514 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
no doubt, however, that these fish, if not of the same species as the smaller and 
larger ones herein described, at least are of a related species. 
Specimens 7.0 to 8.0 mm long . — Three specimens of this size are at hand. They 
differ little from the somewhat smaller ones described in the preceding section. The 
upper jaw is now slightly arched as in larger fish; dorsal spines have increased to 
eight, and remain high as in the smaller fish; soft rays are fairly definite in all the fins, 
though no articulations are evident; the caudal fin shows a tendency to fork; and the 
color apparently remains unchanged. 
Specimen 14 Tam long . — Only one specimen of this size is at hand, and none 
intermediate of this one and those described in the immediately preceding section. 
Therefore, a considerable gap remains. However, several similar and identical char- 
acters “link” this fish with the smaller ones, showing that if not identical they at 
least are representatives of related species. 
The 14-mm specimen is much more elongate than the smaller ones described, 
the greatest depth being contained about four times in the standard length. The 
snout has become still longer and more pointed, being contained 2.1 times in the 
head, and it projects well beyond the lower jaw. The groove at the articulation 
of the premaxillaries remains prominent. Spines on the preopercular margin have 
increased to eight. The maxillary has become strongly arched, and the teeth are 
large. The dorsal spines have increased to 19 (the usual number present in adult 
Spanish mackerel being 18 or 19), and the anterior ones, which were developed in 
the smaller fish, are proportionately lower. Although the bases of the second dorsal 
and anal are well outlined, the development of soft rays in these fins, as well as in 
the pectorals, is still retarded, whereas those of the caudal and ventrals are rather 
better developed. The origin of the anal is somewhat in advance of the second 
dorsal, whereas in adults its origin generally is under or behind that of the second 
dorsal. Dorsal and anal finlets are not yet definitely developed but thickenings in 
the fin membranes that will constitute the bases of the finlets are evident. The 
primitive fin membrane, however, remains continuous in each fin. The caudal fin 
now is distinctly concave. 
The general color of the preserved specimen is brownish, with some black pigment 
at the posterior end of the maxillary, and scattered black specks on the head and 
snout. The black band on the spinous dorsal present in smaller specimens remains, 
but is somewhat broken up into spots in the 14-mm fish. Blackish specks also are 
visible along the base of the second dorsal and anal fins (fig. 7). 
Except for the comparatively great change in the height of the anterior dorsal 
spines, the 14-mm fish connects up well with the 8.0-mm ones. Additional specimens 
