FAMILY SCOMBKID^E PELAMYS. 107 



and does not assume a distinct and regular curvature. Eyes large, nearer the snout than to 

 the margin of the opercle. Nostrils double ; the posterior a vertical slit. Mouth opening 

 beyond the orbits. In each jaw, a series of twenty to twenty-five sharp distant teeth, curved 

 inwards. A row of minute teeth on the palatines, and two rounded patches of teeth at the 

 base of the tongue. 



The first dorsal long and low, feebly spinous, lodged in a deep groove, and commencing 

 over the base of the pectoral ; the anterior are longest. The second dorsal commences a 

 short distance behind the first, and is deeply emarginate on its posterior margin ; the two first 

 rays spinous : posterior to this are 8-9 unlets. The pectorals are short, triangular, and 

 lodged in a shallow cavity. Ventrals beneath the pectorals, small, and also lodged in a similar 

 cavity. The anal fin commences under the end of the second dorsal, which it resembles in 

 shape and size ; beyond this, are seven finlets. Caudal fin widely lunate. 



Stomach, a long narrow sac, with a strong convolution, from which arises the pyloric 

 orifice, with numerous cascal appendages. Liver of two lobes, and very large. Gall-bladder 

 very long, extending nearly the whole length of the abdominal cavity. No air-bladder. 



Color, of the summit of the head and upper part of the sides, dark plumbeous. Abdomen 

 and sides ashen grey, mixed with blue. Irides white. Ventrals white ; the other fins dark 

 bluish black. A series of 6 - 8 parallel, somewhat oblique, longitudinal, narrow dark stripes 

 on the sides, slightly descending forwards, the greater part crossing the lateral line. In young 

 individuals, there are from 6-8 broad and vertical deep blue bands, crossing the narrow 

 longitudinal stripes at right angles. In older specimens, such as that figured in the plate, 

 these bands become almost effaced or entirely wanting ; even in young individuals they 

 become more obscure after death. Tongue and inside of the mouth deep black. 



Length, 20. Depth, 4' 75. 



Fin rays, D. 22.2.12 + ix ; P. 24 ; V. 1.5; A. 2.12 + vii; C. 27 f. 



The Striped Bonito is but an occasional visitor to our coast. The specimen which furnished 

 me with the preceding description, was taken in September, in the harbor of New- York, in 

 company with many others. 



Its geographical range appears to be extensive, although its chief habitat seems to be in 

 the Mediterranean. It has been taken off the Cape de Verd islands, on the coast of Brazil, 

 and along the shores of North America as far as Cape Cod. 



