116 



year. It often destroys the fishermen's nets ; but on some 

 occasions it is a cause of considerable profit, as on one occa- 

 sion it is reported that one hundred and forty-two were 

 caught at once, which^ at the price of five shillings a piece, 

 would make over £28 for a single haul. They often, in calm 

 weather, come very near the shore ; but, as soon as the sea 

 becomes agitated, they fly with rapidity towards the deep 

 water. 



The body is of a regularly long oval form ; its height is 

 about four times in the total length ; the head is about four 

 and one-third times in the same ; and the orbit seven and one- 

 third in the length of the head. This orbit is oval, and directed 

 obliquely. The lateral line is sinuous, and marked on about one 

 hundred and forty-three scales, but the number of transverse lines 

 of scales is near two hundred. The posterior part of the lateral 

 line, from the end of the dorsal and anal backwards, is elevated in 

 a sort of keel or ridge. The scales of the posterior part of the body 

 are larger and longer than the others. The first dorsal is formed 

 of six very short spines, united by very low membranes ; the last 

 is hardly visible. The second dorsal has one short spine and 

 thirty-five branched rays ; the caudal has eighteen long rays and 

 four shorter ones on each side ; the anal has one spine and 

 twenty branched rays ; the pectorals are formed of twenty-three 

 rays. The second dorsal and the anal have their first branched 

 rays much longer than the others, which go on shortening to the 

 eighth, from which they preserve about the same size. The 

 anal is similar, and also falciform. 



The upper parts are of a dark blue, and the others of a silvery 

 grey. On each side there is a longitudinal yellow band ; the fins 

 are of a yellowish grey ; the caudal is yellow, with the internal 

 part obscure. The pectorals are nearly black, with their edge 

 yellow ; parts of the mouth of a fleshy colour ; eye yellow. 



The average size in lerigfh is from 30 to 40 inches, but some 

 are much larger, and they sometimes weigh up to ninety pounds. 

 It is moderately esteemed as an article of food. 



Nota. — This sort must be nearly allied to Gunther's Seriola- 

 gigas, but appears to be quite distinct by the composition of its 

 fins :— D. 8 1/24. A. 2 1/16. 



