THE COMMON CARP.
_Cyprinus Carpio._--This, as well as the goldfish, _Cyprinus auratus_,
is not a native of our country, but has been introduced from Europe, and
naturalists have supposed that there is no native carp of any size in
this country. I have seen a fish called the Western Carp, which,
although I had no chance to more than sketch its head, was certainly a
true carp, and of four or five pounds weight. It had large scales, and
all the fin-rays soft, except the first anal, which was robust.
The common carp, which has increased with amazing rapidity till it is
found everywhere in the Hudson River, has a small mouth, fleshy lips
without teeth, large scales, three branchial rays and teeth on the
pharyngeals; has the first ray of the dorsal and anal fin serrated
behind, has two barbels at the angle of the mouth, and a smaller one
above on each side, small eyes, large nostrils, a high back and
radiating striæ on the gill-cover. The color is a golden olive, lighter
underneath.
These delicate fish, having become acclimated, and finding the Hudson
River suitable to their wants, are increasing rapidly in size and
numbers; but none that I have seen equal the western carp or are
properly game fish.