398 | REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] 
the upper anterior margin, the remainder being pure white. The soft 
dorsal, like the dorsal finlets, which are eight in number, is slightly 
brownish. The somewhat acuminated pectorals are brown on the outer 
surface, and darker within. The ventrals are quite small, while the tail 
is peculiarly large and broadly forked, the extremities being several 
inches apart. The radial formula is Br. 5; D. 17-16; A. 18; P. 20; C. 
24; V. 4. 
The other species of the genus, though much less abundant, resemble 
very closely the one already described. C. regale, the king-tish of our 
southern coast, like the Spanish mackerel, has 17 spinous rays in the 
dorsal, and also similar black markings, but it is distinguished by longi- 
tudinal bands of gold along the sides. It often attains a length of 4 to 
6 feet, and a weight of 15 or even 20 pounds. The Cybium caballa readily 
distinguished by the absence of black markings on the first dorsal, as 
well as by its fewer rays, these being only 14 in number. The young of 
the species has indistinct circular markings, which entirely digappear 
with age. 
Spanish mackerel vary somewhat in size, according to the locality, 
the largest individuals, as a rule, being found farthest north or at a 
considerable distance from the shore. The largest specimens of which 
we have any record weigh about seven pounds. The majority of those 
seen in the markets weigh between 14 and 3 pounds, and their average 
length is from 17 to 22 inches. Those taken in the pounds-nets at Mob- 
jack Bay, on the western shores of the Chesapeake, do not exceed 14 
pounds in weight, while on the eastern shore, directly opposite, they are 
somewhat larger. Those taken at Crisfield, Md., in gill-nets, average 
about 2 pounds. Off Sandy Hook, N. J., they are larger still, the size ap- 
parently increasing as we proceed seaward, the largest individuals being 
taken 10 to 15 miles from land. The gill-net catch averages 34 pounds 
to the fish, but the average for those taken in the pounds along the beach 
is only 23 pounds. 
3.—GEOGRAPHICAL ‘DISTRIBUTION. 
The geographical distribution of the Spanish mackerel is still un- 
settled. Along our own shores it is chiefly confined to the coastal waters, 
and is less abundant in the open ocean, apparently preferring the shoal 
soundings, where its food occurs in greater quantities. It, however, 
pursues its prey to a considerable distance from land, and is often seen 
40 to 50 miles to seaward. 
The southern limit of the species has not yet been determined, and 
many claim that its northern range has been greatly extended within 
the last few years. Professor Goode, in writing of the species, says: 
“Spanish mackerel visit the north as marauders. Their home is among 
the reefs of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and they come 
to us only to feed on the small fishes which frequent our waters in im- 
mense schools.” He gives their northern limit as Cape Cod, adding 
