5. 



CH.ETODON VESPERTILIO. 



Order, Thoracic. 



OON. 



Native Name, ^^%^^0/€^ ^^S'^^^ Kola Hoxdaii — Leaf M 



C. VESPERTILIO. Dorsal spines 5. Dorsal and anal fins broad. Caudal fin 



with a brown band. 



Brayichiostegous rays 4. Dorsal 42, five spinous. Pectoral 15. Ventral 6, 

 one spinous. ^/«rt/ 13, three spinous. Caudal l6. Head without scales. 

 Iris golden, mouth small, lips thick, lateral line arched. 



This species of ChEetodon is very rare on the southern coast of 

 Ceylon, and is considered by the native fishers so very unwholesome, 

 from its peculiar food, that it is never made use of. 



It attains a very large size, and is called by the Cingalese, Kola 

 Hondah, from a supposed resemblance in the dorsal fin to the leaf 

 of a marine plant ; and in the shape of the body to that of the 

 moon. 



This fish is occasionally found in rocky situations, but most com- 

 monly in deep water. 



This Chtetodon corresponds, in eveiy respect, with C. vespertilio 

 of Bloch, except in colour, which might have occurred through that 

 Naturalist's specimen having been coloured from one in spirits. 



figure — The natural size of the Specimen. 



