BEL, BITTERLING, BLEAK, BREAM, CHUB, DACE, GOLDFISH, GUD GEON, MAHSEER, MINNOW, ROACH, RUDD, TENCH.
The carp (Cyprinus carpio) is characterized by large scales, a long dorsal fin, and a mouth with four barbels. It is a native of eastern Asia, but has been introduced into Europe and North America. It inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-running rivers, espe cially frequenting weedy places with a muddy bottom; it is mainly a vegetarian. It attains a weight of 25 lb. in England, but is said to reach 1 oo lb. on the continent of Europe. In Germany varieties wholly or partly scaleless are bred and are esteemed for the table. The Crucian carp is smaller and without barbels ; it inhabits Europe, Turkistan, Siberia and Mongolia. The goldfish is closely related to the Crucian carp; it is a native of China and Japan.