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 length 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 G-unther’s Seriola- 
gigas, but appears to bo quite distinct by the composition of its 
fins:— D. 8 1/24. A. 2 1/16. 
