PLATE XXV. 
This plate shows the scenery under water in one of the ponds оп a coral-reef near Galle. 
The cristalline water is there as quiet during low tide as that in an aquarium, while the high rol- 
ling surf is still breaking with thunderlike noise against the rugged sides of the reef. These ponds 
are especially remarkable as containing a great variety of zoophytes among which are to be seen 
the curious flexible Aleyonia. These to the left of the picture are of a pale colour with nume- 
rous brown polypes and have on a flat base, many short branches, while others are of a yellowish 
brown or whitish hue, and assume quite undescribable forms. 
The large masses to the left, which are partially overgrown by the Aleyoniae, belong to the 
rock-like corals (Maeandrina οἷο). Another stony coral but of disk-like form (Montipora) 
grows also on their top and a grove of Heteropores extends in the distance. Even the stones 
which lie on the fine sand at the bottom are sure to interest the naturalist, as they exhibit the 
corals in their early stage of youth, some of which however are not destinate to get developed, as 
it would appear from their white colour which indicates death. 
A manifold variety of fish comes forth from their shelters between the corals and enjoy the 
'almness of the water. Of these the endless species and varieties of the genus Chaetodon are sure to 
excite the admiration of the spectator. 
These curious fish, of a nearly square or oval form*) live on tiny prey and are therefore 
continually occupied in picking up something with their beak-like mouths in order to appease 
their hunger. 
Many other beautiful fish, such as the well known Acanthurus lineatus, together 
with others of dark brown colour and less goreeous appearance, move about in the pond until the 
first wave of the rising tide overflows the reef and causes the whole merry crowd to vanish again 
in an instant. 
*) The plate gives the figures of two species, one with a black eye-like spot on its yellow dorsal fin Chaet. nesogallicus, the other 
with the black fin Ch. decussatus. 
15 
XXV 
РІ, 
