The markings are a good species indicator, with the False Albie having 'brook trout' like green squiggles on its back, and the Bonito having clear separate stripes on the back and sides.
BUT, the best way to tell them apart is by the dorsal fins.
The Bonito has a spiney dorsal fin that extends almost all the way back to the rear (soft or "adipose") dorsal fin.
The False Albie has good separation between the two fins. (Take a look at the pictures previously posted, they are good examples.)
The albie is INEDIBLE. So drippingly greasy in fact, that when we tried to barbeque one once on a Nantucket beach, it just burst into a three foot high flame!
Bonitos are pretty good to eat.
Both species like fast moving shiny metals.
(This post edited by Capt. Bill on 02/10/2004)