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Papagallos
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THIS family is related to the Carangidae, from which it is distinguished by the peculiar development of the anal and dorsal spines.
Only a single species, Nematistius pectoralis, is known. It is a large, showily-coloured fish, generally common from the Gulf of California to Panama. It reaches a length of 3 or 4 feet, and is used for food at Guaymas, La Paz, Mazatlan, and perhaps elsewhere. It is known as the pez de gallo, or papagallo, and is one of the most stately fishes in our waters, its long, brightly coloured rays giving it a most striking appearance.
Colour, plumbeous on the back and opercles; sides golden; an indigo-blue crossband on snout, another on forehead, a third from nape to subopercle; a broad indigo band from first dorsal spine to near vent; a curved band from sixth dorsal spine downward and across to base of upper caudal rays; dorsal spines banded with alternate blue-black and white; lower half of pectoral black.