

FAMILY SCOMBRID^ — LICHIA. 115 



that of the body, as one to four and a 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 • 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 f 



This species is exceedingly rare on this coast, and diff"ers 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 dravm 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. 



