Zoology.} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [KsAm. 



The Pelamyds differ from the Tunnies chiefly in their larger 

 teeth. The beautiful species here figured does not agree exactly 

 with any of those previously known. Its fin-rays are fewer .than 

 in P. sarda, and the color streaks are less oblique and more over 

 the sides and belly, and the pectoral fin is larger. The P. orientalis 

 of Japan, which approaches it in many respects, has, according to 

 Schlegel's figure, a more flexuous lateral line and smaller pectoral 

 (its length going about eight and a half in length of body, instead 

 of considerably less than one-eighth, as in our example). The 

 figure agi'ees with ours in having six anal pinnules, instead of 

 eight, as described. (Dr. Giiuther gives nine, I suppose, by error, 

 as he does not seem to have a specimen.) The longitudinal streaks 

 in ours are more numerous, and extend more over belly, and do not 

 conform so nearly to line of back. In all other respects, except 

 one more ray in the first dorsal, the coincidence is so near that 

 I think it may possibly be a vaiiety ; but as the species of Pelamys 

 and Thynnus are so nearly allied, I think it best to give a separate 

 specific name. The P. Australis of Mr. Macleay, as described, 

 differs in its longer snout as compared with diameter of eye, the 

 greater backward extension of the maxillary, and fewer longitudinal 

 streaks, as well as fewer anal fin rays. 



The only specimen seen of this fish was caught in Port Phillip 

 Bay on 19th of January, 1877. 



Explanation or Fiotoes. 



Plate 155. — Fig. 1, side view, about one-third natural size. Fig. la, side view of mouth, 

 natural size, showing approximate number and size of teeth in upper and lower jaw. Fig. IJ, 

 one side of lower jaw, viewed from above, natural size. Fig. Ic, one side of upper jaw, viewed 

 from below, showing the small teeth on edge, the row on palatine bone, and two minute teeth, 

 directed forwards, on vomer, natural size. Fig. 1(/, the two vomerine teeth, magnified. Fig. le, 

 scales from above lateral line near middle of fish, natural size Fig. 1/, ditto, magnified four 

 diameters. Fig. Ig, section at base of tail, to show lateral ridges. 



Frederick McCoy. 



[ 208 ] 



