326 FISHES AND FISHING. 



vety. First dorsal fin, spiny, connected by a mem- 

 brane ; second dorsal, longer than the anal ; pectoral 

 and ventral fins equally long ; caudal, forked. The 

 lateral line is bent at the upper part of the body, but 

 becomes straight towards its end. Head, back, and 

 sides dark marine blue, with a broad greenish yellow 

 streak, running from eye to tail, which latter is 

 crested; abdomen, white, silvery; fins, yellowish 

 green ; iris, white. 



A large fish, measuring from two to three feet. It 

 is rather uncommon in Table Bay, but taken with 

 the hook occasionally. Its flesh being very rich, and 

 deemed unwholesome, it is not in much request, and 

 is therefore chiefly used as pickle fish. 



26. Scomber Guex. Mitchill, {Mackerel.) Body, 

 oblong, rounded, fat, smooth, covered with minute 

 scales ; teeth, small ; dorsal fins, two ; caudal fin, 

 deeply forked; tail, bearing finlets; its sides not 

 carinated at base. Form and colour much like that 

 of the common mackerel. Body and sides, light green, 

 with darker stripes of the same hue. Length, about 

 eigliteen inches and upwards. 



This species, which is caught with the line, is little 

 liked, on account of its greasiness. It is common in 

 Table Bay during winter, and is chiefly pickled. 



27. Thyrsites Atuk. Cuv. and Val. {Snook, Snoek.) 

 Body, cylindrical, elongated ; jaws, protracted, the- 



