. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. 578 TELEOSTEI The air-bladder is divided into an anterior and a posterior part by a constriction; the posterior part is the longer, and its anterior portion is cellular in Erytlirinus and LeUasina. Pyloric appendages to the stomach, which are constantly absent in the Cyprinids, are more or less numerous. An accessory respiratory organ in a diverticulum above the fourth branchial arch has been observed in Xenocharax and Citharinus. The appearance and habits of the genera which compose this family vary greatly. Some resemble the Cyprinids and are mainly
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. 578 TELEOSTEI The air-bladder is divided into an anterior and a posterior part by a constriction; the posterior part is the longer, and its anterior portion is cellular in Erytlirinus and LeUasina. Pyloric appendages to the stomach, which are constantly absent in the Cyprinids, are more or less numerous. An accessory respiratory organ in a diverticulum above the fourth branchial arch has been observed in Xenocharax and Citharinus. The appearance and habits of the genera which compose this family vary greatly. Some resemble the Cyprinids and are mainly vegetarians, whilst others recall Salmonids and Pike. Among the most formidable are Hydrocyon, the Dogs of the Water, or Kelb-el-Bahr of the Arabs, with their powerful jaws with. Fib. 350.—Hydrocyon goliath, from the Congo, ^u uat. size. shark-like teeth, visible when the mouth is closed, and which grow to the size of the Salmon. The five known species inhabit the Nile and the rivers and lakes of tropical Africa. No less ferocious are the " Piranha " or " Cariba " (Serrasalvw) of South America, whose bite has been compared to the cut of a razor. They abound in some rivers and are much dreaded by people having to enter the water, as they fiercely bite off big pieces of flesh as with a pair of scissors, and the smell of blood is said to attract them by thousands; they show a great tenacity of life and can remain for hours out of the water. Scrrasalmo niger has been observed by Schomburgk to produce a grunting noise in the water. Salminus orhignianus, of the Plate River, " Dorado " of the Spaniards, which reaches a length of 3 feet, has the predacious habits of the Pike, and follows other fishes moving in shoals ; its flesh is much valued, although very full of bones, like that of all Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of
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