1848.] Fishes of Southern India. 145 



Colisa fasciata. (Bloch.) 

 D. * A. \\. Eight or ten vertical dark bands on sides of body. Hab. 

 Tranquebar. I know nothing of this or the next species, but as se- 

 veral of the genus are stated to inhabit fresh waters, I have included 

 them in this list. 



Colisa Ponticeriana. Cuvier. 

 Opercule rounded with a black spot near its lower edge ; oblique 

 brown lines on its body. D. \% A. tt- Hab. Pondicherry. 



Gen. Ophicephalus. Ouvier. 

 Body lengthened, somewhat cylindrical ; head broad, depressed, 

 covered with bony plates; muzzle short, obtuse; dorsal fin long; it 

 and the anal destitute of spiny rays. 



O'phicepJialus punctatiis. Bloch. 

 0. Karouvei, Lacep. 0. lata. Ham. Buch. 



Body compressed behind the pectorals; muzzle semi-circular; 

 eyes near the end of the muzzle. D. 31, A. 20, V.5. Color dusky green 

 above, whitish beneath, with obscure markings on the back, dorsal, 

 anal, and caudal fins, I have not seen any spotted in the marked 

 manner described by authors. The rays of the dorsal fin are some- 

 times 30, and those of the anal 21, 22, and 23. 



This fish which is the korave of the Tamuls, and the muttah of 

 the Telingas, is exceedingly common in all the sluggish rivers of 

 India, and also in almost every tank, ditch, and well. It is not usu- 

 ally met with longer than 6 or 8 inches, but is said to reach a foot 

 and more. It is very easily taken with a hook baited with worm, 

 and is said to be good eating. 



Ophicephalus marginatus. Cuvier. 



Head shorter, broader, and more round than the last; ventrals 

 very small, of an uniform dusky green color, lighter beneath ; dor- 

 sal and caudal fins margined with orange ; the former, and pectoral, 

 with a tinge of the same color throughout. D. 34, A. 22. 



I have found this species most abundant in Mysore, both in rivers 

 and tanks, but it is also found in the Carnatic. I have not seen 

 it longer than 6 inches. The natives apply the same name to it as 

 to the last, which indeed it very closely resembles. 



VOL. XV. NO. XXXIV. T 



