27. 



GERRANUS TANKERVILL^E. 



Order, Thoracic. 



Native Name, sk ezram-ecGn Tik Kossah. 



G. tankervill^;. Body yellow, with longitudinal streaks of pale red. A 

 large irregularly formed stain, approaching to black, above the lateral line, 

 and towards the caudal fin. Head of a dull purple hue, spotted with darker 

 tones of purple. Fins various shades of yellow, with reddish rays. 



Branchiostegous rays 3. Dorsal 21, ten spinous. Pectoral 14. Ventral 6, 

 one spinous. Anal 9, three spinous. Caudal 16. 



The Tik Kossah of the Cingalese inhabits rocky situations, seldom 

 exceeds eighteen inches in length, and is a firm-fleshed and whole- 

 some fish. 



Many of the fishes on the coast of Ceylon vary in their colors 

 after having attained their utmost length ; therefore the most brilliant 

 specimens are those of medium size. Gratitude for kindnesses re- 

 ceived, and favorable recommendations to the authors superiors in 

 India, (however neglected by those to whom addressed,) have induced 

 the denomination of this Gerranus, the only mode the author has of 

 recording his deep sense of respect to the memory of the late Right 

 Hon. Charles Augustus, Earl of Tankerville. 



Figure — The size of the Specimen. 



