FAMILY SCOMBRID© — LICHIA. 115 
that of the body, as one to four anda half. Orbits large. Nostrils above the plane of the 
upper margin of the orbits. An obtuse elevated ridge on the anterior part of the preopercle, 
which is corrugated in a radiating manner. Teeth so minute as scarcely to be distinguished. 
The first dorsal is represented by six short distant spines, directed backwards ; anterior to 
these, is a short acute recumbent spine, almost concealed and directed forwards. ‘The second 
dorsal composed of twenty-five rays, elevated, triangular in front, low and equal behind, co- 
terminal with the anal: the first ray is short and simple ; the second and third longest, thence 
decreasing to the ninth; the remainder subequal. The pectoral fins consist of seventeen 
rays, and are broad and obtusely pointed, the sixth ray being longest. Ventrals exceedingly 
short, scarcely 0°8 in length, and composed of one simple and five branched rays; they are 
placed slightly behind the pectorals. Behind the vent are two short distant spines, represent- 
ing the first anal. The anal fin similar in shape to the dorsal, and arises under its sixth ray ; 
the first is short and simple, the third longest, thence gradually descreasing to the ninth, the 
remaining rays subequal. The caudal fin deeply forked, with four to six accessory rays on 
each side. 
Color. Upper part of the head and body bluish. Gill-covers with a faint flesh-color min- 
gling with the yellowish and silvery reflections on the sides and beneath. Pupils black ; irides 
yellowish. Dorsals and pectoral fins dark blackish brown. Ventrals and anals yellow. Cau- 
dal fin tinged with brown and yellowish. 
Length, 12°5. Of the head, 2°5. Depth at vent, 4°8. 
Fin rays, D. 1.6.25; P. 27; V.1.5; A. 2.20; C. 18 &. 
This species is exceedingly rare on this coast, and differs widely from all the four species 
described by Cuvier. I find this species figured among the drawings of Dr. Holbrook, and 
presume, from the known distribution of its congeners, that it is more common on the coast 
of Carolina. I am not aware that any species of this genus has been hitherto noticed on the 
coast of North America. My description is drawn up from a specimen taken off Sandyhook, 
and prepared by Dr. Samuel G. Mott, more than twenty years since : the colors are supplied 
by the drawing above alluded to. 
