130 



SCOMBERID.E. 



are alike in both jaws, resembling small pointed cones, curv- 

 ing slightly inward, and placed in a single row ; the anterior 

 edge of the eye one third of the distance from the point of 

 the upper jaw to the edge of the operculum ; the irides partly 

 concealed by a membrane before and behind ; the eye itself 

 said to be more or less opaque during the colder months : 

 preoperculum triangular ; operculum large, rounded, and 

 smooth : the pectoral and ventral fins both in advance of the 

 first ray of the first dorsal fin, the pectoral fin the most so ; 

 the vent in a line under the first ray of the second dorsal 

 fin ; the five finlets above and below the fleshy portion of the 

 tail, behind the second dorsal and the anal fins, placed ver- 

 tically over each other : the tail crescent-shaped ; the lateral 

 line ascends gradually from the tail to its termination over 

 the pectoral fin : the colour of the back above the lateral 

 line is a fine green, varied with rich blue, and marked with 

 broad, dark descending lines. Mr. Donovan says, u the 

 males have these dark transverse bands nearly straight ; 

 while in females these bands are elegantly undulated." The 

 elongated gill-cover and more attenuated form of body of 

 the males of fish generally, compared with the shorter gill- 

 cover and deeper body of the females, are good sexual dis- 

 tinctions ; and in consequence, the relative length of the 

 head as compared to the length of the body, is the same in 

 both sexes. The sides and belly are of a silvery colour, varied 

 with brilliant golden tints. 



The Mackerel is one of the most beautiful of fishes 

 too well known and appreciated to require farther descrip- 

 tion. The name is said to be derived from the Latin 

 macularius, in allusion to its spotted appearance ; and it is 

 called in most of the countries of Europe by terms that have 

 reference to its variegated and chequered appearance. 



