THE MACKEREL FAMILY. 163 



estuaries in countless myriads. Many of those that enter 

 the inlets are immature, the larger fishes usually preferring 

 the open waters of the ocean itself, though occasionally large 

 shoals of those also put in an appearance. In addition to 

 being distributed over the greater part of the Australian 

 coastline, this species has an immense range, occurring in 

 the waters of Europe, and on both coasts of America, being 

 particularly common in the Mediterranean Sea and in 

 Southern California. In America it is known under various 

 titles, such as Chub Mackerel, Tinker Mackerel, Easter 

 Mackerel and Thimble-eyed Mackerel ; while in England it 

 is called "Spanish Mackerel."* 



In colour the Mackerel is as follows: Upper surfaces 

 bluish-green with numerous, irregular, wavy, blackish 

 streaks, which extend to just below the lateral line. Some 

 of these streaks form reticulations and enclose pale spots 

 of the colour of the back. Belly and sides silvery- white, 

 but always, in the adult, with roundish dusky spots or cloud- 

 ings. There is a black spot on each side, at the root of the 

 pectoral fin. 



As a game fish this species is somewhat sought after, 

 as it gives a considerable amount of sport to line fishermen. 



The Mackerel usually attains a length of from 12 to 14 



inches. 



The Horse-Mackerel : This active and highly- voracious 

 fish is not so commonly seen as the preceding, but at times, 

 huge shoals put in an appearance on the coast of New South 

 Wales, and it is also known from the Victorian coast. As 

 it has an extensive distribution outside of Australia it is 

 more than probable that it is to be found in the waters of 

 other Australian States, though it appears to have escaped 

 attention so far. It attains to a very much greater size than 

 the Mackerel, growing to a length of about 3 feet. Ogilby 

 says that "with us eighteen inches is the maximum size/' 

 but I have handled a specimen one of a small school of 

 the same size measuring more than 27 inches. This speci- 

 men was captured in Rose Bay, Port Jackson, and is now 



* Tliis must not be confused with the Spanish Mackerels mentioned 

 later. 



