80 SPANISH MACKAKEL. 



the 28th. of June; when it was taken in a net in company 

 with many of the Common ^lackarel. In its stomach a mass 

 of pulp of the colour of lead, together with a considerable 

 number of parasitic worms. It measured scarcely as long as 

 the Common INIackarel caught at the same time, but was more 

 round and plump; the length from the snout to the end of the 

 middle of the tail twelve inches and a half; the body grooving 

 slender near the tail, but less abruptly than in the former 

 example. Snout more produced than in the Common Mackarel, 

 and pointed; jaws equal, with moderate teeth; head less heavy 

 than in the former example of the Spanish ]Mackarel. Eye 

 large; scales well marked on the back and sides, not visible 

 on the belly; nor did I perceive any on the upper portion of 

 the gill-covers. First dorsal fin in a chink; the rays much 

 higher than in the Common Mackarel, and extending along 

 the back more than equal to the space between its termination 

 and the second dorsal; so narrow at its extremity that the two 

 last ravs are hid in the chink. Second dorsal and anal less 

 angular than in the other specimen of the Spanish Mackarel, 

 and their terminal rays lengthened out. Five rather long finlets 

 above and below; tail forked, with a keel above and beloAV at 

 its root; ventral fins broad. Lateral line passes onward to sink 

 midway between the two dorsals. The general colour fine 

 lively blue, with deeper stripes as numerous as in the Common 

 Mackarel; sides and belly covered with dark spots, some of 

 them ocelated, and gyrations, of various sizes, on a brilliant 

 white ground; smaller and more numerous near the tail. Xo 

 tint of yellow behind the eye as in the Common ]Mackarcl. 

 Pectoral, ventral, and the lower finlets, tinged with yellow; as 

 the tail in a slight degree. The first dorsal fin has eleven 

 ravs. Xo air-bladder. 



