MACKAREL. 
pectorals, a situation which caused Linnaeus to class this fi ' 
his Thoracic Order. A considerable separation between tne 
first and second dorsal fins, the latter opposite the anal tin 
and between this second dorsal above, and the ana e o , 
the tail, there are five separate finlets. The tail orce , wi 
small ridge at the root, above and below. Between the anal 
fin and vent a small separate spine. Pectoral fins pointe . 
nsual length is about sixteen inches; and t e arges 
ever seen measured half an inch short o ‘ , 
of the back a varying blue, tinted with green, ar er 
head; pearly white along the belly; the latter reflecUng mts 
of purple and crimson when fresh from the sea; but these soon 
pass off after death. A series of irregularly-waved stnp « ^ 
much darker colour pass from the back downward and obliquely 
forward, ending above the lateral line; an usua y ion 
pectoral fin to near the tail, there is an obscure row of dusky 
spots. Behind the eye a light yellow tinge. 
The number of the fin rays are-the first dorsal twelve, , 
and received into a chink, second dorsal eleven; pectoral nn 
teen; ventral six, of which the first is sjnnous; anal, eleven, 
but these numbers are subject to some variation. 
