364 SCAD MACKREL. Class IV. 



but without teeth. On the upper part of the 

 covers of the gills was a large black spot ; the 

 scales were large and very thin ; the lower half 

 of the body quadrangular, and marked on each 

 side with a row of thick strong scales, prominent 

 in the middle, extending to the tail. The first 

 dorsal fin consisted of eight strong spines ; the 

 second lay just behind it, and consisted of thirty- 

 four soft rays, and reached almost to the tail ; 

 the pectoral fins were narrow and long, and 

 composed of twenty rays ; the ventral of six 

 branched rays ; the vent was in the middle of 

 the belly ; the anal fin extended from it to the 

 tail, which was greatly forked. The head and 

 upper part of the body varied with green and 

 blue ; the belly silvery. This fish was taken 

 in the month of October ; was very firm and 

 well tasted, having the flavor of mackrel. 



