24 



what projecting ; teeth numerous, small, velvety. First 



dorsal fin spiny, connected by a membrane , second 



dorsal longer than the anal. Pectoral and ventral fins 



equally long ; caudal forked. The lateral line is bent at 



the upper part of the body, but becomes straight towards 



its end. Head, back, and sides dark marine-blue, with 



a broad greenish-yellow streak, running from eye to tail, 



which latter is crested. Abdomen white, silvery ; fins 



yellowish-green. Iris white. 



A large fish, measuring from two to three feet. It is rather uncom- 

 mon in Table Bay, but taken with the hook occasionally. It3 flesh 

 being very rich and deemed unwholesome, it is not in much request, 

 and is therefore chiefly used as pickle-fish. 



27. Scomber Grex. Mitchill. (Mackerel^ — Body 



oblong, rounded, fat, smooth, covered with minute scales; 



teeth small ; dorsal fins two ; caudal fin deeply forked ; 



tail bearing finlets ; its sides not carinated at base. Has 



a natatory bladder. Form and colour much like that of 



the common Mackerel. Body and sides light-green, with 



darker stripes of the same hue. Length, about eighteen 



inches and upwards. 



This species, which is caught with the line, is little liked, on account 

 of its greasiness. It is common in Table Bay during winter, and is 

 chiefly pickled. 



28. Thyrsites Atun. Cuv. & Val. (Snook ; Snoek.) 



Body cylindrical, elongated ; jaws protracted ; the lower 



one longest. Mouth wide; teeth large, conical, trenchant, 



sharp; the palate beset with smaller ones. First dorsal 



fin very long ; tail without a lateral keel ; skin rather 



naked. Back blackish-blue with metallic lustre ; sides 



and belly silvery. Length, often exceeding three feet. 



This voracious fish is caught with the hook, in immense numbers, 

 almost all the year round, but more frequently during summer. It is 

 very strong and ferocious, and is despatched, after being pulled on 

 board, by blows on the head, with a kind of knobkierie. Its flesh is 

 highly prized by the majority of the Colonists, who also salt and dry it 

 for home consumption, and as an article of trade. 



29. Lichia Amia. Cuv. & Val. (Leervisch.) — Body 



