206 MUGILID.E. 



row of minute teeth ; the nostrils are double on each side, 

 placed near together, both pierced in the same depression, 

 the anterior aperture round, the posterior orifice oblong and 

 vertical ; the operculum large and broad. The number of 

 fin-rays are — 



D. 4, 1 + 8 : P. 17 : V. 1 + 5 : A. 3 -f 9 : C. 13. 



The first dorsal fin commences behind the nape at a distance 

 equal to the length of the head, and nearly in a line dividing 

 the distance between the origin of the ventral and anal fins ; 

 the second dorsal fin begins on a line a little behind the 

 origin of the anal fin, and being shorter than that fin, ends 

 on the same line with it. The general lengths of the longest 

 of all the various fin-rays are nearly equal to each other, 

 and about equal to three-fourths the length of the head ; 

 except the caudal fin, the rays of which are longer, and the 

 tail considerably forked. 



The colour of the top of the head and back is dusky grey 

 tinged with blue ; the sides and belly silvery white, marked 

 with longitudinal parallel dusky lines ; membranes of the 

 fins dull white ; cheeks and operculum silvery white ; irides 

 reddish brown, pupil black, surrounded by a silvery line. 

 The pectoral fin has a dark spot at the base of the three or 

 four upper rays. 



