. Rasbora ? Bagarius yarrellii. Nemachilus zonatus. LIST OF REFERENCES AND ABBREVIATIONS. R. — P. Russell. (Fishes of Vizagapatam, 1803.) H. B. — Dr. Hamilton, formerly Buchanan, (Fishes of the Ganges, 1822), etc. H. — J. Heckel. (Fische aus Cashmere, Wien, 1838.) Gray. — J. E. Gray. (Illustrations of Indian Zoology, 1830-32.) M'C. — Dr. J. M'Clelland. (Indian Cyprinidse, 1839 ; and other papers published in the Journals of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.) S. — Col. Sykes. (Fishes of the Dukhun, 1841 ; and other papers in the Transactions of the Zoological Society of London.) J. — Dr. Jerdon. (Fresh- water Fishes of Southern India, 1849 ; in Madras Journal of Literature and Science, and other publications.) Bly. — Edward Blyth. (Papers in the Journals of the Asiatic Society, Bengal, 1858-60.) Bkr. — Dr. P. Von Blecker. (Atlas Ichthyologique Amsterdam, 1862-72 ; and many other publications.) D. — Dr. Day. (Indian Cj'prinidse, and other papers in the Journals of the Asiatic Society, Bengal, and also of the Zoological Society.) G. — Dr. A. Giinther. (Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum. 8 vols. 1859-1870, etc.) Cuv. — Baron Cuvier, and Valenciennes. (Histoire Naturelle de Poissons. 22 vols. Paris, 1828-49 ; and other works.) V. — Mon. A. Vallenciennes. PL— Lieut.-Col. R. L. Playfair. Bloch. — M. E. Bloch. (Systema Ichthyologise ; revised by J. G. Schneider.) L. — Linnaeus. Lacep. — Comte de Lacepede. Stein. — F. Steindachner. Kner. — R. Kner. Pal.— P. S. Pallas. Gro. — L. T. Gronow. Shaw. — George Shaw. Kaup. — J. J. Kaup. Ow. — Owen. Proce. Peters. Dald. — Capt. Daldorf. (Linnaean Transactions.) Rich. — Sir John Richardson. M. — Muller and Troschel. Cant. — Dr. Cantor. Bon. — Bonnaterre. LIST OF REFERENCES AND ABBREVIATIONS. 2-47 PROVINCES. Hind. — Hindostan generally. Beng. — Bengal. N. W. P.— North West Provinces. Punj . — Pnnj ab. N. W. F.— North West frontier. Assam. — North East frontier. Cash. — Cashmere. Mai. — Malabar. Dialects. Tamil. Tel.— Telegoo. C. P. — Central Provinces. Can. — Canara. Deccan. Sind. Nepal. Oudli. Bhutan. Bombay. Ooriah. Mah. — Mahratta. PRINTED BY TAYLOK AND CO., LITTLE QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS. LIST OF WORKS PUBLISHED BY L. 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