178 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF 



the total length. Eye. Diameters 6 to 7 in the length of the 

 head, i to 2-i- diameters from the end of the snout, and I 

 to 14- apart. Lower jaw projecting some distance beyond 

 the upper, but not so much as in A . lanceolatus. The max- 

 illa reaches posteriorly to beneath the hind nostril ; pre- 

 maxillaries protractile. Teeth. None in the jaws ; head of 

 vomer forming a somewhat elevated transverse prominence, 

 having a few deciduous teeth posteriorly, also a single 

 similar row along the body of that bone ; none on the pala- 

 tines ; a median row along the base of the tongue. Fins. 

 Dorsal commences above the origin of the last third of 

 the pectoral. Scales. Small, from 125 to 145 transverse 

 and oblique folds of skin. Lateral-line. The superior 

 along the side of the back ; the inferior along the side of 

 the lower edge of the abdomen. Colours. Upper third of 

 the body olive-green ; a silvery band, which widens and 

 becomes more distinct posteriorly, passes along the side of 

 the body, one-half below, the other half above the median 

 line : below this band the abdomen is white. Fins unstained, 

 except the base of the caudal, which is brownish. This fish 

 is more silvery than the last species, and not so dark along 

 the back, its colours having been well likened to those of 

 the atherine or sand-smelt with its broad silvery lateral 

 band. 



Habits. Appears to congregate in greater assemblages 

 than the larger sand-eel, and to be seen more commonly 

 nearer in shore, but it is not rare to find the two forms 

 together. 



Its head being small and muzzle sharp, it easily pierces 

 the sand ; while the body is square and slender, and so 

 causes no obstruction to its progress ; but, due to its many 

 enemies, it always appears to be desirous of retreating 

 rapidly into the sand. Porpoises, codfish, mackerel, &c., 



