Notwithstanding their great size, these fish swim in shoals of sometimes more than 1000 together. Pliny, the Roman naturalist, asserts that the fleet of Alexander the Great attempted, in vain, to pass through a shoal of them, in any other manner than closely arranged in order of battle. Of the immense numbers of thunnies some idea may be formed when it is stated that 300,000 or 400,000 of them are supposed every year to pass through the straits of Gibraltar. These fish are not uncommon on the western shores of Scotland, but not in shoals as in the Mediterranean. The flesh of the thunny differs much, according to the season, and the place where it is taken; hence in Sardinia it is called by different names according with this difference. When raw it is in general red like beef, but, on being boiled, it assumes a pale colour; and when in perfection, its taste somewhat resembles that of salmon. These fish are salted, and sent, in great quantity, to Constantinople and the Greek islands. The thunny was so much esteemed by the ancient Greeks that they consecrated it to Diana. 227. _The BONITO_ (Scomber pelamis) _is a large species of mackrel, of thick form, with seven small distinct fins betwixt the dorsal fin and the tail, and several large scales below the pectoral fin._ _This fish measures eighteen inches or two feet in length, and is ten pounds and upwards in weight._ _It is principally found in the seas of tropical climates._ Sometimes these fish approach the European shores; and one of them was caught a few years ago at Christchurch, in Hampshire. To mariners in hot climates they often afford an important supply of food. Their flesh is fat and white, but inferior in excellence to that of the thunny, except when salted. A very lucrative fishery of bonitos is carried on at Cadiz. The fishing commences about the end of April, and continues until the beginning of July; and, in general, affords occupation for about a hundred persons. 228. _The RED SURMULLET_ (Mullus barbatus) _is a fish known by its large and loose scales, the general red colour of its body, and its having two fleshy beards on the under jaw._ _It frequents the European seas, and seldom exceeds the length of eight or ten inches._ 229. _The STRIPED SURMULLET_ (Mullus surmuletus, Fig. 67.) _has large and long scales, is of red colour, with four yellowish stripes along its sides, and two beards on the under jaw._ _This fish inhabits both the European and the American seas, and is from ten or twelve inches to two feet in length._