THE BLUE-FISH. 



153 



CHAPTEK XI. 



THE BLUE-FISH. 



Temnodon Saltator Scomler Plumbeus (Mitchill) 

 Torse Mackerel Green-fish of Virginia Skipjack of 



Carolina. 



This fish belongs to the mackerel family ; it has pro- 

 jecting teeth in the fore part of the jaws, and velvety 

 ieth on the roof of the mouth and tongue. The first dor- 

 il lies in a furrow, and there are two minute spines con- 

 led under the skin before the anal. The scales extend 

 >ver the head, gill-covers and high on the fins ; the back 

 bluish-green, and the sides and abdomen lighter ; the 

 jtorals, second dorsal and tail are greenish-brown, 

 rhile the ventrals and anal are white, tinged with blue. 

 ?he gill-cover has two indistinct flat points. The fin- 

 lys are as follows, the spines being distinguished from 

 le soft rays. 



D. 7.1.25 ; P. 17 ; Y. 1.5 ; A. 1.2T ; C. 19| 

 These fish furnish one of the most remarkable instances 

 the appearance and disappearance of species on our 

 joast. As in our day, with the Spanish mackerel, that 

 larling of the gourmand, so in former times, the blue-fish 

 ippeared suddenly. He was first seen on the coast of 

 [assachusetts in 1764, and then not again till 1792 ; and 

 it is only since the year 1830 that he has been abundant. 



