Barbel, in ichthyology, a genus of fresh-water fishes, comprising thirty-one species, which are principally distinguished by the number of rays in the vent-fin: their general characters are, a toothless mouth; three rays in the gills ; a smooth and white body ; and the belly-fins have frequently nine rays. The following ten are the most remarkable species: 1. The Carp: 2. The Barbel (of which we have here subjoined a more particular account); 3. The Tench j 4. The Gudgeon; 5.. The Bream ; 0". The Roach ; /.The Dace ; 8. The Chub; g. The Bleak. ; and 10. The Golden Fish ;—for a description of which we refer to the order of die alphabet.

The Barbel, or Bar bus, is one of the cuarsest fresh-water fish, and therefore eaten almost exclusively by the industrious poor, who boil it with bacon, to render it more palatable. Its roe is not wholesome, and ought therefore to be thrown away, as the eating of it is frequendy attended with nausea, vomiting, purging, etc.—The natural history of this fish has escaped the attention of the ancients, though is sufficiently curious.

for thee upper jaw of the former is more projecting, and they are also provided with four dependent fibres or rays in the gills, with which, while dexterously playing, they allure their prey, consisting of insects and small fishes. Their dorsal fin is armed with a remarkably-strong and sharp spine, serving them as means of defence or attack, and with which they frequently cut the nets, or when incautiously handled, inflict severe wounds on their captors.

In size, the barbel rarely exceeds the length of three feet, and weighs from twelve to eighteen, or twenty-five pounds. Its most frequent places of abode are the sides of hollow banks, in calm and deep waters. In the months of May and June, it deposits its spawn 0:1 the stones lining the beds of deep rivers, and between which, as well as poles, roots of trees, etc. barbels harbour during winter, in a compact and social state. Not unlike swine, they dig and excavate the soft banks with their noses, are fond of animal carcasses (particularlyuf human flesh, according to C P. Funke, a reputed German naturalist), and become exceedingly fat by living on the refuse of flax steeped in stagnant waters. Hence we may also account for their un-palatable, and, perhaps, unwholesome flesh. They are so tame, that they may be easily caught by the hand though we do not suggest so dangerous a method of taking them. - For the particulars relative to the method of angling for barbel, we refer to the article Cart.