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. 



