LIBRARY OK THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. OF* OF THE UNIVERSITY OF I •2 •1 § w Fishes of Australia A POPULAR AM) SYSTEMATIC GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF THE WEALTH WITHIN OUR WATERS. BY DAVID G. STEAD, NATURALIST TO THE BOARD OF FISHERIES FOR NEW SOUTH WALES. \\'ilh Ten /''nil-page Plates and Eighty-eight Illustrations in the Text. SYDNEY : WILLIAM BROOKS & CO., LIMITED. 1906. PREFACE. AUSTRALIA possesses a rich and varied fish- fauna. Of over twelve-thousand species of fishes at present known, about one-tenth have been recorded from the waters of Australia. As the exploration of our waters »has but just begun, it is reasonable to suppose that in the near future, the number of fishes known to inhabit them will be greatly augmented. Amongst our indigenous fishes are many which are of immense importance from an economic point of view, while there are others which are of the greatest interest to the lover of Nature — some because of their intrinsic beauty or remarkable habits, others because of the admir- able way in which they have been adapted either in colour or form to their surroundings, and others again because of their intimate connections with fossil fishes of a far- distant geological age. Viewed from the economic standpoint alone, it may be stated that the fishes of Australia are destined shortly to play an exceedingly important part in contributing to the material wealth of our country. In the following pages, an attempt has been made by the author, to place before the reader as comprehensive a view of our vast fish-fauna as is possible within the *pace at our disposal. And here I must point out that a complete list of the whole of the known fishes inhabit- ing the waters of Australia is not — for what are, perhaps, obvious reasons — included within the scope of this volume. Had such been attempted, my present aim must have been entirely defeated ; as the work would — of neces- sity— have been exceedingly bulky (and correspondingly costly), and, under the circumstances, unnecessarily technical. 155981 iv PREFACE. While the book is intended to be a "popular work" in the fullest sense of the term, much of the information herein-offered, will be found to be entirely new; while of that which is not altogether so, a large amount is placed before Australian readers for the first time. Though it is intended and hoped that it will subserve all the functions of a truly popular work, at the same time, the subject has been treated of in a properly systematic manner from an ichthyological point of view. Thus, the general reader will, when satisfying a natural curiosity, be enabled to learn, without trouble, something of the classification of our fishes ; while to the student of zoology, its value will be quite apparent. Each family of Australian fishes has been dealt with in its proper ichthyological sequence; the most important examples economically, or — if none is of importance — the most striking, being touched upon. In most cases, brief descriptions are given, or the salient features are dwelt upon, so as to assist the reader in identifying the fishes for himself, should they be met with. In this connection, the reader will be greatly helped by the numerous illustrations to be found interspersed throughout the book. The information contained in the introductory portion (Chap. I.) should enable the general reader to understand most technical descriptions of fishes, such as appear in the great works of reference, while for ready reference I have included an Appendix, showing at a glance the principal edible fishes of Australia, with also the States in the waters of which they chiefly abound. The atten- tion of students is directed to the Table of Classification of Australian Fishes appearing at the end of Chapter I., and those who specially interest themselves in the advance and welfare of our country, may find the chapter on Fish economics of some value. It will certainly help to show what is not done in the utilisation of our marine commer- cial products. PREFACE. v In regard to the illustrations, which have been repro- duced in such an excellent manner by the publishers, I may mention that these have been drawn from various sources. The Frontispiece, all of the life-like full-page plates excepting Plate IX., and the illustration of the Goblin-Fish (Fig. 68), have been reproduced by means of photography, directly from the fishes themselves ; the latter having been previously specially preserved by me to enable this to be successfully carried out. The original fishes are included in the working-collection of the Board of Fisheries for New South Wales, and it is due to the kindness of that body of gentlemen that I am enabled to present these splendid likenesses to the people. A number of the figures in the text (including those of the scales) are from my own pen, while among others I have to acknowledge the works of such renowned ichthyolo- gists as Giinther, Day, and Jordan and Evermann. I have likewise to tender my sincere thanks to my honored friend Dr. James C. Cox, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., for the loan of several useful, and hitherto unpublished, drawings. It is hoped that this work may pave the way for the production of a complete popular and systematic illus- trated catalogue of Australian Fishes; this being recog- nised as of the utmost necessity and undoubtedly of the highest educational importance. The present volume would not be superseded by such a work, but would act as a kind of introduction or handbook to it. That this may be the means of turning more attention to the vast neglected resources lying in the waters en- circling our Island-Continent is my earnest wish. DAVID G. STEAD. Department of Fisheries, New South Wales, nth August, 1906. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. Page. General definition of Fishes — The principal parts of a Fish —The Teeth— The Air-Bladder— The Eyes— The Tongue— The Skeleton — The Fins — The Scales — The Lateral-Line — Barbels — Colouration — Breeding Habits and Eggs — Australian Fishes producing Pelagic Eggs — The Classification of Fishes — Table of Classification of Australian Fishes z CHAPTER II. The Giant Herrings — The Osteoglossids — The Dorab — The Herring Family — The Salmon Family — The Alepocephaloids — Stomiatoid Fishes — The Beaked Salmon — The Carp Family — The Catfish Family 23 CHAPTER III. The Little Shore-Eels— The True Eels— The Australian Min- nows— Tke "Grayling" Family — The Scopeloids — The Lancet- Fishes — Xotacanthoid Fishes — The Fierasferoids — Flute-Mouths or Tobacco--Pipe Fishes — Bellows-Fishes or Sea-Snipes — Sea- Horses and Pipe-Fishes — Sea-Dragons 43 CHAPTER IV. Long-Toms, Garfishes and Flying-Fishes — The Hardyhead Family— The Mullet Family— Threadfins or Tassel-Fishes— The Pike Family 64 CHAPTER V. Cuvier's Square-Tail — The \Vhario Family — The Grenadiers or Whiptails — The Cod Family — The Xannygai Family — Knight Fishes — Bull's-eyes — Centrarchoid Fishes — The Blackfish Family —The Triple-tails— Rifle -I- ishes— The Perch Family 84 viii. CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. Page. The Pseudochromids— The Band-Fishes— The Knife-jawed Fishes— The Whiting Family— The Jewfish Family— The Silver- bellies— The Trumpeters— The Morwong Family— Grunters and Boar-Fishes— The Bream Family— Red Mullets or Goat-Fishes . . 108 CHAPTER VII. The Sweep Family— The Coral-Fishes— The Surgeon- Fishes— The "Black Trevally" Family— The Pomacentrids— The Parrot-Fishes or Wrasses X33 CHAPTER VIII. The Yellowtail Family — The Sergeant-Fishes — The Mackerel Family — The Harracouta Family 149 CHAPTER IX- Swortifishes or Spearnshes — The Luvarus Fish — Dolphin- Fishes — The Pomfrets — The John Dory Family — The Fiat-Fishes — The Goby Family 169 CHAPTER X. The Sucking-Fishes — Scorpaenoid Fishes — The Flatheads — Gurnards or Gurnets — Flying Gurnards or Sea-Robins — Lepto- scopoid Fishes — Notothenioid Fishes — The Star-gazers — Trichono- toid Fishes 189 CHAPTER XI. The Dragonets or Skulpins — The Cling-Fishes — The Blennies — The Frog-Fishes — Zoarcoid Fishes — The Australian Rockling — Ribbon-Fishes — Angler-Fishes or Fishing-Frogs — The Leather- jackets or Filefishes — Box-Fishes or Trunk-Fishes — The load- Fishes — Sea-Forcupines — The Sun-Fishes — Lung-Fishes 208 CONTENTS. ix. CHAPTER XII. Page. Sharks and Rays — Lampreys and Hag-Fishes — The Lampreys — The Lancelets 231 CHAPTER XIII. FISHING NETS OF NEW SOITH WALES. — Hauling-Net, Garfish- Net. Meshing-Net, Gill-Net, Trammel-Net, Drum-Net, Trawl-Nets. FISH ECONOMICS.— Fish Oil, Fish Fertilizer, Skins of Fishes, Scales of Fishes, Guanin. — Food Value of Australian Fishes compared with Lean Beef 241 APPENDIX 261 INDEX 267 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PLATES. Facing Page. Frontispiece. CRESTED WEED-FISH (Cristiceps aurantiacus] I. FRESHWATER CATFISH (Copidoglanis tandanus] 40 II. WiRRAH (Acanihistius serratus) 102 III. KEi.P-FiSH (Chironemus marmoratus) 1 18 IV. SILVER PERCH (Terapon ellipticus] 122 V. DOLPHIN-FISH (Coryphcena Mppurus] 172 VI. BLACK SOLE (Synaptura nigra\ 182 VII. RED RocK-Coo (Scorpana cruenta] 192 VIII- STONELIFTER (Kathetostoma lave] 206 IX. HAIR-TAILED BLENNY (Xiphasia setifer) 212 FIGURES IN THE TEXT. Fig. Page. 1. Estuary Perch (Percalates colonorum] 3 2. Dorsal Fins of Australian Fishes 7 3. Caudal Fins of Australian Fishes 8 4- Types of Cycloid Scales 1 1 5. Types of Ctenoid or Comb-like Scales 12 6. Snouts of Australian Fishes 13 7. Giant Herring (Elcps saurus) 24 8. Barramundi (Scleropages leichhardti) 26 9. Dorab (Chirocentrus dorab) 26 10. Pilchard (Clupanodon neopilchardus) 28 1 1 . Herring (Sardinella castelnaui) 30 12. Rainbow Trout (Salmc irideus\ 34 13. Beaked Salmon (Gonorhynchus gonorhynchus) 37 14. Forepart of Salmon-Catfish (Galeichthys australis) 42 15. Common Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii\ 45 16. Tasmanian Minnow (Galaxias truttaceus) 49 17. Australian Grayling (Prototroctes marana,', 52 1 8. Sergeant Baker (Aulopus purpurissatus) 54 19. Lancet-Fish (Ale pi do saurus ferox) 55 20. Flute-Mouth (Fistularia setrata) 58 21 . Little Bellows-Fish (Centriscus gracilis} 59 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. xi. Fig. Page. 22. Leafy Sea-Horse (Phyllopteryx foliatus) 61 23. Sea-Dragon (Pegasus draconis) 63 24. Stout Long-Tom (Tylosurus macleayana) 65 25. Sea Garfish (Hemirhamphus intermedtus) 66 26. Short-beaked Garfish (Arrhamphus sclerolepis] 69 27. Sea Mullet (Mugil dobula) 74 28. Flat-tail Mullet (Mugil peronii) 78 29. Cooktown "Salmon" (Polynemus tetradactylus] 81 30. Short-finned Pike (Sphyrcena nova-hoi! andia) 82 31 . Macrurus australis 36 32. Beardie (Lotella callarias] 87 33. Nannygai (Beryx affinis] 88 34. Knight-Fish (Monoccntris japonicus) 89 35. Blackfish (Girella tricuspidata] 92 36- Dusky Perch (Lobotes surinamensis] 94 37. Rifle-Fish (Toxotes jaculator] 95 38. Murray Cod (Oligorus macquariensis) 99 39. Old Wife (Enoplosus armatus] 106 40. Sand Whiting (Sillago ciliata] no 41 . Trumpeter Whiting (Sillago maculata) in 42. Jewfish (Sciana ant arctic a] 115 43. Sea-Carp or Red Morwong (Cheilodactylus ~fuscus] 120 44. Head of Richardson's Boar-Fish (Histiopterus recurvirostris) .. 124 45. Snapper (Pagrosomus auratus) 1 26 46. "Old Man" Snapper (Pagrosomus auratus) 127 47. Black Bream (Chrysophrys australis) 1^28 48. Bar-tailed Goatnsh (U peneu* tragula) 132 49. Batfish (Monodactylus argenteus] 134 50. Spotted Butter-Fish (E phi p pus argus) 136 51 . Unicorn-Fish (Naseus unicornis) 137 52- "Black Trevally" (Siganus javus) 139 53. Amphiprion (Amphiprion percula) 140 54. Spotted Pigfish (Diastodon unimaculatus) 142 55. Groper (Acharodus gouldii) 143 56. Tailer (Pomatomus saltatrix] 155 57. Pennant-Fish (Alectis ciliaris] 158 . 58. Sergeant-Fish (Eachycentron canadus) 159 59. Horse-Mackerel (Sarda chilensis) 164 60. Barracouta (Thy r sites atun) 167 xii. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Fig. Page. 61. Spearfish or Swordfish (Tetrapturus indicus] 170 62. Luvarus Fish (Luvarus imperialis] 172 63. Pomfret (Brama rait] 174 64. Silver Dory (Cyttus australis) 176 65. Small-toothed Flounder (Paralichthys novce-cambria] 180 66. Striped Gudgeon (Krefftius australis} 185 67- Short Sucking-Fish (Remora remora) 190 68. Goblin-Fish (Glyptauchen panduratus] 195 69. Dusky Flathead (Flatycephalus fuscus] 197 70. Sharp-beaked Gurnard (Pterygotrigla polyommata] 201 71. Flying Gurnards (Cephal 'acanthus spinarella] 203 72. Leptoscopus (Leptoscopus macro pygus] 204 73. Mottled Dragonet (Callionymus calauropomus} Female 208 74. River Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus] 211 75. Australian Rockling (Genypterus blacodes] 216 76. Oar-Fish (Regahcus glesne] 217 77. Angler-Fish (Antennarius nummifer] 219 78. Orange-spotted Leatherjacket (Monacanthus hippocrepis] 222 79. Horned Box-Fish (Ostracion cornutum] 224 80. Toad-Fish (Tetrodon lavigatus} 225 81. Sea-Hedgehog (Diodon hystrix) 226 82. Sun-Fish (Mola mola] 227 83. Australian Lung-Fish (Neoceratodus forsteri] 229 84. Teeth of Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus philippi) 234 85. Short-headed Lamprey (M or dad a mordax] 239 86. Garfish or "Balloo" Net 243 87. Trammel Net 246 88. The Otter Trawl 249 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. General definition of Fishes — The principal parts of a Fish— The Teeth— The Air-Bladder— The Eyes— The Tongue— The Skeleton —The Fins — The Scales— The Lateral-Line—Barbels—Colouration —Breeding Habits and Eggs — Australian Fishes producing Pelagic Eggs— The Classification of Fishes —Table of Classification of Australian Fishes. FISHES, defined in a popular way, are aquatic, vertebrated or backboned animals ; cold-blooded and breathing by means of gills. They are provided with fins, to assist them in guiding or propelling themselves through the watery element by which they are surrounded, and in which their whole existence is passed. ''It is in their conditions of living," writes Bashford Dean, "that they have differed widely from the remaining groups of verte- brates. Aquatic life has stamped them in a common mould, and has prescribed the laws which direct and limit their evolution : it has compressed their head, trunk, and tail into a spindle-like form : it has given them an easy and rapid motion, enabling them to cleave the water like a rounded wedge. It has made their mode of movement, one of undulation : causing the sides of the fish to contract rhythmically, thrusting the animal forward." In the body of a fish, four parts are usually distin- guished: the head, the trunk, the tail and the fins. The head .is usually divided from the trunk, by the gill- 2 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. opening; while the tail is generally said to begin at the vent. There are numerous exceptions to the latter, how- ever, particularly among the "flat-fishes" of the family Pleuronectidce, such as our Soles and Flounders, in which the vent is situated far forward and near to the head. If one examines a fish, he will find at the back of the head, on each side, a kind of moveable flap covering the gills. This is the gill-cover or opercle, which is com- posed of three bony plates, styled the opercle, the sub- opercle and the inter-opercle; the modifications of which, are sometimes of considerable value in determining the natural affinities of fishes. In some groups, such as the Eels and the Dragonets, the opercle is so entirely covered by the skin, as not to be visible, excepting after dissec- tion; while in the cartilaginous fishes (Sharks, Rays, &c.) it is entirely absent. The gills, or, as they are termed, the branchiae, are fine hair-like or leaf-like projections, filled with innumer- able bloodvessels, and usually supported on the outer curves of cartilaginous or bony arches, known as gill- arches. In the true fishes, the normal number of gills on each side is four.* Along the inner edges of the gill- arches, are often to be found, hard, bony appendages or projections, which are subject to great variation in dif- ferent species. These are known as the gill-rakers. The gill-membranes are those which usually serve to attach the gill-covers to the isthmus, which is that thick, fleshy projection between the gill openings. Occasion- ally are to be found on the inner side of the opercle, near its junction with the preopercle, small or imperfectly- developed gills, which are known as pseudobranchice. In the process of breathing, the water is constantly taken in by the mouth and passed out again between the gills ; in its passage aerating the blood, as it circulates through the gill- filaments. This is the habit which has given rise to the saying, "drink like a fish," which, of course, has no foundation, as the fish does not really drink the water. * Sharks and Rays have usually five, and occasionally (in the case of the " One-firmed " Sharks) even six or seven. INTRODUCTION 4 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The branchiostegal membrane is that thin mem- brane attached to, and just beneath, the posterior portion of the opercle, and supported by cartilaginous or bony rays, known as the branchlostegal rays. The teeth of fishes are usually conical and pointed, though frequently some are incisor- or molar-like ; an instance in which the latter are possessed, being that of the common Black Bream. Other modifications in shape are also to be found, such as in the case of the common Blackfish, where the teeth are comb-like or tricuspid, and also in the Toadfishes, in which the teeth are welded together, so as to form hard, chisel-like plates. Many of my readers, particularly those who keep aquaria, may have often noticed that certain fishes are able, without any apparent effort, to rise or sink in the water, at will; and perhaps they have wondered what means were employed in doing this. The answer is, that the fish is able to perform this seemingly impossible feat, solely through the possession of what is termed the air- bladder (known also as the "swim-bladder" or "sound"). The air-bladder which is one of the most characteristic organs of fishes, is a hollow sac, containing gas, situated in the abdominal cavity, immediately beneath the spinal column. By being compressed or dilated, it in- fluences the specific gravity of the fish; thus enabling it in some instances to rise or sink in the water, without the aid of the fins at all ; while in many other species, in which it has not undergone such a degree of development, it is still of very great assistance. In some fishes, only the rudiments of an air-bladder are to be found; while in others, there is no trace of it at all. In the Lung-Fishes, it assumes the function of a simple kind of lung ; enabling them to breathe air. In the fishes of the Jewfish family, and also in the family of the Threadfins or Tassel-Fishes, the air-bladder is very large and important. The eyes of fishes are usually rather large for the size of the body (in some instances they are enormous), but in certain cases they are either very small or else quite rudimentary and hidden by the skin. A familiar instance of a large-eyed fish is the Nannygai, while blind fishes are to be found either in caves or at great ocean depths. INTRODUCTION. « The eyes are usually situated on the sides of the head; but in the Star-gazers, they are on the upper surface. In a variety of the common Gold Fish, known as the Teles- cope Fish, they project so much as to appear to be on stalks. Although many blind-fishes are known from the great abysmal depths of the ocean, where the light of day cannot penetrate, very many species occurring in these same immense depths are provided with either normal eyes or even exceptionally large ones ; and, while it is likely that some of these are able to migrate at times into higher levels, it is more probable that they rely usually upon the light emitted either by themselves Tin the case of those supplied with phosphorescent organs) ; or, by the many denizens of the deep, which are known to be phosphores- cent, either wholly or in parts. The tongue (where it exists) in fishes, is small, hard and bony ; so that the sense of taste is probably but very feebly developed ; not that it is very necessary, as the majority of them swallow their food either whole or in very large pieces. All true fishes possess an internal skeleton. In the great bulk of fishes — the Teleosteans — (and also in the Lung-Fishes) this skeleton is entirely of a bony nature: but in the Plagiostomes, which include the Sharks and Rays, it is wholly cartilaginous ;* even to the skull itself. The fins of fishes are of the greatest importance to them, either in maintaining their balance in, or in assist- ing to propel them through, the water. There are five kinds of fins possessed by the typical groups ; these being termed respectively, dorsal, anal, caudal, pectoral and ventral. The first three are called vertical or unpaired fins, while the remaining two are the horizontal or paired fins. In Teleostean fishes, the fins are composed of spines and rays (known also as "hard-rays" and "soft-rays") ; the former being stiff, bony structures, usually connected by a thin membrane ; while the latter are comparatively ' That is, composed of gristle. 6 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. weak, jointed, and often cartilaginous ; these, likewise. being connected by a thin membrane. Spines are present in one or more of the fins of all so-called spiny-rayed fishes, such as the Black Bream, the Tailer or the Mullets ; and even amongst the "soft-finned" fishes certain forms occur, in which single spines are developed on certain of the fins. Familiar instances of the latter are the Cat- fishes, with their large and dangerous spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. The dorsal fin is situated along the middle of the back. In many cases there is only the one — this being very short as in the Herrings, long and continuous as in the Parrot- Fishes, or of an intermediate nature — while in others, such as certain Perches, Mullets, etc., two are to be found ; excepting in the case of Sharks and Rays, the first being known as the hard or spinous dorsal, and the second, the soft or rayed dorsal. In certain fishes, like the Sergeant Baker, the Salmon-Catfishes and the Trouts, which only possess one main dorsal fin, there is a second and generally very small,* fleshy one on the back, in the region of the tail; this being known as the adipose fin. In fishes of the Mackerel family, and also in some others, there are to be found both spinous and rayed dorsals ; with also, succeeding the latter, a number of tiny fins called finlets. These may really be con- sidered as single detached rays, excessively branched from their insertion on the back, where they are remark- ably thick and fleshy. Upon a study of the dorsal fins of fishes, illustrated within even this little work, being made, it will be found that an immense variety in form exists. In the accom- panying illustration, the dorsal fins of a few of our com- mon edible fishes are figured; and, though more widely divergent forms could readily be chosen, they will suffice to show the reader what a great diversity of shape is to be found. The dorsals, as well as the other fins, among the * In many tropical species of Cat-fishes, the adipose dorsal fin is exceedingly large. INTRODUCTION. ; cartilaginous fishes, are so thick, through being covered with skin similar to that of the body, that their rays are completely hidden ; excepting in such instances, in which there is a spine inserted in the fore part of the fin. This spine being quite, apparently, intended for purposes of offence and defence, is naked and partially unattached to Fig. 2. — DORSAL FINS OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES. 1. Rock Whiting. 2. Australian Salmon. 3. Sergeant Baker. 4. Estuary Perch. :,. Mullet. <;. (Joat-Fish. 7. Horse Mackerel. 8. Nannygai. 9. Herring. the other rays. The Port Jackson Sharks will serve as an illustration of fishes having this find of dorsal fin. The anal fin usually corresponds in position with the second dorsal ; being situated on the under part of the tail, behind the vent. In a great measure, it will be found to depend for its length upon the size of the tail ; 8 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. fishes with long tails usually possessing long anal fins. Comparatively speaking, this fin is not subject to a great deal of variation. In the Mackerels and some other fishes, the anal fin is succeeded by a number of small finlets Fig. 3.— CAUDAL FINS OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES. 1. Red Rock-Cod. 2. Black Rock-Cod. 3. Blue Groper. 4. Flounder. 5. Keardie (Ling). 6. Nannygai. 7. Estuary Perch. 8. Goat-Fish. 9. Giant Boar-Fish. 10. Horse- Mackerel. 11. Kumu Gurnard. 12. Black Sole. corresponding to those on the dorsal surface, already mentioned. In number, these finlets, both dorsal and anal, may reach as high as nine or ten, though more commonly the number is from five to seven. INTRODUCTION. 9 The caudal fin or "tail-fin": Like the dorsal fin (or fins) the caudal is subject to great variation in shape; in some fishes being slightly or deeply-forked, in others rounded, in others again, produced into a fine point (or even into filaments), while there are all imaginable modi- fications of these and other shapes. In some cases, the caudal fin is joined to both the dorsal and anal fins ; the three combined, making one continuous fringing fin. Familiar instances, amongst many, in which this occurs, are the Eels, the common Catfishes, the Black Sole and the Australian Rockling.* The caudal fin is most highly forked in the Mackerels and other closely allied swift- swimming fishes; in fact a highly- forked tail, may be taken pretty generally as an indication of high speed. In the accompanying illustration, are shown the tail- fins of a few of our fishes; while if the reader looks through the illustrations of fishes which occur in the following pages, the great diversity of form in this appendage will be still more apparent. The caudal fin is of the highest importance to a fish ; its function being to assist in propelling and steering the latter through its aquseous surroundings. The pectoral fins : These fins represent in the fishes the forelegs or arms of mammals and the wings of birds. They are very important to a fish, assisting it very materially (a) in maintaining its equilibrium, and (b) in guiding it through the water; while in many fishes they are often used — within narrow limits — as a means of pro- pulsion. Like the dorsal and caudal fins, the pectorals are subject to great modification in shape. More com- monly, they are either simply rounded or pointed; but sometimes, some of the rays are produced into fine fila- ments, or into long finger-like processes. In the Gur- nards and Threadfins some of the pectoral rays are de- tached from the main fin ; in the first instance being finger-like and adapted for "walking" along the bottom; while in the latter, they are more or less prolonged into fine hairs ; their function being to act as tactile organs (organs of touch). * In some of these there is really no true caudal fin. 10 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In the Gurnards and Flying-Fishes (particularly the latter) the pectoral fins have undergone a tremendous in- crease in size, being large and almost wing-like; in the case of the Flying-Fishes, being particularly adapted for sustaining them for a short time, while they are making their flying-leaps through the air. Though usually of a soft character, the rays of pec- toral fins are sometimes supported by a large and strong spine; this being particularly prominent in the Catfishes, in which it is very powerful and barbed ; becoming a weapon of defence. In Sharks and Rays, the pectoral fins are highly- developed, being very large. In the Rays (where they are usually termed either "wings" or "flaps") they are so large as to appear to be a part of the body itself ; in most cases all the outward traces of a fin being altogether lost. The ventral fins rank next to the pectorals in general importance, their particular function being that of keeping the fishes upright in the water. They represent the hinder- limbs of mammals and birds. In the Eels the ventral fins are completely absent.* Scales : The skin of fishes is usually covered with scales of some description. In some instances however, these are either rudimentary or entirely absent; while in others (such as certain Leather jackets, Sharks, Rays, etc.) they are replaced by hardened skin-projections or papillce which give to the surface a velvety or shagreen- like appearance. In addition to these, in certain instances (the Porcupine-Fishes and some Toad-Fishes) the skin is more or less enveloped with a covering of sharp, thorn- like spines ; while in others, such as the Knight-Fishes, a coat of mail consisting of bony plates, completely in- vests the fish. Scales are of great importance to a fish in the amount of protection that they give to its skin ; while to the student of fish-life their number, structure and arrange- ment are highly-valuable characters for the determination and classification of the fishes themselves. * In some Eels the pectorals also are absent. INTRODUCTION. 1 1 In a general way fish-scales are separated into two great divisions ; cycloid-scales and ctenoid-scales. Cycloid scales are those which have a smooth pos- terior margin, and a more-or-less concentric striation of the surface. In addition to some others, such scales are usually found on soft-rayed fishes (Parrot-fishes, for instance). Fig. 4. — TYPES OF CYCLOID SCALES. t'pper— Body Scale of ROCK WHITING. Lower— Body Scale of AUSTRALIAN GRAYLING. } (Both «f really magnified.) Ctenoid scales have their posterior margin rough or toothed ; and such scales are characteristic of spiny-rayed fishes; though cycloid scales occur on some (Mullets and others). 12 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In many species, both cycloid and ctenoid scales are to be found on the body of the same fish. In the accompanying illustrations are shown two cycloid and two ctenoid scales, from the bodies of four common Australian fishes. Fig. 5. — TYPES OF CTENOID OR COMB-LIKE SCALES. Upper— Body Scale of BLACK SOLE. Lower— Body Scale of STRH-ED GUDGEON. (Both greatly magnified.) Incidentally, it may be here mentioned, that fish-scales form most beautiful and interesting objects for the microscope. The study of them is most entertaining and INTRODUCTION. i, instructive, the variety in form and structure being almost infinite. Fig. 6. — SNOUTS OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES. iiary Perch. 2. Herri n ir. 3. Carp. 4. Beardie (Ling). 5. Red Rock -Cod. 6. Horse-Mackerel. 7. Giant Boar-Fish. 8. Goat-Fish. 13. Tarwhine. 9. "Old Man" Snapper. 10. Garfish. 11. Stout Long-Tom. 12. Nannygai. In most species of the bony or teleostean-fishes, there is to be seen a kind of raised line running through the i4 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. scales longitudinally, along the body from behind the opercle (operculum) to the root of the caudal fin, and even sometimes extending right out on to that appendage itself. This is the so-called lateral line. Where it exists, as in the more typical groups, it is deserving of considerable attention. The scales of which it is formed, are always of a construction different to those on the rest of the body ; being perforated in the middle, to allow of the free issue of the slimy, mucous substance which is distributed so plentifully all over the body. Sometimes, as in some of the fishes of the Yellowtail family and others, the scales of the lateral line are raised and crested, while in others, they are developed into spines or prickles. Many fishes (such as Catfishes, Goatfishes, etc.) are provided with fleshy barbels or "feelers" in the vicinity of the mouth; and, where these are present, they may be taken generally as a sign that the fish is a "bottom" feeder, the barbels being organs of touch (tactile organs). In fishes, we often find a most wonderful adaptation in shape and colour to suit environment ; and the form of the snout is particularly liable to modification, according to the habits of life of a particular species. The accompanying illustration of the snouts of a number of our common fishes, will serve to emphasise this state- ment. Sometimes, in addition to a fish possessing a protec- tive colouration, it has irregular, skinny appendages, which simulate seaweed, to a greater or lesser extent. This is shown to some extent in the Red Rock-Cod, and is very highly-developed in the Leafy Sea-horse. Colouration in Fishes : "Contrary to popular opinion," says Bridge, "it may be doubted if any animals, even Insects or Birds, can vie with living Fishes in the brilliancy and changeability of their colours. The nature of their habitat, the rapid fading of the natural tints after death and the fact that museum specimens, however care- fully preserved, afford but a ghostly resemblance to the colours of the living animal, account, no doubt, for much of the prevalent ignorance of the extraordinary extent to which colour-development may proceed in a considerable INTRODUCTION. 15 number of Fishes." And certainly this is borne out in our experience with Australian fishes ; many of which are possessed of the richest and most glorious colours ; colours which in the fresh fish absolutely beggar description. The Breeding Habits of Fishes : Most fishes repro- duce by means of eggs ; though many bring forth their young alive. Amongst the Teleosteans, viviparous fishes are seldom met with, the principal number being amongst the Plagiostomes (Sharks and Rays). Fish-eggs are generally divisible into two kinds ; pelagic and demersal. Pelagic eggs are distinguished by their lightness and buoyancy so that they float ; usually at the surface of the sea. (In some kinds, the specific gravity is such, that the eggs, while not floating at or near the surface, will re- main suspended at a considerable depth in the ocean.) Pelagic eggs are usually of exceedingly small size and are remarkably transparent. A prominent feature in many of them, is the presence of a single, comparatively large, oil globule, on the surface of the yolk, while in others, two or more globules may be present. Eggs of a pelagic nature are never found in fresh- water; belonging solely to marine fishes. The reason — which is, perhaps, suffi- ciently obvious — is that if the eggs of river fishes were to float, they would in many cases be swept out to sea and destroyed. Amongst the Australian fishes, at least the following species produce pelagic eggs: — Sergeant Baker (Aulopus purpurissatus) . Skipper Garfish (Scombresox forsteri). 'Sea Mullet (Mugil dobitla). Flat-tail Mullet (Mugil peronii). Yellow-eye Mullet (Agonostomus forsteri}. Blackfish (Girella triciispidata). Estuary Perch (Percalates coloiiorum). Cuvier's Sea Perch (Hypoplectrodcs nigrorubrum) . Sand Whiting (Sillago cilia ta). Trumpeter Whiting (Sillago maculatd). Snapper (Pagrosoinns auratus). Black Bream (Chrysophrys australis). 16 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Brown Groper (Achcerodus ba-dins). White-spotted Parrot-Fish (Pseudolabrns gymnogenis). Rainbow-Fish (Coris lineolata). Herring-Kale (Olisthops cyanomelas). Yellowtail (Trachurus declivis). Trevally (Caranx georgianus). Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus). Red Gurnard (Chelidomchthys kumu). In addition to the above-mentioned species, there can be little doubt that most of our marine fishes produce pelagic eggs. Demersal eggs are characterised by their usually larger size and greater weight; the latter causing them to sink after extrusion from the body of the parent. They also show a tendency to be more-or-less opaque. Many demersal eggs are adhesive ; readily adhering to one another or to foreign objects such as sticks, stones, weeds, etc. Demersal adhesive eggs are produced by the Garfishes, the Hardyheads, the Murray Cod and probably by most of our fresh-water fishes. Those of the common Catfishes and of the various kinds of Trout, may be taken as types of demersal eggs which are not of an adhesive nature. Generally speaking, those fishes which reproduce by means of pelagic eggs, produce an infinitely greater quan- tity, than do those whose eggs are of a demersal char- acter ; and well is it that this is so, as the chance of sur- vival is usually very much less in the case of eggs thrown broadcast on the surface of the ocean, than it is in those which are attached to some object, and which may even be watched over to some extent by the parents. Of viviparous Teleostean fishes, the small Crested Weed-Fishes of the genus Cristiceps may be mentioned as Australian examples. As I before stated, the Sharks and Rays are principally viviparous, the exceptions, in Australian waters, being the True Skates (Raia), the Dog-Fishes or Cat-Sharks, and the Port Jackson Sharks. In these the eggs, which are exceedingly large, are encased in a horny covering and INTRODUCTION. 17 are usually provided with- tendril-like filaments for their attachment to other objects. Many of my readers are, no doubt, familiar with those wonderful objects, the eggs of the Port Jackson Sharks. These are relatively enor- mous when compared with the size of the parent itself and the beautiful concentric spiral arrangement of the outer covering, must always inspire a feeling of admira- tion in the beholder. The Classification of Fishes: For purposes of reference, fishes — which belong to a class called by Natu- ralists, Pisces — are separated into two main sub-classes known as the Elasmobranchii and the Teleostomi; with a third and smaller one called Dipneusti or Dipnoi; the latter including the remarkable Lung-fishes. These sub- classes are again divided into orders, sub-orders, and many families; the families themselves being split up into genera and species; the genus and species forming what is called the scientific name. For instance, in the case of the Nannygai, the scientific name is Beryx af finis; the former being the genus, and the latter the species. Fishes having certain slight affinities with one another, are grouped together under the main divisions, while those showing a greater and still greater natural relationship to one another, are placed in the more and more restricted groups. Generally speaking, this is the plan followed by all Zoologists and Botanists in classifying animals and plants ; the idea being to make the system of classification as natural as possible, and as far as possible obviating the formation of artificial divisions. Unfortunately, however ardently a person may desire it, the latter cannot always be carried out in practice ; in many cases, through our imperfect knowledge of the groups that we are dealing with. This being so, scientific nomenclature is likely to, and does, change; in accordance with the state of our knowledge. In the accompanying table, I have shown the system of classification followed in this little work. This is (with slight alteration) the arrangement followed by the authors dealing with the fishes in Volume VII. of the Cambridge Natural History (1904). Incidentally, I might here mention, that a great many i8 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. people find it difficult to understand the utility of tech- nical names for animals and plants ; and I here take an opportunity of giving a suitable answer. In doing so, I cannot do better than quote the words of Professor Huxley who, in his work on "The Crayfish" says: — "Many people imagine that scientific terminology is a needless burden imposed upon the novice, and ask us why we cannot be content with plain English. In reply, I would suggest to such an objector to open a conversation about his own business with a carpenter, or an engineer, or, still better, with a sailor, and try how far plain English will go. The interview will not have lasted long before he will find himself lost in a maze of unintelligible technicalities. Every calling has its technical termin- ology; and every artisan uses terms of art, which sound like gibberish to those who know nothing of the art, but are exceedingly convenient to those who practise it. "In fact, every art is full of conceptions which are special to itself; and, as the use of language is to convey our conceptions to one another, language must supply signs for those conceptions. There are two ways of doing this : either existing signs may be combined in loose and cumbrous periphrases; or new signs, having a well- understood and definite signification, may be invented. The practice of sensible people shows the advantage of the latter course ; and here, as elsewhere, science has simply followed and improved upon common sense." INTRODUCTION. TABLE SHEWING A GENERAL CLASSIFICA- TION OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES. NOTE — The principal divisions of the sub-class Teleostomi only are here shown. The Cartilaginous fishes (Elasmobranchii) and the Lung fishes (Dipneusti) being omitted. All the existing Teleostomes in Australia belong to the ORDER: TELEOSTEI (Bony Fishes}. SUB-ORDER Malacopterygii (Soft-tinned Fishes]. Elopidae Osteoglossidae Chirocentridae Clupeidae Salmonidse FAMILY. (Giant Herrings). (Osteoglossids). (The Dorabj. (Herrings). (Salmons, T routs, etc.). Alepocephalidae (A lepocephaloids) . Stomiatidje (Stomialoids). Gonorhynchidae (The "Beaked Salmon" ). (Cyprinidae Ostariophysi (Carps and Caf fishes J. Siluridse Symbranrhii Apodes (Shore-Eels). f Symbranchic Haplomi I Anguillidse (Eels). \ Mureenidae ( Galaxiidae Haplochitonidse (Sergeant-Baker, etc. ). Scopelidae (Carps) (Cat fishes). (Shore-Eels). } (Eels). (Minnows) (Graylings). (Sergeant-Baker, etc.). Alepidosauridae ( A lepidosaurus) . ( V .tacanthidae Heteromi (Notacanthoids). ("Spiny Eels").\ Fierasferida I (Fierasfe* ;. 20 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. ORDER : TELEOSTEI (Bony Fishes] — cont. SUB-ORDER. ORDER. Catosteomi (Tube-Mouths). Fistulariidse Centriscidae Syngnathidse Pegasidse Percesoces (Mullets, Garfishes, etc.). AnacanthJni (Cod-like Fishes). \ Gadidge (Flute-Mouths). (Sea-Snipes). (Sea-Horses). (Sea-Dragons ). Scombresocidee (Garfishes and Long-Toms ) Atherinidse (Hardy heads). Mugilidse (Mullets). Polynemidae (Thread fins). Sphyraenidse (Short- finned Pikes). Tetragonuridse (Cui'ier's Square-tail ). Stromateidse (The Whario, etc.). /Macruridae (Grenadiers or Whiptails). ^Berycidse Monocentridse Pempheridse Ctntrarchidse Kyphosidse Lobotidse Toxotidas Acanthopterygii (Lings, etc.). (Nannygai^ etc.). (Knight-Fishes). (Buirs-Eyes). (Flagtail^ etc.). (Drummers ). (Dusky Perch). (Rifle-Fishes). Nandidse (Spiny- Fishes).'" (BleekeSs Plesiops, etc.). Serranidse (Perches). Pseudochromididse (Pseudochromids) . Cepolidse (Band-Fishes). Hoplognathidas (Knife- Jaws). Sillaginidse (Whitings). Sciaenidse (Jew fish, etc.). Gerridae (Silver-Bellies). INTRODUCTION. 21 ORDER : TELEOSTEI (Bony Fishes)— cont. STJB-ORDER. ORDER. Acanthopterygii (continued) ( Latrididae Aplodactylidae (Trumpeters). ( Morwongs) Pristipomatidae (Silver Perch, etc.). Sparidae (Bream, Snapper etc.). Mullidse (Goat-Fishes). Scorpididae (Sweep, etc.). Chaetodontidae Acanthuridae f .£» rg eon-Fishes) . Siganidae (Black T rev ally, etc.). Pomacentridae (Pomacentrids). LabridaB \ I (Parrot-Fishes). Scarida9 J Carangidas (Yellowtail, etc.). Rachycentridae Scombridae Trichiuridae (Barracottta, etc.). Histiopboridae ( Sword-fishes ). Luvaridae (Luvarus). Coryphaenidae (Dolphin-Fishes). Bramidae (Pomfrcti). Zeidae Pleuronectidae Gobiidae Echeneididae Scorpaenidae ^7? Platycephalidae Triglidffi Cephalacanthidae (^^a Robins). Leptoscopidae (Leptoscopus ). (Flat-Fishes). (Gobi**). 22 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. ORDER: TELEOSTEI (Bony Fishes)— cont. SUB-ORDER. ORDER. Nototheniidae (Ccntropercis, etc.). Uranoscopidae (Star gazers). (Trichonotoids). (Dragonets). Gobiesocidae Acanthopterygn (ding-Fishes). _iy-Ftskes).' Blenniidae (continued) (Blennies). (Frog-Fishes). (Typhlonus, etc.). Ophidiidae (Australian Rockling). Trachypteridse (Oar-Fish). Pediculati f Antennariidae (Pediculate Fishes ;\ (Angler-Fishes). Trichonotidae Callionymidae Gobiesocidae Blenniidae Batrachidae Zoarcidas Plectognathi (Leather jackets, etc.). Toad-Fishes , Balistidae Ostraciontidae Tetrodontida? Diodontidse Molidae (Leather jackets) . (Box-Fishes). (Toad-Fishes). (Porcupine-Fishes). (Sun-Fishes) THE GIANT HERRINGS. 23 CHAPTER II. The Giant Herrings— The Osteoglossids— The Dorab— The Herring Family— The Salmon Family— The Alepocephaloids— Stomiatoid Fishes —The Beaked Salmon— The Carp Family— The Catfish Family. THE GIANT HERRINGS. (Family: Elopidce.) THE Giant Herrings are represented in our Australian waters by two important species: The "Ox-eye" or Big- eyed Herring (Me galops cyprinoides) and the Giant Herring (Elops saurus). Though essentially tropical fishes, both of these are obtained as far down our coast as Port Jackson, and possibly still farther south. On the New South Wales coast they are most abundant in the vicinity of the two great northern rivers — the Clarence and the Richmond — and they are still more abundant farther north on the coast of Queensland. In addition, it is probable that they are distributed over the whole of the northern and north-western coastlines of Australia; to what extent is not at present known. They are both carnivorous fishes. The Ox-eye is very closely related to the famous sporting fish of America known as the Tarpon. It is a large species, attaining a length of several feet, and has remarkably large scales. When freshly captured, its skin has the appearance of burnished silver. The last ray of the comparatively short dorsal fin is prolonged into a long fila- ment. The dorsal fin is situated at about half the distance from the snout to the extremity of the tail. Its eyes are remarkably large, round and lustrous. In addition to its Australian habitat, the Ox-eye is found along the shores of India, the Malay Archipelago and other tropical localities. It has also recently been obtained in the Philippine Islands. On the east coast of Australia it is known to penetrate the rivers right up into fresh- water. 24 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. As, upon a closer acquaintance with its habits being made, this fish will very probably be found to have much in common with its congener — the Tarpon — in America, a few words in regard to that famous fish will not be amiss. The Tarpon reaches a length of 6 feet, with a weight of more than 300 pounds. One taken with hook and line on the coast of Florida weighed 209 pounds, while another taken with a harpoon is said to have weighed 383 pounds. Among the names by which this fish is known, is that of "The Silver King." Jordan and Evermann write: "The Silver King is the greatest of game fishes. There is none more celebrated or deserving of higher praise. Only the few fortunate anglers, who, happily situated, are able to spend their winters in Florida or elsewhere on our southern coast, have actually experienced the pleasure of Tarpon- fishing; but every lover of the rod has heard of the Silver King and has hoped that he might some day have an oppor- tunity to test the great fish's strength and skill." As I have suggested, the Ox-eye may some day turn out to be as great a sporting fish as the Tarpon. Fig. 7. — GIANT HERRING (Elops saurus). The Giant Herring is very different in shape to the Ox-eye, having a much rounder and more elongated form. The body is covered with small silvery scales, and the eye is partially covered with a transparent fleshy lid (similar to that in the common Sea-Mullet), which, in the Ox-eye, is absent. The dorsal fin is considerably longer (basally) than that in the last-mentioned species, while the anal fin is very much shorter. There is no prolonged dorsal fila- ment as in the Ox-eye. These comparative differences are worth mentioning ; as they will be found very useful in any examination of these fishes. The Giant Herring has an even THE OSTEOGLOSSIDS. 25 wider distribution than the preceding species, being found in all tropical seas. It reaches a length of about 4 feet. An interesting point in connection with this species, is that the young are not like the parents at first, but are ribbon- shaped, long, thin and transparent; passing through a metamorphosis very similar to that seen in the Conger Eels (page 48). They are first band-shaped, with a very small head and loose, transparent tissues. Then they grow shorter and more compact, shrinking from ^/2 inches to about 2 inches in length. The Giant Herring is found at intervals in the Sydney Fish Markets ; and, more commonly, in those at Brisbane. It is not at present much sought after as food in Australia. In America, where it also occurs, it is recog- nised as a "game-fish," and is known under the names of Bony-fish, Ten-pounder, John Mariggle, etc., etc THE OSTEOGLOS8IDS. (Family : Osteoglossida-. ) THE fishes of this family belong to a very ancient type amongst teleosteans. Externally they have the body covered with very large and hard scales of a mosaic-like structure. The largest fresh- water fish (teleostean) in the world is in- cluded amongst these. This is the Arapaima of Brazil, which attains a length of 15 feet, with a weight of upwards of 400 pounds. In Australia the Osteoglossids are repre- sented by two species, both of which are found in Queens- land. The principal one is that known to Queenslanders as Barramundi (Scleropages leichhardti). At least two other fishes in Queensland, viz. : the Giant Perch and the Lung-fish, are also known in parts by the name of Barra- mundi, but it is to the Osteoglossid that it should be re- stricted. The flesh of this fish is highly esteemed as food in those localities at which it is found. It is said to rise to the "fly" well. Attaining a length of 2 to 3 feet, it has an elongate, compressed body, with a trenchant lower edge. 26 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The cleft of the mouth is wide, obliquely set, and is armed with a closely-set row of sharp, conical teeth. Two short barbels depend from the lower jaw. The Barramundi occurs in several of the inter-tropical rivers of Queensland, which debouch on the Barrier coastline. The majority of — BARRAMUNDI (Scleropages leichhardti) . the scales, when fresh, are ornamented with one, or, at most, two red spots. In connection with the geographical distribution of these Osteoglossids as a family, it is a very interesting fact that it coincides very closely with that of those very ancient forms — the Lung-fishes. THE DORAB. ( Family : Chirocentrida. ) THE gigantic herring known as the Dorab (Chirocentrus dorab) is the sole member of this family of fishes. It abounds principally in tropical seas, but has been taken on Fig. 9. — DOKAB (Chirocentrus dorab). the coast of New South Wales. In the tropics, this species ranges from the Red Sea to the Malay Archipelago and '.lie seas of China and Japan. It is really quite a formid- THE DORAB.— HERRINGS. 27 able-looking monster, as it attains a length of fully 12 feet. When captured it is said to bite viciously at every object within reach. It is not of great value from an economic standpoint. The Dorab (this is the name by which it is known in "the east") has very formidable teeth, an elongate, highly-compressed body, and thin deciduous scales. The dorsal fin is short, and situated opposite the anal fin, which is long. The ventral fins are very small, and have 7 rays. THE HERRING FAMILY. (Family: Clupeida.) AMONGST the fishes of the world, the herring family is second to none from the point of view of their commercial importance. Though usually of small size, they are remark- able for the enormous number of individuals by which a few of the species are represented, rather than by the multiplicity of the species themselves — though there are a great many species. The fact that some of the most valuable kinds associate at certain periods in immense shoals, accounts for the great usefulness of this family, as a food-supply to man. Probably the next family in order of importance would be that of the Scdmonidce. The herring family is well repre- sented in Australian waters, and some of the species are destined in the future — let us hope the near future — to become veritable mines of wealth for persons of enterprise in our country. Amongst the more important that are worthy of mention, are the following: — The Pilchard (Clupanodon neopilchardus}, the Herring (Sardinella cas- telnaui), the Sandy Sprat (Hyperlophus spratellides) , and the Anchovy (Engrattlis antipodmn}. The large Salmon-Herring (Chanos chanos), the Fresh-water Herring (Potamalosa novce-hollandia'} and the so-called Bony-Bream (Dorosoma erebi) also belong, among others, to this family. Of the above, the Pilchard is by far the most im- portant, occurring as it does at certain seasons, in enormous 28 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. shoals, which, at times, cover vast areas in our coastal waters, both in the young and adult stages. The complete history of the life and migrations of the Pilchard still waits to be told, but notwithstanding the paucity of our knowledge in regard to this and some other members of the Herring family, we still know enough to enable us to reap a rich harvest annually from them, if we were so inclined ; but, instead of doing this, we sit down year after year, allow- ing the shoals to come and go without any attempt being made to utilise them. Here, indeed, are riches thrust upon us, but we are apathetic and do not heed ; for we close our eyes to the bountiful stores that Nature has laid before us and sometimes complainingly ask, "Where are the fish?" Fig. 10. — PILCHARD (Clupanodon neopilchardus ) . At the present time the enormous abundance in which the Pilchards, for instance, occur, is very well-known amongst the fishermen ; but they also know that if they were to bring along, say, a hundred baskets to the Markets, there would be little, or no, sale for them in their fresh state, and that they would ultimately find their way to "the Tip." In utilising shoals of fishes such as these, combined effort on the part of the fisherman — as producer — and the purveyor or manufacturer (using the latter term in its wider sense ) • is necessary, if the fishery is to become a success. The Australian Pilchard is to all intents and purposes practi- cally identical, as a food product, with the Sardine of com- merce— a fish, out of the capture and disposal of which, many hundreds of thousands of pounds are gained annually. In regard to their abundance, the same remarks may in a great measure be applied to the Herring, the Sandy Sprat and the Anchovy ; these fishes all occurring at one time or THE HERRING FAMILY. 29 another in enormous quantities on our coasts. The people of New South Wales aiuf other States in the Australian Commonwealth have been brought up from childhood to think only of "the land" and land-problems : to the almost utter neglect of the sea and its marvellously-bountiful sup- plies. With the exception of ''hand-lining" on outside grounds, practically no fishing methods are practised along our coasts excepting the ordinary ones, whereby hauling or meshing-nets are used in the friendly shelter of our har- bours and lakes ; or, occasionally on outside beaches. This is not the place for me to go into a general dissertation upon our wilful neglect of what should be one of our great national assets ; but I trust that the few remarks here offered will assist in directing the attention of persons of enterprise and resource to a matter so well meriting their attention. The Pilchard commonly attains a length of 9 or 10 inches. In colour it is dark-blue, bluish-green, or greenish- brown above; changing rather suddenly into the silvery colour of the sides. Along each side is a series of darker blotches, making the fish, when viewed from above, very similar to a very different fish — the Common Mackerel. Curiously enough, too, small bodies of the Pilchards are often found among Mackerel of the same size, and vice versa. The Pilchard has an enormous range. It occurs along a very great portion of the Australian coastline, being par- ticularly common in the Eastern waters.* It is also quite .common in the waters of New Zealand, where it is some- times known as "Picton Herring." Beyond these waters, it is found in the Seas of Japan and China, and also along the Pacific Coast of America, from the shores of California to those of Chile. In the United States of America, it is known as California Herring. The Herring is a comparatively short, deep-bodied fish, having a sharp-edged, serrated lower surface. It is found along our Eastern Coast in large numbers, being fre- quently obtained — when not in the schooling season — in the company of the pretty little Silver-Belly. * It has been recorded from the waters of Western Australia, where it is stated to be very common. 30 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In colour, the tipper surface is usually of a bluish- green ; the sides being of a most brilliant silver. The irides are of a beautiful golden or golden-red tint. This fish attains a length of about 8 or 9 inches. The Sandy-Sprat is a very small species, but makes up for its reduced size by its great abundance. It is a pretty little fish, almost transparent when alive, frequenting sandy localities along the New South .Wales coast, and attains a length of 3 to 4 inches. With its relative, the Fresh-water Herring, this little clupeid is of some interest scientifically, in that it is one of the so-called "Rough-backed Herrings" which were known Fig. 11. — HERRING (Sardinella castelnaui). to occur in a fossil state long before any existing species were discovered. The Fresh-water Herring abounds in all the rivers which empty themselves into the waters of the Eastern coast of Australia; with the exception, perhaps, of those in the North of Queensland. In various localities it is known under different names. It is a beautiful little fish, when fresh, being, with the exception of a narrow greenish strip along the back, of a uniform silvery colour. Soon after capture, a good deal of its brilliance disappears. The back and sides are then of a straw-colour, or olive-green, with the belly silvery ; a broad, silvery, dark-edged, longitudinal band running down the middle of the sides. THE HERRING FAMILY. 31 This species is often captured by rod and line, taking a bait freely. It attains a length of about 9 inches. In New South Wales, it is very abundant in the Hawkesbury, Clarence and Richmond Rivers. During the Winter-time it migrates from the fresher portions down towards the more open waters of the estuaries; there to deposit the spawn, which is probably pelagic (or floating) in its nature. At this time they are enormously distended (both males and females), with milt and roe. The Anchovy is one of those fishes that "we have always with us"; but which, like other clupeids, at times congregates in enormous shoals. It attains to a size usually but little larger than the Sandy Sprat. Amongst the her- rings, it may usually be recognised by the relatively enormous gape of the mouth. It probably occurs plentifully over the greater part of the Australian coast ; certainly along the Eastern portion. Out of the shoaling season, it usually frequents fairly-deep water in our harbours, lakes and estuaries. For all practical and economic purposes, there is no difference between our Anchovies and the famous fishes of that name in the Mediterranean Sea. The Salmon-Herring is a very large species, exceeding a length of 4 feet. Being rather a tropical species, it is somewhat rare on the coast of New South Wales, but is fairly common along the Queensland coast. It occurs also in India and in other localities. It enters fresh- waters, such as the Hawkesbury, Clarence and Richmond Rivers ; and, in parts where it is known, the flesh is highly esteemed as food. This species is known in parts of Queensland as "Milk Fish," a name which has originated amongst Europeans in India; "where," according to Day, "Hyder AH introduced it from the sea into tanks of fresh and brackish water, where it still thrives." The Salmon Herring possesses a large and powerful tail. The Bony Bream called by the native name of Pibrie in parts of the lower Murray (in South Australia), has re- 32 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. ceived its English vernacular name from the excessive number of small and troublesome bones contained within its body, and which effectually prevent it from being exten- sively used as food. It is found in some abundance in the waters of the Murray River system, and is very largely used in parts as a bait for the capture of Murray Cod. A few general particulars in regard to its external structure will assist riverside folk to identify this fish for themselves : — It possesses a highly-compressed body, with a serrated abdomen. The snout is obtusely rounded, projecting a little beyond the mouth, which is narrow. It has no teeth. The eyes are nearly covered by thick adipose (or fleshy) lids, as in the Sea Mullet. The last ray of the dorsal fin is greatly elongated, being produced into a long filament. From the last-mentioned character, the fish is sometimes known as the "Hair-back." In colour it is of a uniform silvery white. It attains commonly a length of 12 or 13 inches. Before leaving this family, I must mention that the fish known in Victoria as the Yarra "Herring" is not a true herring, but is the Australian Grayling; while that known in West Australia as the Swan River "Herring" is one of the Mullets, known in New South Wales as the Yellow- Eye Mullet. THE SALMON FAMILY. ( Family : Salm-onidee. ) ALTHOUGH several species of this family are to be found in many of the fresh-waters of Australia at the present time, we have only one indigenous kind, and that is such an insig- nificant little fish as to be practically of little or no import- ance. The species that I refer to is the Australian Smelt (Retropinna retropinna) ; which, though small and only attaining to a few inches in length, is widely distributed; being found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Aus- tralia, Western Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. (I THE SALMON FAMILY. 33 might here mention that, though at present it is considered that there is only one species of Retropinna in our waters, I think it is highly probable that a close examination of specimens from various parts will reveal the existence of at least two species.) The Australian Smelt is found in both salt and fresh water, and is to be found in a number of the creeks around Sydney; as well as in the Sydney Water-Supply Reservoir at Prospect, in which there are myriads. In any of the localities mentioned, when cap- tured, it may be at once distinguished from the Minnows (Gala.i'ias) — amongst which it is often found — by its more- generally silvery appearance, and the possession of a little fleshy-looking adipose dorsal fin situated on the back of the tail, as in all true Tronts and Salmons. This is in addi- tion to the main dorsal fin, which is situated farther forward than is the single dorsal fin of the Minnows. In New Zealand, where this species is quite common, it is known as "'Whitebait." During the early summer months, large numbers of the young, up to 2 or 3 inches in length, are captured at the mouths of some of the New Zealand rivers. These form the so-called "New Zealand Whitebait" which is sold by the pound in some of the Sydney fish shops. Amongst the various kinds of Trout that have been introduced into, and acclimatised in, our waters, perhaps the most important is the Rainbow Trout (Salmo irideus). This fish is a native of the State of California, in America. Of all the many forms of Trout and Salmon it seems to be the one that is best fitted for acclimatisation in parts foreign to its original habitat, on account of its ready adapta- bility to its surroundings under greatly varying conditions — both in regard to the quality and the temperature of the water. Through the efforts of the United States Fish Com- mission and the various State Fish Commissions, it is now to be found over a great part of the United States. It has also been introduced into some of the Canadian rivers, South America, Europe, Great Britain, South Africa, Xew Zealand, and, as already stated, in our own country. In many of the mountain streams of New South \Vales, it has thriven wonderfully, being now a source of attraction to tourists and others, as well as providing an occasional meal to num- bers of the riverside residents. 34 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The Rainbow Trout is a very hardy fish, beautifully- coloured, and is very game; consequently it is an ideal sporting fish. It attains a weight of 5 to 6 pounds, or even more; examples of 2 or 3 pounds' weight being common. The food consists usually of worms, insect larvae and aquatic insects. In its native waters, it is a great enemy of the Quinnat Salmon (which is a much bigger fish, of course), as it is most destructive to the eggs of that species, devour- ing them in large numbers. Although it usually is found during the whole of its life in fresh-water, under certain conditions it is known — in America — to descend the rivers and pass out to sea, returning again at the breeding season. The colours of the Rainbow Trout are as follows: — Upper parts, greenish-blue, often purplish ; the sides more Fig. 12. — RAINBOW TROUT (Salmo irideus). or less silvery, and profusely spotted with small black spots, these being most numerous above the lateral line. The head and the dorsal, caudal and adipose fins are also black-spotted. (Sea-run specimens are uniformly silvery, without black spots.) In the breeding season, the broad crimson band on the sides becomes very much brighter. The jaws of the male, during the breeding season, though not greatly dis- torted as in a number of the Salmonidci', are very much larger than those of the female. In regard to the sporting qualities of this fish, I may state that in America, taking its weight into consideration, it is thought to be a greater fighter than any other trout. Messrs. Jordan and Evermann, the eminent authorities on fishes in America, writing of this species, state that: "In beauty of colour, gracefulness of form and movement, sprightliness when in the water, reckless dash with which THE SALMON FAMILY. 35 it springs from the water to meet the descending fly ere it strikes the surface, and the mad and repeated leaps from the water when hooked, the Rainbow Trout must ever hold a high rank. The gamest fish we have ever seen was a 16- inch Rainbow taken on a fly in a small spring branch tributary of Williamson River, in Southern Oregon. It was in a broad and deep pool of exceedingly clear water. As the angler, from behind a clump of willows, made the cast, the Trout bounded from the water and met the fly in the air, a foot or move above the surface ; missing it, he dropped upon the water, only to turn about and strike viciously a second time at the fly just as it touched the surface; though he again missed the fly, the hook caught him in the lower jaw from the outside, and then began a fight which would delight the heart of any angler. His first effort was to reach the bottom of the pool ; then, doubling upon the line, he made three jumps from the water in quick succession, clearing the surface in each instance from I to 4 feet; and every time doing his utmost to free himself from the hook by shak- ing his head as vigorously as a dog shakes a rat. Then he would rush wildly about in the large pool, now attempt- ing to go down over the riffle below the pool, now trying the opposite direction, and often striving to hide under one or other of the banks. It was easy to handle the fish when the dash was made up or down stream or for the opposite side ; but when he turned about and made a rush for the protection of the overhanging bank upon which the angler stood, it was not easy to keep the line taut. Movements such as these were frequently repeated, and two more leaps were made. But finally he was worn out after as honest a fight as Trout ever made." This is the fish which the Department of Fisheries has been consistently introducing with great success into suit- able New South Wales waters for some years past. The Trout which are distributed are at present hatched out and grown at the Government Hatchery at Prospect, N.S.W., which is in proximity to the Sydney Water-Supply Reservoir. Amongst others which have been introduced into the rivers of New South Wales may be mentioned the English 36 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Brown Trout (Salmo fario) and the American Brook Charr (Sah'elinns fontiualis). Though these have suc- ceeded in adapting themselves to certain of our waters, par- ticularly those of the Snowy River district, on the whole they are rather more suited for generally colder waters, such as those to be found in Tasmania and New Zealand. Before leaving this subject, a few words in regard to the introduction of representatives of the Salmonidae to Australian waters may not be amiss. The first experiment was made in 1852 by a Mr. Boccius with Salmon ova. The attempt was unsuccessful, and many of the "croakers" of the day said that it was an impossibility and an idle waste of time and money (by the way, there are still a few of these croakers). However, subsequently, a number of other attempts were made ; each one being unsuc- cessful, but each one profiting by the mistakes of the former, until in 1864, when success at last crowned the efforts of the devoted few who had worked so untiringly. All of these experiments were made in connection with Salmon (Salmo salar) ova. Since that time many other kinds have been introduced either into Australia or New Zealand. The name of James A. Youl (afterwards Sir James)* will always be coupled with these early experiments, as he took a very prominent part in connection with them. THE ALEPOCEPKALOIDS. (Family: AlepocephaUdcp.) THIS is a family of deep-sea fishes, somewhat similar in general structure to the Herrings and Salmons. One species, known as Alepocephalus niger, has been obtained from our waters at a depth of 1,400 fathoms. This fish has a compressed — though not very elongate — body, covered with small scales. The snout projects beyond the mouth. As the specific name implies, the fish is black. *Sir James Arndell Youl died in England during June, 1904, at the age of 95 years. STOMIATOIDS.—THE BEAKED SALMON. 37 STOMIATOID FISHES. (Family^ Stomiatidce.) THESE are large-mouthed and large-eyed fishes frequenting the ocean depths ; some being known from a depth of nearly 2,500 fathoms. In some the body is naked, while in others it is scaly. In most of the species, the luminous organs known as "photophores" are well-developed. Their enor- mous mouths are characterized by a most formidable array of teeth. At least two species of these Stomiatoids* are known from our waters ; one having been obtained by the "Chal- lenger" at a depth of 2,440 fathoms off the North-west Coast of Australia, while the other was obtained by the same vessel off the coast of South Australia at a depth of 2,150 fathoms. THE BEAKED SALMON. ( Family : Gonorhynchidte. ) THE peculiar fish known as the Beaked Salmon (Gonorhyn- chus gonorhynchus) constitutes a family by itself. It is remarkable for its elongate, cylindrical body, long, pointed Fig. 13. — BEAKKU SALMON (GonorJii/m-Jinx fiouorfn/nrhus). snout, on the under side of which, and almost beneath the anterior half of the large eyes is the small mouth. From the end of the snout depend two barbels. * Echiostoma microdon and E. micripmi*. 38 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. This species has a very extended geographical distri- bution, being found in New South Wales, Tasmania, West Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Pro- bably, also, it will be found to occur along the whole of the southern seaboard of Australia. On the New South Wales coast it is not often obtained, but appears to be more common in Tasmania; while in parts of New Zealand, where it is common, it is recognised as a food-fish; being known by the altogether inappropriate name of "Sand-Eel." It attains a length of 18 to 20 inches. THE CAEP FAMILY. ( Family : Cyprinidce . ) THOUGH there is no indigenous member of this family of fishes occurring in Australian waters, certain introduced forms are common enough. Of these, the most important, numerically, is the Goldfish or Golden Carp (Caras- sius -auratus). This species swarms in aquaria and ponds — ornamental and otherwise — in most of the cities and towns of the Australian Commonwealth ; and, in addition, is found in nearly all of the rivers, both coastal and inland ; as well as the smallest creeks and settlers' tanks in most unheard-of places. It is almost as ubiquitous as the Sparrow is on the land. Its ready adaptability, enables it to put up with great extremes of temperature and to live in water that would suffocate many fishes. There are two well- marked color-varieties of this species, the one being the well- known beautiful golden-yellow from which the name of Goldfish has been derived, while the other is of a silvery hue. Outside of ornamental ponds, the latter is the more common form. Carassius auratus is a native of China and Japan; but, having been so easily domesticated and transported, it is now to be met with in all tropical and temperate climes, as well as in many of the colder countries. Amongst the many curious varieties of this fish which have been developed under artificial cultivation may be men- CARPS AND CATFISHES. 39 tioned the Telescope Fish and the familiar Japanese Butter- fly Fish. As a food-fish, the Goldfish is of little value, owing to its usually insignificant size. Others of the Cyprimdtv which have been introduced into Australian fresh-waters or aquaria are the pretty little Fighting Fish (Betta pugnax), the Tench (Tinea tinea], and the Roach (beucisats mtilits). The last-men- tioned is of some importance as it is prolific, attains com- monly a weight of at least 2 pounds, and is at the same time of some value as a sporting-fish. It is a deep-bodied, herring-like fish, having a silvery body and pretty red fins, the short dorsal greatly resembling that of certain Herrings. It appears to have adapted itself pretty well to our Aus- tralian conditions. The Roach is a native of the rivers of Europe. THE CATFISH FAMILY. (Family: Siluridce.) THE immense family of the Catfishes, which embraces about 1000 species, is spread over nearly the whole world; parti- cularly in the fresh-waters, only a comparative few being marine. In size, they range from the tiny "Candiru" of Brazil, of a little over 2 inches in length; up to the huge and hideous "Wels" which is spread over Europe, being particularly abundant in the basin of the River Danube. This is the largest strictly fresh-water fish in Europe; sometimes attaining a length of over 10 feet and a weight of 400 pounds. Catfishes are particularly interesting because of the great care usually taken by them in looking after the eggs and young. In Australian waters, particularly in the tropical or semi-tropical portions, this family is well represented; the most important species being the Estuary Catfish (Cnido- glanis megastomits), the Fresh-water Catfish (Copido- 40 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. glanis tandanus), and the Salmon-Catfishes (Galeichth\s thdlassinus and Galeichthys australis). The Estuary Catfish is very common along the coast of New South Wales and probably Victoria also, though in regard to its occurrence in the latter locality little can be said with certainty. It inhabits the waters of our coastal lakes and estuaries, principally affecting muddy and weedy bottoms. Its long eel-like form is quite familiar to most of us, as also its ugly-looking head and mouth, around which depend eight fleshy barbels or feelers. The first dorsal and pectoral fins are supported by long and strong feebly-serrated spines, which are used for purposes of de- fence ; and, probably — occasionally — offence. Very severe and painful wounds are caused by these spines ; and conse- quently, fishermen look upon this common Catfish as their sworn enemy — a pest little better than the troublesome Stingrays. As the fish loves to lurk among the weeds, waders in muddy places are sometimes wounded in the feet through standing on or near one of these dangerously- armed brutes. In this species, the second dorsal fin and the anal fin are confluent with the caudal fin, thus forming a soft fringing fin right round the posterior half of the body, as in eels. Though the Estuary Catfish is captured in large num- bers by means of hook and line or hauling-net, both by amateurs and professional fishermen, it is not because it is sought ; as there is no sale for this species. Its horrific appearance has produced a very strong feeling of antipathy in most people, against the tasting of the flesh; which, this notwithstanding, is of good flavour. For the table, it should be boiled and the skin removed. The flesh is not poisonous, though many people think that it is. In colour the Estuary Catfish is usually of a dark brown or a blackish tint, fading into a dirty white along the lower surface. When living in sandy localities, the prevailing colour is a sandy-grey marbled with brown. This species attains a length of nearly 3 feet. The Fresh-water Catfish, unlike its congener just mentioned, is not despised as a food-fish; but instead, is made full use of; being regarded as a useful and THE CATFISH FAMILY. 41 good edible fish in nearly all portions of its known habitat. The latter embraces almost the whole of the huge Murray River system, from a comparatively short distance from the mouth of the River Murray, in South Australia, right up into tributaries of the Darling in Queensland, with also the fresh-water portions of our northern rivers. In many country parts, this species is known as "Jew~ fish" ; that being likewise, the title under which it is usually served up in hotels. In form, the Fresh-water Catfish is relatively much shorter, and the body is more elevated and laterally com- pressed, than in the Estuary Catfish, which it otherwise re- sembles to some extent. The colour is variable, but is usually of a mottled-grey or brownish. This species possesses the interesting habit of forming a mound or nest in which to deposit its eggs. This nest is formed either of sandy-grit or pebbles (if the latter are available) ; and is often at least 3 feet in diameter. During the process of incubation, it is jealously guarded by one or other of the parents. In regard to the formation of this nest, one man who had been fishing for many years on some of the western rivers of New South Wales, informed me that he had seen the fishes carrying pebbles in their mouths to the desired spot. Others state that the mound is formed by a simple fanning motion of the tail ; this fanning also tending to dislodge the more minute particles, and so leave the coarser particles behind for the formation of the nest. The Salmon-Catfishes are totally unlike either of the preceding, in that they possess a well-defined tail portion and an adipose dorsal fin ; as in the Salmonidce. The head is very broad and depressed, and is quite hard and bony above. There are six barbels around the mouth. The spine of the dorsal fin, with, also, that of each ventral fin, is very strong. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The Salmon-Catfishes deposit very large eggs, some of which are nearly y^ of an inch in diameter. In all of the species, great care is taken to protect the progeny. Especially does this apply to some of the species in which the male (more rarely the female) takes the eggs in his mouth, and holds them until they are hatched. This highly- 42 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. interesting habit may be observed in the larger of our common Salmon-Catfishes (Galeichthys thalassinus) in a number of rivers ; notably the Clarence and the Richmond. The discovery of the adults with their mouths full of eggs, has given rise to the idea, prevailing in some quarters, that these fishes eat their own spawn. The smaller species (Galeichthys australis), which grows to a length of about 18 inches, builds nests upon the sandy beds of rivers, making circular basin-like excavations about 20 inches in diameter; at the bottom of which the eggs are laid, being then covered over with several layers of large stones. As will be seen, this habit is very like that practised by the Fresh-water Catfish, before referred to. Fig. 14. — Forepart of SALMON-CATFISH (Galeichthys australis). The Salmon-Catfishes are of little value as food-fishes. In one genus of Catfishes (Aspredo) which does not occur in Australian waters, during the breeding season, the skin of the lower parts of the female becomes quite soft, thick and spongy. After depositing the eggs, the female lies over them and presses them into the skin, in which they remain firmly embedded, until the embryo is hatched out. Quite a large book could be written dealing with the efforts of Catfishes to ensure the continuity of the species. LITTLE SHORE-EELS.— TRUE EELS. 43 CHAPTER III. The Little Shore-Eels— The True Eels— The Australian Minnows — The " Grayling " Family — The Scopeloids — The Lancet-Fishes — Nota- canthoid Fishes — The Fierasferoids — Flute-Mouths or Tobacco-Pipe Fishes — Bellows- Fishes or Sea-Snipes — Sea-Horses and Pipe-Fishes — Sea-Dragons. THE LITTLE SHORE-EELS. ( Family : Symbranchidcz ) . ONLY two species of the.se peculiar little fishes inhabit the coasts of Australia; the principal one being the little Banded Shore - Eel (Cheilobranchus rufus). This is a very small fish, attaining a length of about 4 inches. It varies considerably in colouration, according to location. On the shores of Port Jackson, and in other localities, it is quite common just below low-tide mark, amongst sea- weed, in rock crevices or empty oyster-shells. One species of these symbranchoid eels, which is found in fresh-water streams of Central America, attains a length of 5 feet. THE TRUE EELS. (Families: Anguillidce and Muranidce^) ABOUT 270 species of these Eels are known from various parts of the world, some of which are found in water having the immense depth of 2500 fathoms. Many species of eels are found in the waters — both fluviatile and marine — of Australia. As but little is known in regard to their distribution and occurrence in the other States, I must here confine my remarks chiefly to those of New South Wales. Of the first family, the principal kinds are the Common Eel* (Anguilla reinhardtii), also * This Eel may possibly be specifically identical with a common Indian Eel — Anyuilla bengalensi* — but it does not agree with Day's description of the latter (Fishes of India, p. 659). 44 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. known as the Long-finned Eel, the Conger Eel (Lepto- cephalus labiatus), and the Silver Eel (Murcenesox cinereus). The Serpent Eel (Ophisurus serpens) is also a member of this family. Of the second family, only one species is of any economic importance ; and that is the Green Eel (Gynmothorax prasina) ; while others of the same family are, the Painted Eel (Gymnothorax plcta) and the Clouded Eel (Echidna nebulosa). The Common Eel is found in all the rivers and estuaries of the eastern watershed of New South Wales, and is the principal Eel of the Sydney Fish Markets. It also abounds on the coasts of Queensland and Victoria, more particularly the former. Stray specimens of eels have been reported from high up in western waters in New South Wales ; but they must only be looked upon as "strays, ' and nothing more ; as no species of true Eel is known to habitually dwell in those waters. The Common Eel attains a length of over 3 feet, with a weight of at least 10 pounds ; a weight of 3 to 4 pounds is, however, considered a fair average. No special fishery for the capture of this valuable fish, or its allies, at present exists ; those that are brought to market being usually captured along with other fishes in hauling-nets — usually on muddy flats. As a food-fish it is prized, the flesh being of good flavour. The name Long-finned Eel is sometimes applied to this species, to distinguish it from another somewhat similar form known as the Short - finned Eel (Angnilla australis). In the former, the dorsal fin extends very much farther forward than in the latter. In colour, the Common Eel is of a dark olive-brown, streaked and spotted with black; the lower surface being whitish. Before going any farther, it may be as well to speak upon a subject which ever and anon agitates the public mind, both in Australia and elsewhere ; and that is, in re- gard to the question : "How do Eels reproduce ?" the refer- ence being, of course, to Eels which are known to dwell in fresh-waters. THE TRUE EELS. 45 46 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The discussions in regard to the reproduction of Fresh- water Eels, are by no means of recent origin, nor did they originate in Australia. They date back to at least as earlv as the time of the Greek philosopher Aristotle, and perhaps long before that. Aristotle stated in his "History of Animals" that Eels have no sexes, nor eggs, nor semen, and that they rise from ges entera, the entrails of the sea. Strange to say, this curious idea, with certain additional legends and amplifications, was generally accepted by the principal minds for nearly 2000 years after — right up to the middle ages — so great was the veneration in which Aristotle was held. "The Greek poets, following the usage of their day, which was to attribute to Jupiter all children whose paternity was doubtful, were accustomed to say that Jupiter was also the progenitor of the Eel."* One very common idea which has been handed down to us from the "good old times," and which exists even at the present day amongst uneducated people in many parts of Europe, is that Eels are derived from black horsehairs ; and, even in parts of England, there are people who believe that Eels may be produced by steeping horsehair (that of a stallion for choice) in water. Many other equally ridiculous ideas might be mentioned, .but perhaps sufficient has been said to show what perhaps we all know ; that is, that when Man cannot at once fathom a mystery his fertile mind is always equal to the task of finding some more-or-less plausible ex- planation. All the wild, fantastic stories that were woven round Owls and Bats originated from a want of knowledge of their true habits and life-histories. The origin of the horsehair idea is, no doubt, to be found in the frequent dis- covery of the long, hair-like Nematode worms which exist in fresh-water; and to people unacquainted with a know- ledge of animals, there would appear to be nothing very re- markable in the idea that these apparently "animated hairs" should develop into Eels. In justice to the originators of all these stories, it must be stated that the reproduction of Eels, has been quite a mystery, even to naturalists, until the most recent times. However, it is now known with certainty that Fresh-water * Jordan and Kvermann, quoting Jacoby. THE TRUE EELS. 47 Eels run down to the sea at spawning time, there deposit- ing their eggs, which are exceedingly minute. Nothing at present is known in regard to the spawning of the Australian Eels ; but there is absolutely no reason to think that they should differ to any marked degree, from such closely-allied species as the Common Eel of Europe (Anguilla vulgaris} or the Common Eel of America (Anguilla chrysypa). Jordan and Evermann's remarks in regard to the latter will therefore be worth repeating, as they may be the means of more attention being bestowed upon our own Eels. They say: "The Common Eel spawns in salt water, usually off the mouths of rivers, or mud- banks, to which they go in great numbers at the spawning time, which is in the fall. On these mudbanks the eggs are laid, fertilization takes place and the young eels develop within two or three months after hatching. At the begin- ning of the second spring, these young find their way to the mouths of the rivers, which they ascend in incredible numbers.* In these fresh-water streams and lakes they re- main until of adult size, when they return to the sea for spawning purposes. This seaward migration takes place in the fall, at which time large numbers are caught in traps. During this migration, the Eels, like the Salmon and the Shad, do not take any food. Having once reached the sea, they do not remain close to shore, but go out a distance to deeper water, where the development of the reproductive organs takes place very rapidly. This development is extra- ordinarily rapid, when the immature state, in which the migrating eels are found, is considered; they probably be- come sexually mature within five or six weeks after reaching the sea. The spawning then takes place, after which both the old males and females die, never returning to fresh- water the second time. . . . This is the reason that adult Eels are never seen migrating up stream. "The down-stream movement occurs usually at night, commencing soon after sunset, is strongest from midnight to 2 o'clock a.m.. and ceases an hour or more before sunrise." * These young eels are known in British waters as " Elvers " anc ;ir ascent of the streams in these large numters is called an "eel-fare." 48 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. These Eels produce an enormous number of eggs, the product of one female of 32 inches in length being estimated at 10,700,000. Incidentally, it may be here mentioned, that fishes which descend fresh-waters to spawn in the sea are known as "catadromous" species, while those which leave the ocean to spawn up in the fresh-waters are called "anadromous." Eels pass through a larval existence known as the Leptocephalus stage, in which they are transparent, thin and ribbon-like. These organisms were familiar to the older naturalists, but it was not suspected until comparatively re- cently, that they were immature Eels, the latter being now definitely established. In concluding this, I must beg that if any of my readers should come across anything which they may consider of interest in regard to our Eels or their occurrence or move- ments, they will whenever possible acquaint me with the facts. One fact, well established, however simple it may be, is a link in the chain of knowledge, and we have much to learn in regard to the habits and movements of our Fresh- water Eels. The Conger -Eel is a somewhat larger species than the preceding, and is more essentially marine in its habits. The Silver Eel is still larger than either of the pre- ceding, as it reaches a length of at least 5 feet. It is really a most beautiful-looking fish. Its body is not nearly so round as that of either of the previously-mentioned species, being more compressed. The jaws are armed with most formidable teeth. In addition to its occurrence on our coast, this species is found in the Red Sea and the Seas of India and Japan. The Serpent Eel is a long, thin, snake-like Eel, oi a sandy colour, which is often to be found burrowing in the sand of beaches along our coast. It attains a length of from 2 to 3 feet. In this species the end of the tail is somewhat truncated, and is naked; the dorsal and anal fins finishing at a short distance from the point. The Green Eel is very common along the New South Wales coast, but is not very often seen. This is due to the fact that it lives in rocky situations, and can only be THE AUSTRALIAN MINNOWS. 49 captured by means of hook and line. When hooked it is a good fighter. It is of a v,ery savage nature, and its jaws are well-armed with sharp teeth. The colour of this species when fresh is a bright green. When the fish is taken from the water, however, this colour quickly fades to a yellowish brown, with darker spots. The Green Eel has even a greater geographical distri- bution than the Silver Eel. It attains a length of nearly 3 feet. THE AUSTRALIAN MINNOWS. (Family: Gala.riid&.) THE members of this family are small, highly-voracious, Trout-like fishes, inhabiting streams in the Southern Hemis- phere of the world only ; the greatest number of species being found in the waters of the southern half of Australia and New Zealand. Though they are small, some of them being even tiny, many of them are very prettily-marked and spotted, and this, coupled with their activity in the water Fig. 16. — TASMANIAN MINNOW (Galajcias truttaceu*). and their habit of swimming and leaping at the surface, has given rise to the name of Mountain Trout, which is so often applied to them. They really take the place of the Salmon- family in our waters ; only one tiny species of true Salmonoid — the Australian Smelt — occurring here. It is highly pro- bable that these fishes were originally developed from an offshoot of the Salmon-family, in the process of adaptation, 50 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. losing the adipose fin on the back of the tail which is so characteristic of the true Salmonoid. In Tasmania, these fishes are often familiarly known under the designation of "Jollytails." All of these Minnows are well-adapted for keeping in the private aquarium; and as their habits are so interesting and they always look so bright and "cheery," I would cer- tainly advise all who can, to partially stock their aquaria with one or more species of them. (In this connection I might add that Mr. Albert Gale, who has been an enthusi- astic keeper of the aquarium for many years, has recently succeeded in transporting to Sydney from their cold native waters in the Monaro district of New South Wales, a few examples of the beautiful Kosciusko Minnow and has, since, kept them alive at his residence, Stanmore, Sydney, where they were flourishing at the time that I saw them.) About 10 species of Minnows are known at present from our waters, amongst which, the following at least are de- serving of mention: The Sydney Minnow (Galaxias scriba), the Mountain Minnow (Galaxias coxii) the Kos- ciusko Minnow or "Kosciusko Trout" (Galaxias findlayi), and the Tasmanian Minnow (Galaxias truttaceus). The Sydney Minnow is a long, attenuated fish; very bright-looking, semi-transparent, and dusted over with small dark spots. It is found in great abundance in most of the small streams or creeks on the eastern slope of the County of Cumberland, swimming at the surface. It commonly attains a length of 6 to 7 inches. The Mountain Minnow principally frequents the watercourses of the highlands, on, and in the vicinity of, the mountains of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, excepting the southern portion. It is a much stouter-looking fish than the last-mentioned ; also, more Trout-like, owing to the presence of a number of vertical stripes or bars on each side of the body. This species reaches a length of about 7 to 8 inches. It was originally described by Sir William Macleay in the year 1880, from streams on Mount Wilson. The Kosciusko Minnow, more familiarly known as "Kosciusko Trout," is a much smaller species than either THE "GRAYLING" FAMILY. 51 of the two first-mentioned. It is found on the highlands of the Monaro and Snowy River Districts, particularly in the neighbourhood of Mount Kosciusko, the "roof of Aus- tralia, from which it takes its name. This species is very beautifully marked. The Tasmanian Minnow is the largest of all these fishes ; attaining to a length of fully 10 inches. It is very plentiful in many of the streams in the Island-State; affording sport to many an angler. This fish is still more like a Trout than any of the others, both in conformation and colour. As I have several times mentioned the likeness of these Minnows to Trout, the reader may imagine that it is diffi- cult to distinguish between the two, even in a general way; but this is not so. The Minnows have but one dorsal fin, far back on the body near the tail; there being no soft dorsal or adipose fin; while in the various kinds of Trout, and also in the Australian Grayling, the dorsal fin is situated more towards the middle of the back, and there is always an adipose fin at the back of the tail. If this little point is remembered, much confusion will be avoided. THE "GRAYLING" FAMILY. (Family: Haplochitoni&z.) THIS family consists of fresh-water fishes which might well be termed the "Salmons" of the Southern Hemisphere. Only two genera are known. One known as Haplochiton occurs in the streams and lakes of portions of South America ; while the other — Prototroctes — is represented by two species, the New Zealand Grayling (Prototroctes oxyrhynchus}, which is also known by the Maori name of "Upokororo," and the Australian Grayling (Prototroctes. marina}. It is the latter with which we are here directly concerned. The Australian Grayling is a fine little fish, both from its value as food, or viewed as a purely sporting-fish. In 52 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Tasmania, where it is common, it is known under a multi- plicity of names, but chiefly as "Herring" and "Cucumber Mullet." (Of course, there is not much of either Herring or Mullet about it.) It is considered to be the finest and the most delicious of the indigenous fresh-water fishes of that State. It is not found in anything like the abundance with which it used to occur in some of the Tasmanian rivers ; a fact which is ascribed by authorities to various causes. (Perhaps the introduced Trout, which appear to thrive so well in those waters, could tell us something about it.) This species also occurs in some abundance, in a few of the Vic- torian rivers ; and at one time, apparently, was common in the Yarra Yarra. With reference to this, McCoy wrote some years ago: "The Yarra Yarra and some others of the rivers near the southern coast, contain in great abundance, a Fig. 17. — AUSTRALIAN GRAYLING (I'rototroctcs marcuna). beautiful and active fish ; excellent for the table, and affording capital sport for the angler. By ichthyologists following the classification of Cuvier, it would be referred to the Salmonidse, the adipose second dorsal fin being well marked ; and so much does it resemble the Grayling* in the cucumber smell when caught, in general appearance, habits, mode of rising to the fly, and playing, as well as in flavour, that anglers are in the habit of calling it now the Australian Grayling." The close resemblance of this fish to the true Salmonidce, both in food and habits, assisted the Acclima- tisation Society of Victoria some years ago, in their argu- ment that certain of the rivers would serve for the experi- ment of acclimatising European Salmon and Trout ; and * That is, the European Grayling (Thymallus vulgari-s). THE SCOPELOIDS. 53 later developments have shown that their confidence was not altogether misplaced. Probably this fish is to be found in some of the coastal streams of South Australia ; but nothing definite appears to be known. In the rivers of New South Wales it can hardly be stated to be common, and if we were to go on what has been published in the way of records, it must be set down as rather rare; but it appears to me highly probable, that a closer acquaintance with the denizens of our streams, will reveal the fact that in parts at least, it is not uncommon.* The accompanying diagram, which clearly shows the arrangement of the fins, should enable the reader to iden- tify this species, should he come across it in coastal rivers of New South Wales ; and, in this connection, it may be mentioned that the Australian Grayling does not possess the beautiful spotted appearance of the introduced Trout — notably the Rainbow Trout, which is likely to be met with more often than any other — but rather a more uniform Herring-like colour. This species is very prolific, and attains a length of about 12 inches. THE SCOPELOIDS. (Family: Scopelidce.} THIS is a large family of fishes, comprising over 100 living species, as well as a great number of fossil forms. They are chiefly deep-sea or pelagic fishes ; some being found in immense abysmal depths of the ocean. Of those which in- habit our waters, the most important is the so-called Sergeant Baker (Aulopus purpurissatus) . This hand- some fish attains a length of over 2 feet, and as a table fish is very fine. The body is elongate and round. Apart from the Parrot-fishes or Wrasses there are not many species of * The author will be glad of any information in regard to the occur- rence of this useful little fish in New South Wales waters. 54 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. fishes in which the sexes are characterised by differences in livery or outward form. In the Sergeant Baker, how- ever, the male may be at once distinguished from the female; because in the former, the second and third rays of the dorsal fin, are produced into long filaments, about double the length of the head. From the following description of the colours, it will be seen that this species is very beautiful ; and indeed when freshly taken, it is surpassing so. The upper surfaces are purple, with a more or less prevailing tinge of red, and with the edges of the scales crimson; the top of the head being sometimes spotted with the same colour. The back and sides have large irregular crimson spots or transverse bands, covering two or three scales in width, not reaching Fig. 18. — SERGEANT BAKER (Aulopus purpurissatus). across the abdomen. The sides are of a paler purplish-red than the back, and gradually merge into the pearly-white of the lower or abdominal surface. The dorsal and caudal fins are of a pale yellowish-red, obliquely banded with rows of crimson spots, which are frequently confluent on the caudal lobes. The adipose dorsal fin (which is characteristic of most of the species of the family Scopetida), is purple along its base and crimson on the upper portion. The anal fin is whitish, or of a pale straw-colour; having across It longitudinal orange bands. The ventral and pectoral fins are yellow, with crimson bands across them. The Sergeant Baker is captured on the outside fishing- grounds by either hook and line or the Trammel-Net — THE LANCET FISHES. 55 principally the former. The supply is never equal to the demand for this excellent fish. It is spread out over the greater portion of the New South Wales coast, and is also known to occur on the coast of Western Australia. Most probably it also is to be found in suitable localities along portions of the coastline of Vic- toria, South Australia and Tasmania, but authentic records are wanting for these States. Some of the Scopeloids which live in the ocean depths, notably those of the genus Scopelus, are remarkable for the presence of a series of phosphorescent spots known as .photophores along the body; and. in some species, also on the head ; where they may form large patches on the snout. One species known as Bathypterois longipes, in which one of the rays of the pectoral fin on each side is tremen- dously elongated, exists at a depth of over 3 miles. THE LANCET FISHES- (Family: Alepidosaiiridf?.) FOUR or five species of this family are known to exist, and one of them, Alepidosaurns ferox, has been found off the coasts of New South Wales and Tasmania. It is a most ferocious-looking fish and is, perhaps, one of the largest Fig. 19. — LANCET-FISH (Aleyulusaurua ferox). and most formidable of the fishes of the deep-sea, as it possesses a most fearful-looking "mouthful of teeth" and attains a length of about 6 feet. 56 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In addition to the localities given above, this fish occurs in deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean ; being also occasion- ally obtained off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Massachus- etts. The name of "Lancet Fish" — here used — is applied to this species in the United States of America. NOTACANTHOID FISHES. (Family: Notacanthidte.) THIS is a small family of deep-sea fishes embracing about 9 species, which are characterised by an elongate body, covered with small cycloid scales, the tail taoering to a point and being without a caudal fin. The mouth is small and is placed beneath the snout in a somewhat similar position to a Shark's. The dorsal fin is formed of a series of short, disconnected spines ; while the anal fin is very long, extend- ing to the end of the tail. These Notacanthoids are known to inhabit waters at depths ranging from about 400 down to nearly 2,000 fathoms. One species — Notacanthus sexspinis — has been ob- tained from the waters of Australia. But little is known of its distribution. As in the other species of the genus Notacanthus, so in this, the ventral fins are completely united to each other, forming one fin. The Type specimen was obtained from King George's Sound. THE FIERASFEROIDS. (Family: Fierasferidcz.) THE tiny and highly-remarkable, eel-like fishes which con- stitute this family, while not being true parasites, spend the greater part of their existence within the body-cavities of FLUTE-MOUTHS OR TOBACCO-PIPE FISHES. 57 other marine animals such as Holothurians (more familiarly known as Sea-Cucumbers, Beche-de-mer or Trepang) ; and bivalve Mollusks such as the mother-o'-pearl shells and certain mussel-shells. They are perfectly harmless to their host, and merely seek for themselves a safe habitation ; being in fact "lodgers." Boulenger writing of the genus Fierasfer says : "It has been observed to enter Holothurians by the posterior or anal aperture, either head first or tail foremost; in the latter case availing itself of the suction which takes place alternately with the expulsion of water by that orifice ; it remains near the anus, from which it pro- jects its head in search of food outside its host. It is neither a true parasite, nor a commensal or mutualist in the sense given to these terms by Van Beneden, but simply a lodger, 'inquilino,' as Emery puts it. Semper, however, regards Encheliophis vermicularis as a true parasite, feed- ing on the viscera of the Holothurian in which it lives." Saville-Kent mentions the occurrence of these peculiar and interesting fishes in the bodies of the commercial Holo- thurians known as "Beche-de-mer," on the Queensland coast; and I have known them to be taken from mussel- shells on the coast of New South Wales. Occasionally, when inhabiting the shells of bivalves they have been known to become embedded in the substance of the shell itself by the deposition of the pearly matter (which is secreted bv the mollusk) over their bodies. FLUTE-MOUTHS OR TOBACCO-PIPE FISHES. (Family: Fistularndcp. .) THE "Flute-mouths" are fishes of greatly elongated form; the foremost bones of the skull being greatly drawn out to form a long tube, terminating in a small, narrow mouth. They are usually scaleless. They are often termed "Pipe- fishes," a name which should properly speaking be re- stricted to members of the family Syngnathidce (page 59). 58 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Dr. Giinther describes these fishes as being "gigantic marine Sticklebacks, living near the shore, from which they are frequently driven into the open sea." The largest species attains a length of 6 feet, and is found along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Two species of these Flute-mouths occur in Australian waters ; the more abundant being that known as Fistularia depressa. It reaches a length of 3 to 4 feet and is Fig. 20. — FLUTE-MOUTH (Fistularia serrata). obtained at times in various lakes and estuaries on parts of the Australian coast, more particularly that of New South Wales. It is a very remarkable-looking fish, with its somewhat-flattened body and long snout. Its body is' naked and the caudal fin is forked ; the two central rays being produced into a long filament. Fishes of the same genus as this one, are known to occur in a fossil state in certain geological formations in Europe. BELLOWS-FISHES OR SEA-SNIPES. ( Fam i ly : Oen triscid ce . ) HERE we come to another family of grotesque-looking fishes, again characterised by the possession of a long, drawn-out tube-mouth; but instead of the body being de- pressed and elongate it is compressed and usually short and high. There are two dorsal fins, and in the first is a com- paratively enormous spine. The body is covered with small rough scales; with some bony strips on the back and the SEA-HORSES AND PIPE-FISHES. 59 under surface. The most common and most widely-distri- buted of these fishes, is that known as Bellows-Fish, Trumpet-Fish or Sea-Snipe (Centriscus scolopax) ; which, while occurring1 on the Australian coast, is also found Fig. 21.— LITTLE BELLOWS-FISH (Centriscus graciliis). on portions of the coast of Europe. Another and a, smaller one which is found on our coast is the "Little Bellows-Fish " (Centriscus gracilis). This is the species here illustrated. It, also, is very widely distributed. I have obtained this species on fine moonlight nights when it was being washed up during a south-easterly breeze, on the Ocean Beach at Manly, N.S.W. SEA HORSES AND PIPE-FISHES. (Family: Syngnathidce.) MOST of my readers are, no doubt, familiar with those comical-looking little fishes known as Sea-Horses ; and, though a lesser number will have met with the Pipe-Fishes, these may be described roughly as being really "straight- ened out" Sea-Horses. In these fishes the gill-openings are reduced to a very small aperture near the upper posterior angle of the gill-cover. They only possess one soft dorsal fin, which, in all of the species, is used largely for locomo- tion— in some solely. They have no ventral fins, and some- times one or more of the others are also absent. In the Sea-Horses, the tail is prehensile, being used to hold on to marine plants or other objects while resting or feeding; while in the Pipe-Fishes the tail is not prehensile, and is usually provided with a small terminal fin. The rate of progress of these fishes— particularly the former — is very 6o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. slow, being chiefly brought about by the rapid undulating motion of the dorsal fin — just referred to — this being assisted in some measure in the Pipe-Fishes by lashing movements of the body and tail. It is a very funny sight to see a little Sea-Horse, apparently standing up in the water, look- ing so prim with its solemn, long-drawn-out face, and moving along without there being (unless one looks closely) any sign of the motive power. Upon an examination of these fishes, it will be found that they are enveloped in a kind of cuirass, formed of bony segments or rings, which are to a greater or lesser extent, according to the species, moveable upon one another; allowing a certain amount of body motion, even in the most rigid of the Sea-Horses. "The attitudes and movements of the Sea-Horses are emi- nently characteristic. The most frequent is a state of rest, with the tail wound around the stem of a plant or some other substance, and the body is then carried nearly or quite erect. Such is the most frequent position; but notwith- standing the apparent rigidity of the cuirass, almost every other attitude consistent with such a form, may be assumed. The body may be thrown outward at various angles and even downward and the tail wound around a plant in a double coil. Once in a while, one eye may roll toward you, while another may be passive or look backward or in an opposite direction. It becomes obvious that the little fish can move its eyes independently of each other, and in entirely different ways." "A comical effect is produced by the way in which the little fishes peer at some object; reminding one of the actions of a very near-sighted person." — (Gill.) Some of the Sea-Horses are able to make a sharp little snapping sound with the mouth, somewhat similar to that produced by the common "Nipper-Prawn" (Alpheus) of Port Jackson. In the latter case, however, the sound is made by the sudden closing of the larger nipper. Now one of the most surprising things in connection with this remarkable family of fishes, is that the males are provided with a kind of pouch (in some species there is only a broad groove) in which the eggs are hatched after being deposited by the female. The males take full charge of SEA-HORSES AND PIPE-FISHES. 61 them, and the young remain in the pouch usually for a short time, after being hatched. The males may be at once dis- tinguished by the presence of this pouch, which does not occur in the females. As the breeding season approaches, the pouch becomes thickened and vascular, and thus pre- pared for the reception of the eggs and the nutriment of the embryos. The males, as is usual in fishes, are some- what smaller than the females. Fig. 22. — LEAFY SEA-HORSE (Phyllopteryx foltatu*). Amongst the Australian representatives may be men- tioned the Common Sea-Horse (Hippocampus novtz- hollandice) , which is the usual form to be picked up on the beaches amongst shells, or, taken from the fisherman's net; particularly if the haul be made over weedy ground. \Yhen in their natural surroundings, it is almost impossible to see these fishes, as their usually neutral-tinted irregular bodies, harmonise so well with their weedy surroundings. 62 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The best instance, however, that we possess amongst these animals of adaptation to surroundings is that of the Leafy Sea-Horses (Phyllopteryx) . In these comparatively large fbrms, some or all of the smooth bony plates are furnished with long spine-like processes, project- ing from their edges ; many of them terminating in irregu- lar, leaf-like appendages. They are veritable ghosts of Sea-Horses. The species here shown is Phyllopteryx foliatus. Several other species are found on our coasts. In regard to the common name applied in a general way to these fishes, it may be said that: "The likeness to the conventional knight of the chessboard is much more marked than to a horse's head; indeed, if a spirula-shell or coiled worm were attached to the base of a chess-knight, the Sea-Horse would be well imitated. The ancient name Hippocampus is, therefore, very apt ; being derived from the Greek hippos, horse, and kampe, worm or caterpillar. But let no one be deceived by superficial resemblance of parts. The head of the fish and that of a horse are essentially homologous, but here real likeness ends ; the contracted part of the Sea-Horse does not correspond to the neck of a true horse, but to the fore-part of the abdomen, there being •no true neck in the fish; the lower part of the "neck" of the fish is really the hinder part of the abdomen, and the anus marks its hinder boundary." — (Gill.) Many species of Pipe- Fishes are found on various parts of our coastline ; some of them being very tiny, while one species reaches a length of nearly 18 inches. THE SEA-DRAGONS. (Family: Pegasidce .) THE Sea-Dragons have the body entirely covered with bony plates, making a strong casing, which is only moveable on the tail portion. The snout is long, and is produced be- yond the mouth, which is small and toothless. The pectoral THE SEA-DRAGONS. 63 fins are very large, while the ventrals are very much re- duced. They are all very small fishes inhabiting the coasts of Arabia, China, Japan, the Malay Archipelago and Aus- tralia. The Australian Sea-Dragon (Pegasus draconis} Fig. 23. — SEA-DRAGOX (Pegasus draconis). is a peculiar little fish obtained occasionally on out- side beaches, or in sandy coastal rock-pools. The fishes of the genus Pegasus are possibly unique amongst all fishes, in having the five foremost rays of the pectoral fin trans- formed into strong spines. 64 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. CHAPTER IV. Long-Toms, Garfishes and Flying-Fishes- The Hardyhead Family- The Mullet Family— Threadfins or Tassel-fishes— The Pike Family. LONG-TOMS, GARFISHES AND FLYING-FISHES. ( Family : Scorn bresocidte . ) MOST of this family of fishes (of which, according to Boul- enger, about 200 species are known) are marine. Most of them are carnivorous, while some are wholly or partially herbivorous, feeding on certain seaweeds ; such as, for in- stance, the long "sea-grass" which grows on mud-and-sand flats. Members of this family are found in all tropical and temperate seas, while some occur in a fossil state both in Australia and elsewhere. Among the more important Aus- tralian Scombresocids, may be mentioned the Slender Long-Tom ( Tylosurus ferox) , the Stout Long-Tom (Tylo- surus mad e ay ana) , the Sea Garfish (Hemirhamphus intermedius) , the River Garfish (Hemirhamphus regu- laris), the Barred Garfish (Hemirhamphus far) and the Short-beaked Garfish (Arrhamphus sclerolepis) . Though not an important species I might enumerate also the "Saury" or Skipper Garfish (Scombresox forsteri) and the Flying- Fish (Cypsilurus melanocercus). The Slender Long-Tom is, at present, only known from the coasts of New South Wales and Western Australia. It is a very long, slender fish (as its name implies), attaining a length of 2 to 3 feet with a thick- ness, little greater than an ordinary, large Sea-Garfish. It has long narrow jaws closely set with fine, needle-like teeth. It is a very voracious fish, travelling through the water with an undulatory motion and at a swift rate. The colours are as follows : Dorsal surface, light green, with three parallel dark lines running along the middle of LONG-TOMS. GARFISHES, FLYING-FISHES. 65 the back, from the back of the head to the beginning of the dorsal fin. Sides iridescent, bright, silvery; the upper portions dotted over with green. Beak: above, dark-green; below, iridescent silvery. The colours are altogether more Garfish-like than are those of the Stout Long-Tom. The Stout Long-Tom is not at present known from any other State than New South Wales, though it probably occurs in Queensland. In appearance, it is very different to the Slender Long-Tom, being relatively much shorter or thicker. It reaches a length of about 3 feet 6 inches, though specimens of from 2 to 3 feet are the more common sizes seen. Like the Slender Long- Tom, it is a most voracious fish, but its jaws are more powerful than in that species and the teeth are very much stronger, though not so numerous. Fig. 24. — STOUT LONG-TOM (Tylosurus macleayana). The colours are as under: Dorsal surface uniformly dark-green. Anterior half of sides, iridescent whitish silvery, with a fairly well-marked line of demarcation be- tween the dorsal surface and the sides. In the posterior half, the upper parts of the sides are yellowish, fading into green. A comparison of the colours as here given (they having been drawn by me from fresh specimens) will at once show the possibility of at once identifying the two species by these characters alone. Both of the above-mentioned Long-Toms are of some importance as edible fishes, the flesh being of good quality. A certain antipathy to them exists among some people owing to the greenish colour of the bones, there being an impres- sion that green-boned fishes are poisonous ; but this idea is altogether fallacious. The eggs of the Stout Long-Tom, are, for a teleostean fish, comparatively large, in size and colour each egg ap- 66 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. proximating to that of a grain of so-called "pearl" tapioca when boiled. The Sea Garfish is found in abundance along the greater part of the Australian coastline (including Tas- mania) ; as well as in New Zealand, the Seas of China, Japan, the Malay Archipelago and other waters. From an economic standpoint it must be considered as one of our most important food-fishes. Great numbers of them are captured during the summer months in the lower parts of the harbours and estuaries lying within the waters of New South Wales ; the usual means of capture being the so- called Garfish-net (also known as "Balloo-net," from the Port Jackson aboriginal name of "Ballob" ; which was ap- plied to Garfish) ; a net which possesses a mesh of i£ in. in the bunt or central portion, the wings or ends being 2 in. This may be used ( I ) either as a simple Hauling-net, when* the Garfish are on the weedy bottoms (where the eggs — Fig. 25. — SEA GARFISH (Hemirhamphus mtermedms). which are demersal, and attached — are deposited) ; or (2) as a Meshing-net, when the fish are in large schools at the surface of the water. In the latter case the process fol- lowed is what is termed "Bull-ringing" ; the net being thrown in a circle right round the school. The Sea Garfish is also captured by means of hook and line, to my know- ledge, on the coasts of New South Wales and New Zealand. From an edible point of view, this species and the River Garfish are second to none ; the flesh being white, flaky, firm and delicious. These fishes also keep sound, under natural conditions, for a longer period than do most others. Of the two species here mentioned, the Sea Garfish is usually by far the larger, attaining a total length of more than 18 inches, with a weight of up to 10 ounces; the usual "run" of those marketed, is however, considerably below that size. The Sea Garfish may be distinguished from the River Garfish in a rough-and-ready manner by the following char- LONG-TOMS, GARFISHES, FLYING-FISHES. 67 acteristics. In the former the body is far more elongate or slim ; the scales are much smaller and very deciduous, coming off with the least handling; and the upper jaw has a considerably greater length when compared with its width at the base. The colours of the Sea Garfish are: "Back bright green, with three narrow dark-brown streaks from the occiput to the origin of the dorsal, immediately in front of which the three meet. A silvery lateral band, broadest posteriorly, and margined above by a narrower lead-coloured band. Lower surfaces, pale-greenish-silvery; posterior part of the ventrals and the pectorals dusky." — (Ogilby.) The food of this fish consists of pelagic crustaceans, and mollusks ; as well as of various seaweeds. The River Garfish: Little is known of the geo- graphical distribution of this fish outside the limits of the New South Wales coastline; though, it occurs in Victoria, Southern Queensland, and, apparently, also in Western Australia. In New South Wales it is highly abundant ; par- ticularly along the central area. It is one of those fishes that are "with us always"; its natural habitat being the coastal lakes and harbours and estuaries; in some instances extending almost up to the regions of fresh-water. Large numbers of this delicious little fish are to be seen daily in the various fish-markets in Sydney. Some idea of the great importance of the Garfishes in the fisheries of New South Wales alone may be gathered from the fact that about 5000 baskets* of them are marketed annually. The great bulk of these is River Garfish. In addition to this number, great quantities are captured at various places and "hawked" round by the fishermen themselves, without the fish having passed through the markets at all. The River Garfish attains a weight of from 8 to 9 ounces, with a length of 13 or 14 inches ; those usually cap- tured by the fishermen however, average from 2 to 4 ounces. As previously pointed out it is more robust in form — though smaller — than the Sea Garfish. The colours are as follows : Back pale-green ; the upper surface of the head darker, and with golden reflections. * A " basket " equals about 70 to 80 pounds weight. 68 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Three narrow black vertebral streaks, not extending so far back as the dorsal fin. Two similar but irregular and broader streaks between these and the broad lateral silvery band, which is bordered above by a narrow orange streak. There is a faint black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. The River Garfish is usually found in considerable abun- dance on sand-and-mud flats, where these are covered with "sea-grass," upon which it, to a great extent, subsists. The Barred Garfish : This fish is occasionally obtained on the coast of New South Wales, and is fairly- common in parts of Queensland, being taken in some abun- dance at Cooktown and Thursday Island. It is very widely distributed, being known to occur in the waters of the Red Sea, the East Coast of Africa, the seas of India and the Malay Archipelago. It is a large species, attaining a length of 15 inches. This Garfish may be readily distinguished by its heavy build; having, roughly, the body proportions of the Short- beaked Garfish. As compared with the River Garfish, it may be stated that the body is very much more bulky- length for length — while the beak is considerably longer, the scales are larger, the tail is longer and more-deeply forked and the ventral and anal fins are set back farther along the body. In life, the back is a dark bluish-green, there is a silvery band along the sides and there are four or five prominent dark bars or blotches along the upper half of each side. The Short-beaked Garfish is a native of New South Wales and Queensland ranging from Port Jackson on the south to about the coast of Central Queensland or possibly still farther north. On the coast of New South Wales it is most abundant in the lower portions of the Clar- ence and Richmond Rivers. In each of those rivers, as well as in other portions of its habitat, it ascends right into the fresh-water. From all of our other Garfishes, this species may be it once distinguished by the relative shortness of its beak, which — comparatively speaking — projects but a short dis- tance beyond the mouth. It is also very stout-looking, and the scales are large and not very deciduous. LONG-TOMS, GARFISHES, FLYING-FISHES. 69 This fish attains a length of about 15 inches, examples of that size weighing abdut 9 ounces. The approximate average of those brought to market is from 3 to 4 ounces. Like its congeners, the Short-beaked Garfish is a most delicate fish, and is highly appreciated for table purposes. During the cooler months, large numbers are captured and are brought from the Clarence and Richmond Rivers, to the Sydney Fish Markets for disposal, there finding a read;\ sale. The fish could be captured just as easily and in the same numbers, during other parts of the year ; the reason that they are only forwarded (in any numbers) during the cooler months being, that under existing means and conditions of transport they will not "carry" very well during the warmer weather. Fishermen living and working at a distance from city markets, labour under difficulties, which local fishermen and those able to send their fish daily by rail know little of. Sometimes boats are overdue through either stress of Fi.ir. 2(3. — SHORT-BEAKED GABFISH (Arrhamphus sclerolepis ) . weather or perhaps inability to cross the river-bars. Often, again, a boat may be delayed within a river, with a large consignment of fish aboard, waiting a favourable opportu- nity to "cross out" over the bar on her homeward journey; the result being that, at times, large quantities of what is really valuable food, have to be thrown overboard. The diet of the Short-beaked Garfish is somewhat similar to that of the River and Sea Garfishes, though per- haps the fish is slightly more carnivorous. In colour it is greenish above, being darker towards the head. The lower half is of a dirty-whitish tint; or, when fresh, a semi-transparent, pale, yellowish-green. There is a broad silvery band on each side. As in the other Gar- fishes, the end of the beak and the membrane below it are very brightly tinted. 7o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The Skipper Garfish is a pelagic species, fre- quenting the open ocean and outside coastal waters, rather than the inlets. It is very widely distributed in seas other than those of Australia, most probably occurring all throughout the latter; though seldom coming under notice owing to its being very rarely taken in the fisherman's net. This species may be identified by the following charac- ters: The colour of the back is a deep bluish-green or an olive-green ; while the belly and sides are brilliantly silvery. It possesses a number of small finlets behind both the dorsal and anal fins (somewhat similar to those of the Mackerel family). Instead of there being only one jaw produced so as to form a beak, as in the other Garfishes ; in the Skipper both are prolonged, and are thin and flexible, reminding one somewhat of the beak of the bird known as the Avocet ; excepting that the beak is not curved as it is in the bird mentioned. The Flying - Fish : Several kinds of Flying-Fishes inhabit Australia's seas. These, like the preceding, are usually found in the open ocean, in large shoals ; being most noticeable for their interesting and graceful aerial "flights." In some parts of the world, at certain seasons when these fishes are present in large numbers, many boats engage in their capture; as they are considered excellent eating. In the Flying-Fishes, the paired fins are greatly en- larged, the pectorals enormously so; being comparable in point of size to the wings of certain birds. It is this character, which enables these fishes to indulge in their so-called "flights." The term, however, is rather a mis- nomer ; as these fins act more in the capacity of parachutes, than as wings. "Nearly all" of the Garfish family "are in the habit of making great leaps out of the water ; this ten- dency culminating in the Flying Fish (Hxoccetus), which skip or sail through the air in a manner, the explanation of which has given rise to much controversy. According to the latest evidence, the sole source of motive power is the action of the strong tail while in the water ; no force is acquired while the fish is in the air. The pectorals are not used as wings but as parachutes." — (Boulenger.) The Flying-Fish which I mentioned — Cypsilurns THE HARDY HE AD FAMILY. 71 melanocercus — is found on the New South Wales coast; reaching a length of about 16 inches. Amongst the other species of Flying-Fish occurring in our waters, may be mentioned Exocoetus evolans — a very widely-distributed species. THE HARDYHEAD FAMILY. ( Family : A th erin id& . ) THE members of this family are small carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas — and, to a lesser extent, the rivers — of the temperate and tropical zones. They are chaiacterised by the possession of a more-or-less elongate, somewhat rounded body covered with scales of moderate or fairly- large size. According to Boulenger, about 65 species are known from various parts of the world ; these being referable to 14 genera. In general form they are not unlike the fishes of the Mullet family; possessing, as do the latter, two short, widely-separated, dorsal fins. Most of them are shore- frequenting fishes ; but few being found in ocean depths. In Australian waters the Atherinidce are represented by a number of species, the most familiar of which is the common Hardyhead (Atherina lacunosa). Another, and a highly interesting, member of this family is the tiny but beautiful, Blue -eye (Pseudomugil signifer}, which de- serves to be better known. The Hardyhead is very abundantly distributed along the coast of New South Wales and Queensland, as well as along the shores of other portions of Australia. In addition, it occurs also, in the seas of East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and other localities. At times, on the New South Wales coast, huge shoals of this little fish con- gregate; forming dense masses. Ordinarily it is to be found in great numbers, spread out over the sandy bottoms and slopes of beaches in our inlets. As it readily takes a 72 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. bait, it is often captured by the small boy when he is out for sport and to whom all fish is flesh, however small the former may be. The average size of full-grown Hardyheads is from 5 to 6 inches. Though small, they are excellent for table purposes. The Blue-eye : This is indeed a very wee fish, adults only averaging from i^ to 2, inches, in length. Though it is never likely to grace our tables, it is destined in the future to play a highly-important part as an aquarium-fish — a sphere for which it appears to be admirably adapted. Let us halt a little here to remember that, in performing the function of providing for us food for reflection and recrea- tion it will give us an infinitely-higher sense of satisfaction than could ever be brought about by the mere satisfying of the grosser demands of the stomach. The Blue-eye is sprightly, vivacious and an active swimmer; being, in addition, very tenacious of life, and, therefore, embracing, in its little self, all the qualities which go to make up a desirable aquarium-fish. Its common name is derived from the blue-colour of the irides of both sexes. In general shape it is more Mullet-like than any other species of the Atherimdce. The male is far more handsome than the female; the second-dorsal, anal and caudal fins being greatly elongated; each being beautifully barred with yellow and black. The beautiful colours are particularly noticeable during the spawning season, which is the s.ummer-time. The body is usually of a silvery tint on the sides, the back being somewhat greenish. If in very dirty waters, the body-colour is often a yellowish-brown, and only slightly silvery. But little is known in regard to the habits, and, nothing so far, in regard to the life-history, of this entertaining little Atherinid. (My friend Mr. Albert Gale, of Sydney, has furnished me with some interesting information in regard to the Blue- eye. While at Cook's River (near Sydney) recently, in pursuit of material for his aquaria — of which he is an enthusiastic keeper — he was attracted by the rapid evolu- tions of several male Blue-eyes at the surface of the water ; the females being a little distance below. Contriving at last THE MULLET FAMILY. 73 to capture some of these with his landing-net, he was much astonished to find, that one .of the males was of a most bril- liant coppery-gold. This colour it retained for some time after capture. Mr. Gale took home with him some of each sex, and he found by close observation that whenever a female Blue-eye was near, the males became greatly excited and chased each other incessantly; meanwhile exhibiting to a greater or lesser extent the beautiful coppery-gold tint already mentioned. They were found to be quite as pug- nacious as the so-called Fighting-Fishes (Betta pugnax). This sudden exhibition of colour will strike the observer as being of great interest ; as it, most probably, is intimately connected with one of the processes of sexual selection; even though it may be brought about by anger or jealousy on the part of the male.) The Blue-eye occurs to my knowledge along the New South Wales coastline, from Bateman's Bay to Clarence River and has been recorded from the coast of Queens- land, living in either fresh or brackish water, and, pos- sibly, even salt-water. (Those persons in the neighbour- hood of Sydney, desirous of obtaining specimens for the aquarium may capture them at any time by means of a small landing-net in weedy patches in Cook's River, particularly above the old dam at Canterbury.) THE MULLET FAMILY. (Family: THE Mullets, or, as they are often termed, the "Grey Mullets," are a very important family. They are distri- buted over the greater part of the world ; inhabiting the fresh-waters and coasts of all tropical and temperate regions. Xone of them are known to occur in very deep water. They all feed, more or less, upon the organic matter contained in 74 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. mud, there being a special apparatus, formed by a modifi- cation of the pharynx, for the purpose of filtering out, to a great extent, the coarser particles or matter that is unfit for food. This filtering apparatus prevents the passage of foreign bodies, both into the stomach and through the gill- openings. In feeding, these fishes project the more-or-less telescopic mouth, taking a mouthful of mud or sand, or of both combined, as the case may be ; and, after having worked it about for some time between the pharyngeal bones, they eject the rougher or more unsuitable portions. The hinder portion of the stomach is worthy of mention, inasmuch as it is modified to form a kind of strong muscular gizzard, which is almost globular, and which suggests somewhat that organ in birds. Anyone who has gutted a Mullet must have noticed this peculiar-looking organ. Fig. 27.— SEA MULLET (Mugil Of about 100 known species of the Grey Mullets, nearly a quarter — at least — inhabit the coasts or streams of Aus- tralia; some of them growing to a large size. From an economic point of view, our Mullets are of the greatest importance; and, they are likely to be of still-greater im- portance to us in the near future. As it would be quite impossible within the limits of our little volume to speak upon even half of the Australian forms, I must content myself with a reference to some of the more important ones. These are, at present, as follows: The Sea Mullet (Mugil dobula), the Flat-tail Mullet (Mugil peronii), the Diamond-scaled Mullet (Mugil waigiensis), the Sand Mullet (Myxus elongatus), and the Yellow-eye Mullet (Agonostomus forsteri). Let it be at once remembered that each of these, as in so many other fishes, is known by at least THE MULLET FAMILY. 75 half-a-dozen other common-names in various localities ; this being the cause of a great deal of popular confusion and mis- apprehension in regard to them. The Sea Mullet is the largest, as well as the most important, of all our Mullets. This fine species inhabits, if not the whole, nearly the entire coast of Australia. In addition it is found at Lord Howe Island, the New Hebrides, the Sandwich Islands and other localities. On our eastern seaboard, it is very abundant, from Victoria to at least as high up as Central Queensland. In New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, many thousands of baskets of this fish are disposed of as food, annually. During a re- cent year in New South Wales alone nearly 45,000 baskets of Mullet — principally Sea Mullet — were received for dis- posal at the various Fish "Markets. The average basket of Mullet contains about 75 pounds weight; and, if we cal- culate the fish at an average of one pound weight each, we find that we have the imposing total of 3,375,000 individuals. In addition to these, of course large numbers were dis- posed of at various centres and in country districts, without ever having passed through any recognised market. These would greatly augment the numbers given. I furnish the foregoing statistics with a view of showing the reader what a valuable asset is this fish and of giving some idea as to its potentialities. This species inhabits in great abundance the muddy bottoms of all the harbours, and lakes, and the lower parts of all the rivers lying within the area of its habitat; even occurring — to a lesser extent — in the fresh- water portions of many of the coastal rivers in New South Wales. It is unfortunate that such an important food-fish as this, should be known in the two principal and neighbour- ing States, by different names. In Victoria it is known as "Sand Mullet," a name which we, in New South Wales, more judiciously apply to the Mullet which is also known as Tallegalane or Lano (Myxns elongatus). As in a number of other fishes, so in this, various names are applied at different stages of growth. In New South Wales, the young up to about 8 inches in length (2 years old) are often termed "Bully"— or "River"— Mullet ; above this size 76 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. and up to about 14 or 15 inches, being called "Hardgut." The name "Hardgut-Mullet" is also made to apply in many cases to all, from the smallest size up to that just mentioned ; while "Sea Mullet" is the generally-accepted name for the adult. Notwithstanding what has been written in the past, there are still some who are under the false impression that the Sea Mullet and the Hardgut-Mullet are distinct species. For convenience sake it is often desirable to make use of the latter term when speaking of the young, and there can be no harm in so doing provided that their true specific iden- tity is always borne in mind. Along the coast of Queensland "Hardgut" are known as "Mangrove-Mullet." Up to the size of maturity, this species is a constant dweller in the lakes, harbours and rivers ;* but, after maturity has been reached, each year there is a migration seawards ; and, after the sea is reached — on our eastern and western coasts — northward. This migration is solely in connection with spawning operations and takes place about May, June and July. The reason of this movement in a northerly direction, which has been so much noticed along the New South Wales coast and about which so many curious and wonderful stories have been woven, is as follows : — The egg of the Sea Mullet is a free-floating or pelagic one. That being so, if the shoals of Mullet were simply to go straight out of, say, Port Jackson, and there deposit their eggs, the latter would be swept slowly along towards the south while the development of the embryo was in progress ; and, as there would be no corresponding northward movement of the young Mullet, the habitat of the species would be gradu- ally— generation after generation — moved farther and far- ther south until it would disappear altogether from the coasts of Australia. As it is, with the present northward migration of the parent Mullet at the spawning time, it is not improbable that many of the baby Mullet find their way into the waters that their parents have recently vacated. In addition to this, of course, it is highly probable that a large number of the eggs are spawned within, or very near to, * Instances are on record in which shoals of Hardgut Mullet have been found at sea ; but these are extraordinary cases brought about usually by exceptional local conditions. THE MULLET FAMILY. 77 the mouths of the inlets out of the reach of the main southerly current. In connection with this, I might here mention that, on the coast of New South Wales there is generally a slight "northerly set," close inshore; this, at times, becomes quite strong; chiefly in prolonged southerly weather, and it must assist in a measure, in counteracting the influence of the southerly current. I would ask the reader to pay particular attention to what is here written in regard to the spawning and the migrations of the Sea Mullet, as the same remarks might, with certain necessary modifications, be applied to a number of other species. The Sea Mullet attains maturity at the age of 4 years, males then being about 15 or 16 inches in length: while the females measure about 18 inches. As in many other fishes, females of equal age with males, are a good deal larger than the latter. This fish grows to a weight of over 10 pounds, with a length of nearly 30 inches. The largest examples usually come from the various lakes and small lagoons along the New South Wales coast. In regard to the reproductive power of the Sea Mullet, I might state that the ripe roe of an ordinary large female contains an enormous number of eggs; probably consider- ably over a million. As a great deal of confusion exists in the popular mincl in regard to the identity of our Mullets, the following points will be found of use. The Sea Mullet may be at once distin- guished from any of the others mentioned herein, by the fact that it has a thick, transparent, fleshy lid surrounding and almost completely covering the eye ; and, also, that there are from 40 to 42 transverse rows of scales along the body from the operculum to the root of the tail. The colours are as follows: Steel blue, with a tinge of green or olive, above ; sides and lower surfaces silvery. There is a small black spot at the root of the pectoral fin and a golden spot — diffused on the edges — on the upper angle of the operculum. The dorsal and pectoral fins are a dark bluish-grey, while the caudal and anal fins are yellowish- green. 78 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The Flat-tail Mullet cannot claim anything like the commercial importance of the previously-mentioned species, nor does it grow to a very large size; still, it must not be despised, as it must always merit a prominent place amongst the fishes which are used as food. It occurs very rarely on the coast of Victoria, gradually increasing in numbers as we travel northward along New South Wales and the greater part of Queensland. Like the Sea Mullet, it inhabits all the inlets ; but unlike that species, does not proceed far in the direction of fresh-water. It usually also, prefers less muddy ground. This species may be captured by means of hook and line — a worm or dough-bait being used; while the adult Sea Mullet seldom or never is. I have often captured the young Sea Mullet with a dough-bait, using a cork for a float Fig. 28. — FLAT-TAIL MULLET (Muyil -peronii). and allowing 6 inches of the line to hang down into the water. In Queensland this species is known as "Tiger" or "Tygum" Mullet ; the last name being an aboriginal title. Like the Sea Mullet, the Flat-tail Mullet reproduces by means of a pelagic egg, but this being deposited at or within the mouths of the inlets, there is no necessity for, nor do we find, any northward spawning migration. The spawning takes place during or about the months of February, March and April. The Flat-tail Mullet grows exceptionally, to a length of nearly 18 inches, with a weight of 2 pounds. The usual length of those marketed is from about 10 to 12 inches. This Mullet has no fleshy eyelid, and the scales are THE MULLET FAMILY. 79 larger and consequently less numerous than those of the Sea-Mullet, there being from 35 to 38 transverse rows from the head to the foot of the tail. The colours are as follows: — Steel-blue above, silvery on the sides, white below. The scales of the back and sides have each a narrow longitudinal streak along the middle, forming bands ; often with golden reflections. There is a small black spot at the root of the pectoral fin, preceded by a bright golden blotch. The second-dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are tinged with gold on their outer margins. The Diamond-scaled Mullet : This species is notable for its very large scales and its broad, flat head. It is captured in some abundance along the central and northern portions of the coast of Queensland; being less common farther south, and exceedingly rare in the north of New South Wales. The species is distributed throughout the Seas of India and the Malay Archipelago, and probably is to be found along portions of the northern coastline of Australia. It attains a weight of several pounds and is of a pretty silvery colour, each scale being very prettily-margined with black. The Sand Mullet : Of the three common commer- cial species of Mullet in New South Wales this is the least valuable. Its distribution along our coastline is very similar to that of the Flat-tail Mullet,* with which it agrees somewhat in habit. It grows, exceptionally, to a length of about 15 inches, the average size being very much smaller. Like the two preceding species, it has no fleshy eyelid. There are about 45 rows of scales along the body, which is considerably more elongate than that of the Flat-tail Mullet. In clear water its colours are very similar to those of the Flat-tail Mullet; but the golden spot on the upper half of the operculum is not so distinct ; being more diffused. The Yellow-eye Mullet : This fish is distributed right round the southern half of Australia from about * It has been recorded from Western Australia. 8o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Newcastle, in New South Wales, to at least the same lati- tude in Western Australia, occurring also commonly in Tas- mania and New Zealand. In Victoria and Tasmania it is considered to be of considerable importance : chiefly because of its abundance. It has not the edible value of the Sea Mullet. To a great extent this species frequents sandy ground, living upon the organisms contained in the sand. It is quite commonly obtained by means of hook and line. In Victoria, this Mullet is known as "Sea-Mullet"; a most unfortunate circumstance, when the great difference between it and that species, is taken into account. In Western Australia, it is usually called "Swan-River Herring," which is still more unfortunate, as there is nothing ot the Herring about this fish. This species attains about the same size as the Flat-tail Mullet. There is no fleshy lid to the eye, and the scales are very small ; there being about 60 rows along the body. In colour it is steel-blue on the back, the sides being silvery- white and the belly whitish. The iris of each eye is of a pretty orange-yellow tint, whence the common name which I have applied to it. THREADFINS OR TASSEL-FISHES ( Family : Polynemidce . ) THIS family comprises numerous species of tropical fishes, chiefly characterised by the presence of long filaments, which are used as organs of touch, situated near to the pectoral fins. They are coastal fishes, the majority of them entering brackish, or even fresh, water. The body is rather com- pressed, and is covered with smooth or fairly-smooth scales. The snout is prominent, projecting beyond the mouth. The long pectoral filaments may be moved quite independently of the fins. They vary in number in different species ; ranging from 3 in some to as many as 14 in others. So finely THREADFINS OR TASSEL-FISHES. 81 drawn-out are they in some species, that they are as much as twice the length of the fish itself ; while in others, they are not longer (and sometimes they are even shorter) than the pectoral fin itself. Giinther in speaking of the Tassel- fishes says : "It is evident from the whole organisation of these fishes, that they live on a muddy bottom* or in thick water, such as is found near the mouths of great rivers. Their eyes are large, but generally obscured by a filmy skin, so that those feelers must be of great use to them in finding their way and their food." Some of these Tassel-fishes reach a length of 4 feet; and are useful as food or for the isinglass to be obtained from their air-bladders or "sounds," as in the case of the Jewfish family (page 113). Fig. 29. — COOKTOWN "SALMON" (Polynemus tetradactylus) . On the coast of Queensland there is a fish known as the " Cooktown Salmon '' (Polynemus tetradactylus) which is a member of the family under discussion. In this species the four free pectoral rays are quite short. It has earned its very unsuitable common name, according to Saville-Kent, "on account of its external shape and the pink tint of its flesh when cooked." This fish is taken plenti- fully in the estuary of the Endeavour River ; examples aver- aging commonly 10 to 12 pounds in weight. It is found also in India, the Malay Archipelago, China, etc. ; in India attaining — according to Day — a length of 6 feet and upwards. Another species occurring in Queensland waters, is Poly- nemus sheridani ; which is stated to grow to the great weight of one hundred pounds. Amongst others, two species which * Some species are fovind on sandy bottom >. 82 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. occur on the coast of Queensland are also found in New South Wales. One of these, known as the Blind Tassel - Fish (Polynemus macrochir), is so-called be- cause of the fact that the eyes, though normally developed, are covered by a dense filmy skin. The loss of vision thereby occasioned is compensated for, by the highly-special- ised, long, tactile rays, developed in connection with the pectoral fins. THE PIKE FAMILY. (Family: Sphyr&nidee.) THE fishes of this family are carnivorous and highly vora- cious. They embrace about 20 species; the mouths of all of which are provided with dangerous-looking teeth. In size, they vary from some of about a foot in length, up to the enormous Barracuda (not the Barracouta) of the West Indies, which reaches a length of 8 feet, and is a menace to bathers. Though they are nearly all used as food, some of the tropical species are said to be of a poisonous nature. The Pike family is well represented in Australian waters. The most important species is the Short- finned* Pike (Sphyrana novtrhollandite), which is found Fig. 30. — SHOKT-FITTTTED PIKE (Sphyrwna along the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria. It is in its greatest abundance on the Victorian coast. In the fish-markets of Sydney it is to be seen in small num- * Called " Short-firmed " to differentiate it from the "Long-firmed" Pike, a fish of another family (see page 106), and with which it is often roughly classified by fishermen and others as simply "Pike." THE PIKE FAMILY. 83 hers all the year round. Though of fairly-good flavour, this fish is not in much demand as a food product. The teeth are very formidable. There are 2 to 4 pairs of strong, recurved, conical teeth, in the upper jaw towards the front ; behind which, on each side, is a single, closely- set row of minute ones. Then there is a pair of strong re- curved fangs in the middle of the lower jaw, at the front, followed by a row of conical teeth, numbering about 16, on each side and strongest towards the back of the mouth. In addition to these, there are strong and sharp teeth (palatine teeth) along the centre of the upper jaw. In colour this species is greenish above and silvery below ; the second dorsal and caudal fins being yellowish. The Short-finned Pike usually attains a length of 2 to 3 feet ; specimens of a larger size being very uncommon. Several other species of Sphyrcvna inhabit the seas of Australia. 84 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA CHAPTER V. ' : i Cuvier's Square-Tail — The Whario Family — The Grenadiers or Whiptails— The Cod Family— The Nannygai Family— Knight Fishes— Bull's-Eyes — Centrarchoid Fishes— The Blackfish Family— The Triple- tails— Rifle Fishes— The Perch Family. CUVIER'S SQUARE-TAIL. (Family : Tetragonuridcr.) THE sole member of this family, is that peculiar fish, known sometimes as Cuvier's Square - tail (Tetragonurus cuvieri). It is a widely-distributed oceanic species, but is not often obtained. It is known from the Mediterranean Sea, the neighbouring parts of the Atlantic Ocean, and also, the South Pacific Ocean, including the eastern coast of Aus- tralia. "It is said to descend to great depths at certain seasons, and to feed on Medusae; its flesh is poisonous/' — (Boulenger.) It attains a length of 18 inches. Very little is known in regard to the habits of this species. When young it seeks the shelter of the umbrellas of certain Medusae. THE WHARIO FAMILY. ( Family : Stromateidce .) THIS family consists of marine fishes, pelagic and deep-sea, feeding on Crustaceans, Medusae, or the fry of other fishes. About 45 species are known, but very few of them are of economic value. Probably the most valuable is Seriolella brama, which is found on a portion of the eastern coast of Australia, as well as in New Zealand, where it is known as Whario or Warehou. Large numbers of this species are THE GRENADIERS OR WHIPTA1LS. 85 captured in New Zealand, many being despatched to the principal Australian centres of distribution — notably Sydney —in either a frozen or smoked condition. On the Vic- torian coast, where it is often obtained, this fish is usually known as "Trevally," a name which should only be applied to Caranx georgianus (page 149). Perhaps the most remarkable fish in this family is that peculiar form known as the Portuguese Man-o' War Fish (Nomeus gronovii}. This widely-distributed species, is found on the coast of New South Wales at the same time of the year as, and in the company of, the beau- tiful, but rather treacherous little Medusa known as "Por- tuguese Man-o'-War" or PhysaHa-. The Medusae float along at the surface of the ocean, and beneath their long tentacles swim serenely these little fishes, which do not seem to be in any way affected by their proximity to their dan- gerously-stinging neighbour; while other fishes usually be- come entangled and paralysed in the embrace of those same tentacles. The Portuguese Man-o'-War Fish has enormous ventral fins, folding in a groove in the lower part of the body. THE GRENADIERS OR WHIPTAILS. (Family: Macruridce.) THIS is a large family of deep-sea fishes with very large saucer-eyes and having a comparatively short, deep trunk, with an elongate tail tapering to a point. There is no caudal fin. Fishes of this family have been obtained at a depth of more than 2,500 fathoms. One species — Macrurus australis — has been obtained in the waters of Tasmania. This curious fish has a projecting snout and an exceedingly large eye, the diameter of which is nearly equal to one-third of the length of the head. The head is rather compressed, and possesses a number of rough, obtuse ridges. The snout has a ridge along the middle of 86 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. its upper surface. The whole head is covered with small plates, the surfaces of which are provided with small spines. Fig. 31. — Macrurus australis. Little is known of the distribution of this fish. A species allied to the above, known as Coryphiznoides variabilis, was obtained from the waters South of Australia by the "Challenger" at a depth of over 2,000 fathoms ; while two other species of the same genus have been described from our waters, one being from South Australia and the other from Tasmania. THE COD FAMILY. (Family: Gadidce.) THE Cod family, which is so well represented in the waters of northern climes, and which is of such great importance to mankind, is comparatively unimportant so far as our Australian waters are concerned. Still, it contains several species of economic value: The most important being the Beardie or Ling (Lotella cdlwias) and the Red Cod (Physiculus backus). The Beardie is fairly common along parts of the New South Wales coast, and is also found on the coasts of Victoria and Tasmania. It is a small-scaled species, of a rich chestnut-brown, on the upper parts, being lighter on THE NANNYGAI FAMILY. 87 the lower surface. It attains a length of about 18 inches. There is a small barbel on the chin of this fish. V Fig. .T2. — HKAKDIK (Lotella callarias). The Beardie is usually captured by hook and line on outside grounds, in the vicinity of rocky reefs and "bom- boras," though it is also to be obtained in the lower parts of our harbours. It is usually considered to be of fair value as an edible fish. The Red - Cod is somewhat similar to the preceding, but it attains a larger size, and, with the exception of the lower parts, is of a uniform reddish or reddish-brown tinge. Upon a close examination being made many other differences between the two species are apparent. These need not be mentioned here. This species is not common on the New South Wales coast, though it is found along the southern portion. It occurs more commonly on the coasts of Victoria and Tas- mania and also New Zealand, where it is esteemed as food. THE NANNYGAI FAMILY. ( Family : Berycidce. ) THE only representative of economic importance in our waters, of this very interesting family, is that beautiful- looking and familiar fish known as the Nanny gai (Beryx af finis). In colour, this lovely fish is of a most brilliant, uniform golden-red, "shot" with violet : and this, taken 88 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. together with its large and handsome saucer-like eyes and deeply- forked tail, render it the most conspicuous object in the fishmonger's window. Its very large, deeply-slanting mouth also calls for some mention. The sculpturing of the scales— which in this species are ctenoid—is very remark- able. A small body-scale makes a most interesting and beautiful object for the microscope. Fig. 33. — NANNYGAI (Bcryx afftnix). The Nannygai usually occurs in fairly deep water, wide off-shore, at sea ; in the neighbourhood of sunken reefs and rocky bottoms ; and, in such localities, it is, at certain times, quite plentiful, being captured with hook and line. It takes a flesh-bait very readily. It has been taken in water of a depth of 80 fathoms, while young examples are often taken in shallow water in the harbours. As a food-fish it is generally considered to be of the first importance, and it always finds a very ready sale, at a high price, in the mar- kets. Many people regard it from the epicurean point of view as a very great delicacy; this idea being, no doubt, greatly assisted by the generally-beautiful appearance of the fish when fresh. The Nannygai is found over the greater portion of the coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Tasmania. It also occurs in New Zealand, and commonly attains a length of about 18 inches. Other species of the genus Beryx — to which the Nannygai belongs — are found in moderate ocean depths in the Indian Ocean, on the coasts of Japan, Cuba and Madeira, and also in the Gulf Stream. These fishes are particularly interesting, as they represent at this day, certain fossil forms of Teleostean (or bony) fishes, which are amongst the oldest- known — geologically speaking. KNIGHT-FISHES. 89 To this family also belongs the curious little fish known as the Roughy (Trachichthys australis). This inhabits very similar situations to those in which the Nannygai is found, viz., rocky bottoms and bomboras, where it may be captured occasionally, either by hook and line or by means of the trammel-net. It is also sometimes taken in the lobster-pots, but never in any abundance. The peculiar rough body — whence its name — is of a deep reddish-brown, the fins being yellow and black. When fresh it has a most pleasing appear- ance, though very curious-looking. Like the Nannygai, the Roughy has large eyes to enable it to see well in the deep water that it usually frequents, and where the light is re- duced to a kind of twilight. KNIGHT-FISHES. (Family: Monocentridte.) ONLY two species of these very remarkable Knight-Fishes are known to exist ; and one of these, known as the Aus- Fig. 34. — KNIGHT-FISH (Monocciitri* inponicus). tralian Knight - Fish* (Monocentris gloria-maris) , is found on the coast of New South Wales and Queensland. * Not having a specimen of this species at hand, I have given an illustration of the closely allied Japanese species f Monocentris japonicu*) which will probably be found to occur on portions of the Australian coast. 9o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. It is indeed a quaint-looking creature, as it is clad in a strong coat of mail, formed by the large bony scales. In- stead of the ventral fin, there are two enormously-developed ventral spines. On each side of the head near the mouth are peculiar luminous discs, which are probably of service to the fish in assisting it to obtain its food. Though this fish is not often obtained, it is most probably not uncom- mon on our coast. Its ordinary habit of life is not likely to lead it often either into the scope of the fisherman's net, or, to take a bait. Examples are occasionally thrown up on ocean beaches with debris, after a storm. The Australian Knight-Fish reaches a length of 9 inches. BULL'S-EYES. (Family: Pempheridce.) Two species of fishes known as Bull's-eyes occur on the eastern coast of Australia; the Small-scaled Bull's- eye (Pempheris compressns) and the Large-scaled Bull's- eye (Pempheris macrolepis). Both of these are found on the coast of New South Wales; the former being the more common kind. Their most noticeable character- istics are: a deep, highly-compressed, short body; a short dorsal fin, a very long anal fin and exceedingly large saucer- eyes like the Nannygai, but relatively larger. This last- mentioned feature is responsible for the common name of Bull's-eye. The small-scaled species is of a light-brown colour, clouded over, particularly on the upper parts, with fine dots of a darker hue ; the fins being also darker. The Large-scaled Bull's-eye in addition to the greater size of the body-scales, is further characterised by possessing light- coloured longitudinal lines, between each row of scales, on the body. In life, it is of a rich reddish-brown colour. Neither species attains to a large size, the average being about 8 to 9 inches; arid, as they are never captured in imbers, they cannot be said to be of much value from an economic standpoint. CBNTRARCHOID FISHES.— BLACKFISH FAMILY. 91 CENTRARCHOID FISHES- (Family: Centrarchidce.} THIS family, which is represented in America by so many species, and which includes in its numbers the famous "Basses" of America, has only one representative, so far as is known at present, in our waters. This is the Flag"- tail (Kuhlia f&nivrd). It is very rarely seen. THE BLACKFISH FAMILY. (Family: SUCH well-known fishes as the Blackfish (Girella tricus- pidata), the Bluefish (Girella cyanea), and the Drummer (Kyphosus Sydney anus) are included in this family, in addi- tion to a number of others. The Blackfish is one of the best-known fishes of Eastern Australia, particularly on the coast of New South Wales. Though its flesh is not of the delicate flavour possessed by many of our fishes, still it may be truthfully stated to be one of our most important food-fishes ; as it is one of the "stock" fishes of our markets, being always present in greater or lesser numbers. It is also found on the coasts of Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and possibly South Aus- tralia and West Australia. In Victoria, it is known as "Black Perch" or "Rock Perch," and in Tasmania as "Black Bream" ; this being another instance of the necessity for the adoption of uniform common names in cases where the same species is found in various States. This Blackfish must not be confused with the so-called "River Blackfish," which is a fresh-water fish, and has no affinity with the one under discussion, as it is one of the Blenny family. (It will be referred to later on.) The Blackfish is a herbivorous fish, subsisting upon "sea-grass" and "sea-moss." The former it obtains upon the flats in the shallow water of our coastal lakes and 92 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. estuaries; and the latter is that hairy-looking light-green seaweed commonly found growing around rocks, piles and floating timber. This weed is the usual bait employed in fishing for this species with hook and line. Though this fish has a somewhat ding)^-looking appear- ance some time after being caught — as it appears in the fish-shops, for instance — still, when it is quite fresh, it is really a handsome species, being generally of a silvery-grey, with a number of dark-brown vertical bands. These bands are particularly prominent in young Blackfish. In examples of this species which have inhabited dark, muddy waters for any length of time, or certain coastal lakes which have for a time been cut off from connection with the sea, these vertical bands become almost, or completely, lost, and the fish is then of a brownish or blackish hue, being a little lighter on the lower surface. Like many of our estuarine fishes, this species is able to exist in waters that are almost free from any trace of salinity. Fig. 35.— BLACKFISH (GlrcUa tricuspidata) . Though this fish is a true vegetable- feeder, as indicated by the peculiar structure of its teeth, and the great bulk of its digestive organs, young examples will take an animal bait quite freely. The Blackfish when hooked is a great "fighter," and is rightly looked upon by the angling portion of our popu- lation as one of our best sporting fishes. The average weight of the adult Blackfish usually obtained varies from i pound to 2 pounds, but examples THE BLACK FISH FAMILY. 93 of 5 pounds weight and even more have been captured. The Bluefish is somewhat similar in form to the Black- fish, but is more elongate, and possesses a much larger and more powerful tail, as befits its ocean existence. It does not appear to be at all common on the coast of New South Wales, and is not known to occur anywhere else in Aus- tralia, though it is very common at Lord Howe Island. It is verv seldom seen in our fish-markets. In colour, it is of a magnificent uniform cerulean blue, with a golden sheen, and with numerous golden-yellow spots over the body. The blue colour fades very quickly after death. To a large extent the Bluefish is herbivorous, subsisting chiefly (in our waters, at least) upon gelatinous sea- weeds ; but it also partakes to some extent of animal food in the shape of small fishes, crustaceans, etc., which it finds around the rocky parts that form its home. It may be occasionally taken with hook and line by using a "Blackfish bait." Specimens are occasionally captured off the point at the entrance to Port Jackson known as "Blue- fish," and it appears highly probably that the name of the point was derived from this fact. The Bluefish reaches a length of over 2 feet, but the average size of those usually taken is considerably less. The Drummer differs a good deal in shape from both of the preceding members of this family, being much rounder, and, consequently, length for length, a good deal heavier. So far it is only known from the coast of New South Wales. It is a herbivorous fish dwelling in rocky localities, where it may be captured by means of the trammel net, or occasionally by hook-and-line. At times large shoals of this species move along our shores, and then come within the range of the hauling net ; but they are not welcomed by the fishermen, as, on account of their inferior flavour, they are at present almost unsaleable. The colour of the Drummer is a dark grey, washed with silver on the lower part of the sides, and darker along the back and on the fins. In large examples there are many longitudinal stripes of a dusky, yellowish-golden hue along 94 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. the sides of the body. There is a peculiar knobby protuber- ance on the head in front of, and between, the eyes. The Drummer grows to a length of more than 2 feet. THE TRIPLETAILS. (Family: Lobotidce.) THIS family contains 2 or 3 species which are large fishes closely allied to the true Perches. They are represented in our waters by one species, known as the Dusky Perch (Lobotes surinamensis} . Comparatively little is known in regard to the habits of this fish. It has a very wide geo- graphical distribution, being found on the coast of America, in the Mediterranean Sea, the seas of India, China and the Malay Archipelago. In Australia, it has only so far been recorded from Queensland and New South Wales ; being a little more common in the northern State. : Fig. 3G. — DUSKY PERCH (Lobotes surinamensis) In colour, it is of a uniform dark-brown, with the ex- ception of the lower surface, which is lighter. The Dusky Perch reaches a length of 3 to 4 feet and a weight of 25 to 30 pounds. RIFLE-FISHES. 95 In America, it is known by the names of "Flasher" and "Tripletail" ; the last being in reference to the slight appearance as of three tails, which it possesses, due to the greatly-enlarged soft portions of the anal and dorsal fins. RIFLE-FISHES. (Family: To.rotidce.) ONE species of this family is found on the coast of Queens- land, where it is known by the name of Rifle - Fish (Toxotes jacitlator). It has earned this name from its most remarkable habit of capturing insects that are flying near the surface of the water, by shooting drops of water at them. It has a most unerring aim. The Malays who call it "Ikan sumpit" keep it in a bowl, in order to witness this singular habit, which it continues even in captivity. Fig. 37. — RIFLE-FISH (Toxotes jaculator). Such a peculiar habit as this, is really most wonderful, and gives us something to ponder over ; as it has to be re- membered, that owing to refraction, the insect when on the wing, will appear to the fish in the water, to be in quite a different position to that in which it really is; the accur- acy of the fish's aim, is then all the more to be wondered at. In addition to its occurrence on our northern coastline, it is also found in the seas of India and the Malay Archipelago. 9<> FISHES OF AUSTRAL/ A. THE PERCH FAMILY. ( Family : Serranidce. ) THIS is one of the most important families of Austialian fishes, as it contains many valuable food-fishes. Nearly all are marine, but a few are found in fresh-water. As it will be impossible here, to mention in detail even half of the number, I will have to content myself with a review of the principal ones. These are as follows : — The Estuary Perch (Percolates colonor-imi), the Fresh-water Perch (Percolates fluviatilis), the Golden Perch or Yellow-belly (Plectroplites ambiguus), Macquarie's Perch (Macquaria australasica) , the Murray Cod (Oligorus macquariensis) , the Wirrah (Acanthistins serratus), the Black Rock-Cod (Spinephelus dcemetii) ; the Queensland Groper (Promi- crops itaiara] ; the Giant Perch (Lates calcarifer) ; the Pearl Perch (Glaucosoina scapulare) ; the Old Wife (Hno- pl&sus armatus), and the Long-finned Pike (Dinolestes lewini). Amongst the smaller species of the family is the interesting little Soldier-Fish (Apogon fasciatus). The Estuary Perch is a familiar object to most people, in the States of New South Wales and Victoria at least, as a few are generally to be seen amongst the fish in every fishmonger's stall. Particularly is this so after heavy freshets in our coastal rivers, and during the winter months. After heavy rains have fallen on the watershed of say, one of the coastal rivers, there is in a short time a superabundance of fresh-water, heavily charged with silt and often decayed vegetable matter in the tidal portions of the river ; and this has the effect of driving out to the lower and clearer estuarine or harbour waters, most of the inhabi- tants, chief amongst which are the Estuary Perch. As there are then very many more fish in a given area than previously, the fisherman is enabled to reap a richer harvest with his meshing-nets and hauling-nets. The same applies in the winter time, when these fishes come down of their own free will to the open waters for the purpose of spawning. The Estuary Perch is common along the Australian THE PERCH FAMILY. 97 coast, from about Moreton Bay in Queensland to at least the Murray River in South Australia; and is also found in Tasmania. In Victoria it is particularly abundant in the Gippsland Lakes, and from that, it is often known there as "Oippsland Perch." It attains a weight of about 5 pounds, but examples of that size are uncommon, the more usual size as seen in the markets, varying from about 12 ounces to 2 pounds. It will be noticed that I have here used for this fish the term "Estuary Perch." My reason for so doing, is, that there is another perch, very closely allied to this, which is found in the fresh-water portions of some of our coastal rivers, all the year round, and even in pools removed from the rivers. (It may also be found in brackish water.) It is most probable that it even spawns in the fresh-water. This form is to be distinguished from the Estuary Perch by its more elongate body which has a fairly elliptical out- line, while in the latter the profile of the back is quite gib- bous or humped. These are differences which, though vary- ing within slight bounds, are still quite constant. Differ- ences in colour are also apparent ; what may be properly termed the "fresh-water" form, being usually more dusky than the other, and possessing a large black blotch on the central portion of the anal fin, the latter being comparatively indistinct in the Estuary Perch. In no previous work deal- ing with our fishes has there been any mention of this i Vrch as a distinct species : that is why I now take such pains to point out its general features. I have, quite recently, proposed for this fish, the title of Fresh - water Perch and have described it under the name of Percolates fluviatilis.* Of course other fresh- water Perches of a totally different nature (and belonging to other genera) are also known to us, but where these exist, they are usually given some specific prefix — such as Silver Perch,, Macquarie's Perch, etc. The Golden Perch or "Yellow-belly": This highly- important and valuable fish is abundant in all the western * Through unforeseen circumstances, the Paper in which I have des- '•i ibed this species has not yet appeared in print ; reference to the species will, however, be found in a Note communicated to the Linnean Society of South Wales in May, 1906. 98 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. rivers of New South Wales ; including the Darling and the Murray ; and has also been taken in the Mary River, Queensland. It is pre-eminently what might be called ;i ''still-water" fish, being very abundant in lagoons and "billa- bongs." It is also a "mid-water" fish ; that is, it swims at some distance from the bottom usually; this habit being different to that of the Murray Cod for instance, which, while inhabiting the same waters, usually gropes about in the vicinity of the bottom. It is a fish of the plains, rather than one of the mountains. As an article of food, the Golden Perch is very well and favourably known, both in the western areas and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Though taken by hook and line, the usual method of capture is by means of a short meshing-net (gill-net) which is set at night, across the billabong or lagoon. A fisher- man who has fished for Yellow-belly in many of the New South Wales rivers, tells me that one of this species will blun- der straight into a meshing-net, apparently without seeing it ; while a Murray Cod under the same circumstances would swim up to within a short distance of the net and then quickly take fright and "double" back again. The rela- tively different positions of the eyes in each species, would partially account for this difference in habit. The name of "Golden Perch" also that of "Yellow- bellv" are both derived from the fact that when this fish is alive, or just freshly-caught, the sides and lower portions are of a beautiful orange-gold colour. This fish often attains a weight of 7 to 8 pounds. Here it will be of interest to mention that in 1893, Mr. Saville-Kent, the well-known naturalist, transported a number of Golden Perch and some Eels from the lower portion of the Murray River to the upper portion of the C5wan River in Western Australia; via Adelaide; and also, in 1894, several hundred Golden Perch averaging from a quarter to half a pound in weight. Some of the latter were placed in the Upper Swan, while the remainder were put into a lake, having a constant supply of water, about 10 miles out of Albany. THE PERCH FAMILY. 99 It will be of great interest to see what has been the result of this planting. Macquarie's Perch: : This is another of the fishes of Western New South Wales, though it also occurs in the upper waters of the Nepean River, and probably George's River and Cook's River. It is a valuable fish from an economic standpoint, though not nearly so important as the preceding. It is often known to western folk as "Black- Bream," as is likewise, occasionally, the Silver Perch; but neither of them is in any way related to the Black Bream ; in fact — and this is a point that is worth remembering — uj true Bream inhabits any of our fresh-zvater rivers, though the term is often heard used in connection with one or other of our fresh-water fishes. In the upper waters of the Nepean, this species, there very dark in colour, is often known as "Blackfish," which is another misnomer. Macquarie's Perch attains a length of from 12 to 15 inches. The Murray Cod : As a food-fish this magnificent species stands second to none. Attaining to such large pro- portions and being of such good flavour, this excellent fish long ago came prominently forward; and it may be safely said, that the supply is never likely to exceed or even meet Fiir. .",8. — MTRRAY COD (Oligorux macquarienti*) . the demand. It inhabits the whole of the immense Murray River system, from the limits of tidal influence in South Australia right up into Queensland. In addition it is found in the head-waters of the Clarence and Richmond Rivers Thi< ti. pound being not at all uncommon. Fig. 41. — TRUMPETER WHITING (Sill&ffo inaciilata). The Trumpeter Whiting is principally an inhabitant of the waters of New South Wales and Queensland. There is one record of its occurrence in Western Australia. In its habits, this fish is still more of an estuarine or harbour fish than the preceding, living in moderately-deep water and preferring "muddy-sandy" bottoms. It is not by any means what might be termed an "outside" fish ; though no doubt occasional specimens might be obtained, particularly in localities like the offing at Broken Bay. where a great amount of silt is deposited from the Hawkesburv River. [In passing, here, I must state that the Whiting obtained by means of the trawl-net from the "Thetis" in 1898 and which was identified at the time as "Trumpeter Whiting," was not this species at all but adbther and a totally different species — Sillago bassensis. This is the Whiting which occurs commonly in Tasmanian waters. It is exceedingly abundant on the coast of New South Wales, in water ranging from a few fathoms, down to the great depth of nearly 90 fathoms (540 feet). In Port Jackson, at the mouth of which this species is usually abundant ia the summer months, it is known as School Whiting. 112 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. From the other Whitings this kind may be at once separated by its "clean," semi-transparent appearance, the prominent silver band running (longitudinally) along each side, and by the possession of a series of rusty-red diagonal blotches along the upper half of each side. This species is the smallest of our known Whitings, growing usually to a length of 9 or 10 inches. It is a de- licious little fish for the table.] Like the Sand Whiting, the Trumpeter Whiting is greatly valued for its excellence as a food-fish ; but, not attaining to such dimensions nor being obtained in such profusion, it is not nearly so important. The usual weight of those marketed, ranges from 4 to 5 ounces and it attains rarely to a weight of 10 or n ounces. In addition to being found on this coast, this fish occurs in India and the Malay Archipelago. The Trumpeter Whiting is not so often captured by hook and line as is the preceding species, but is obtained with a hauling net of small mesh. In colour this species is generally darker than the Sand Wrhiting, but at the same time is rather more transparent looking when fresh. There is a prominent, broad silvery stripe down each side of the fish, this being comparatively indistinct in the latter. The scales too in this kind are more deciduous and the body is always characterised by the pre- sence on the upper parts of a number of very dark, blackish, irregular blotches ; these being, as before pointed out, quite absent in the adult Sand Whiting. The Spotted Whiting occurs chiefly along the coasts of Victoria and Tasmania, though it is found also over about half the extent of the New South Wales coastline, becoming more common towards the southern boundary. It may be at once distinguished from either of the preceding by the more elongate body, the greatly increased number (and consequently decreased size) of the body scales and the presence of pretty Trout-like spots all over the upper half of the body. It grows to a length of about 20 inches. THE fEWFlSH FAMILY. 113 THE JEWFIS3 FAMILY ( Family : Scicenidte. ) THREE important species of Australian food-fishes are included in this family, they being the Jewfish (Sticena antarctica), tlu- Teragiin (Cynoscion atelodns), and the Salmon (Arripis trutta). About 150 species of the family are found in various parts of the world, and they are mostly marine. Nearly all are of economic value, some being highly valuable. They are usually found on sandy shores in fairly shallow water. None of the species occur in very deep water. Many of them reach a very large size. They all, including the Australian species, subsist on animal food. Most of the Sclfenidcr make peculiar noises, variously termed croaking, grunting, drumming, or snoring. Our own Jewfish is known to make a grunting sound. From this habit the whole family in America are known as "Grunters." The sound is supposed to be produced by the forced passage of air from one portion of the air- or swim-bladder to an- other. In these fishes the air-bladder is usually large and complicated, and provided with more or less numerous ap- pendages. This air-bladder in the larger species — like our Jewfish — is greatly used for the manufacture of isinglass. One of the American species is responsible for making such a loud noise that it has earned the popular name of "Drum."' The males drum the loudest, while the females' ''voices'' are softer. The drumming is particularly noticeable in the breeding season. The Jewfish is a voracious and powerful fish, attaining commonly a weight of from 60 pounds to 70 pounds, with a length of about 5 feet, though the weight of those princi- pally brought to market runs from about 20 pounds to 30 pounds. It is common at all times along most of the eastern, and a portion of the southern, coastline of Australia, being particularly abundant on the New South Wales coast. It is also known from Western Australia. It inhabits the estuaries and harbours, and also the coastal beaches — particularly in the vicinity of lake-entrances. In some cases it ascends some of our coastal rivers right up into the fresh water. At certain times large n4 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. shoals of them move about together, and prey on the shoals of Salmon and some other fishes. On the New South Wales coast one of the principal foods of this species (when it JS in its favourite haunts) is Sand Whiting, but nothing of an animal nature comes amiss to this hungry fellow, and I have taken quite a number of other species of fishes from Jewfish stomachs as well as Crustaceans — Prawns and Man- tis-Shrimps (Squilla). At times numbers of Jewfishes may be observed lying basking in the sunlight on the sands un- derneath the railway bridge at Como, George's River, N.S.W. ; this forming a most interesting sight. In addition to being found on our eastern coast, this fish also occurs on the coasts of South and Western Australia. In regard to its relative abundance in Western Australia, nothing very much is known, but it is quite common in the mouth of the River Murray, in South Australia, where it is captured partly by means of floating meshing or gill-nets (chiefly at night- time). The variety of common names under which this species is known in the various States forms a great object- lesson of the necessity for using the technical names in any written account of our fishes and their habits, otherwise they can only be misleading, and full of confusion; as what applies in the case of the Jewfish is found to apply with equal force to many of our other fishes. Some species are even known under different common names in localities not more than 20 or 30 miles apart, while different species are often only recognised under the one common title. The Jewfish is often known in Queensland as "Dewfish" ; in Vic- toria it is known as the "Kingfish," while at the mouth of the Murray the fishermen call it "Mulloway," or "Butter- fish." In Western Australia, again, it is called by the Vic- torian name of Kingfish. Wherever caught, and under what- ever name, this handsome species is rightly regarded as a most valuable food-fish, and certainly it is a very profitable one, being what is termed "so meaty." In the principal cities of the Commonwealth it is one of the greatest resources of the restaurant-keepers, as it is excellent either served up as "Silver Jew," or perhaps what is more common as "Snap- per." I am afraid the Jewfish has had to pay for a great deal of the Snapper's reputation in this direction. The term "Silver Jew" is properly restricted to young examples of THE JEW FISH FAMILY. 115 about 2 feet in length, and less, and these are much more prized as a table accessory. As the Jewfish may be caught in immensely greater numbers than at present obtains, it is destined in the future to play a very important part in the fisheries of New South Wales at least, and to a somewhat lesser extent in the other States. The by-products from it —which are at present disregarded — will also be found of great value. Here I refer principally to the "sounds" or air-bladders which in this species are very large indeed, and are commercially of considerable value. At present thou- sands of these are thrown away every year with the offal, and as they require very little primary treatment beyond drying, this is greatly to be regretted. Fig. 42. — JEWFISH (Sciwia Antarctica). When freshly caught, the Jewfish is a most handsome object. The upper surface is dark-blue or brownish, this gradually changing into the light colour of the lower por- tions. All over the sides and upper portions the scales are flecked with silver and golden reflections, while over all there is a general iridescent appearance. The Jewfish is sometimes known as "Jewel-fish," be- cause of the so-called "pearls" which are obtained from the head. These "pearls" are the otoliths or "earstones," which, while occurring in the heads of other teleostean fishes, are particularly large in the species of the Scicenidce. These earstones are closely connected with the sense of hearing, hence their name. The Jewfish, if not specifically identical, is very closely allied to an important food-fish of Europe known as the Maigre or Meagre (Sci&na aquila). The Teraglin is very like its cousin, the Jewfish; but does not attain to the large size of that species. It com- n6 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. monly reaches a length of 2 feet or a little over. It may be at once distinguished from its congener by the relatively much smaller scales, there being, for example, about 75 scales on the lateral line of the Teraglin, while there are only about 52 on that of the Jewfish. The Teraglin also possesses a more silvery appearance than the Jewfish. So far the Teraglin has only been obtained along the New South Wales coast, where at times it appears in very large numbers. It is a rapacious fish, like the Jewfish. As a table fish it is considered of some value ; and, consequently, it always com- mands a fair price in the fish-markets of New South Wales. The Salmon occurs in abundance along the whole of the New South Wales coastline. It is also found all along the southern coast of Australia, parts of Western Australia, and is quite common in Tasmania and New Zealand. In the last-mentioned place it is often known under the Maori designation of "Kahawai," and occasionally as "Sydney Salmon." It must be at once pointed out that this fish is not a true Salmon, and is, indeed, very far removed from that fish in its structure; but when it is living it possesses beautiful Salmon-like markings, and these, coupled with its salmonoid form and its habit of travelling in immense shoals, have given rise to the present common name. The young or half-grown forms of this species have the Salmon or Trout-like markings still more pronounced, and they are consequently termed Salmon-Trout, being also often known to fishermen by the name of "Nwufish." Though at the outset I included the Salmon with the Jewfish and Teraglin as an important species, it does not possess anything like the food value of either of those fishes. Particularly is this so in the case of the adult, the young or "Salmon-Trout" form being far more palatable, and more eagerly sought after. Still, the vast and almost incredible size of the shoals of this fish, which appear along the coast in the warmer months bring it irresistibly under our notice, and enable it to be plainly seen that the Salmon is destined some day to play a very important part in our fisheries; as, even if it were not thought of sufficient use to turn into food, it might be quite profitably turned to account in the manu- facture of fertilizer and various fish-products. This is done in various parts of the world at present — notably in America THE SILVERBELLIES. 117 — in the case of a number of fishes which are not usually considered as edible. However, there does not appear to be any reason to think that the Salmon will have to go beg- ging as a fertilizer when fishing operations and fish-preserv- ing are carried on together on a large scale in our waters. The Salmon may be said to be one of our "game" fishes. It readily takes a moving spoon or spinning-bait, and affords some sport to anglers, particularly those of a more adventurous nature. It commonly reaches a length of 2 to 2l/2 feet, with a weight of 8 or 9 pounds. Though the Salmon has been here included in this family of the Scicr.nidcB it should be mentioned that the proper systematic position of the genus Arripis has been for long a matter of some difference of opinion on the part of naturalists, as the species of this genus show pronounced affinities with families of fishes which are widely separated. This makes it somewhat of a paradox. It is sometimes placed with the Serranida. Another species of Arripis that is found on the south- eastern and a portion of the southern coastline of Australia is the fish known in South Australia and Victoria as '"Roughy" (Arripis georgianus). This has no affinity with the fish mentioned under the name of "Roughy" on page 89. THE SILVERBELLIES. (Family: Gerridce.) \ NUMBER of species of the Silverbelly family are found in Australian waters and they are chiefly of small size. The principal one is the pretty little common Silverbelly \Xystcema ovatiim). This fish is known from the coasts of New South Wales and Queensland, there being, also, one record of its occurrence on the shores of Western Australia. It attains to a length of about 10 inches ; though the average length of adult examples is from 7 to 8 inches. It is of a most beautiful silvery colour; the back being tinged with n8 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. green or greenish-brown. The scales arc highly deciduous. One of the most striking characteristics to the casual observer will be the extraordinary telescopic mouth of this little food-fish. The Silverbelly is a harbour or estuary fish and it finds its food — which is of an animal nature — in the vicinity of weedy and muddy flats. Other names by which it is sometimes known are: "Silver Bream" and "Silver- Biddy." In America the fishes of this family are known under the general name of "Mojarras." When freshly cooked the flesh of the Silverbelly is highly delicious. THE TRUMPETERS. (Family: Latrididcr.} To this family belongs that important and valuable food- fish known as the Tasmanian Trumpeter (Latris heca- teia). This fish grows to a large size, and is greatly esteemed as a table-fish on account of its delicacy of flavour. Examples of the weight of 60 pounds are sometimes caught. It has only been taken so far on the coasts of Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. It is said to occur sparingly on the coast of New South Wales, but there is no authentic record of such. An allied species, the Bastard Trumpeter (Latris ciliaris) is fairly common on the southern portion of the seaboard of New South Wales and off Victoria and Tasmania, being also found in New Zealand. It does not attain to anything like the size of its handsome and valuable congener just mentioned. Another food-fish of some value — though considerably less important than either of those spoken of above — is the Kelpfish or Marbled Morwong (Chironemus marmoratus). It is a widely-distributed species, having been taken from localities so far apart from one another as North- Western Australia, Lord Howe Island, Tasmania and the coast of Victoria and New South Wales. It is essentially a rock-fish and is carnivorous. It is common along portions of the New South Wales coast- THE MORWONG FAMILY. 119 line in localities where weed-covered rocks abound and there it may be taken by hook-and-line or by means of the trammel- or meshing-net set close in against the rocks. This fish is not uncommon in, and at the entrance to, Port Jack- son. In the harbour itself, it is to be found in such locali- ties as George's Head and Bradley's Head and also around Clark Island and Shark Island. The Kelpfish is a very pretty little species ; being of an olive-green or light-brown, marbled over with rich dark red- dish-brown ; the whole being evenly speckled over with small, bright, yellowish-red or golden spots. It commonly attains a length of 10 to 12 inches. THE MORWONG FAMILY. (Family: Aplodactylida?) . THIS is quite an important family, as it embraces, in addition to several others, such well-known and valuable forms as the Morwong (Dactylosparus carponeinus), the Jackass-Fish (Dactylosparus macro pterus), the Sea-Carp or Red Morwong (Cheilodactylus fuscus), and the so-called Cockatoo-Fish (Aplodactylus lophodon). The first of these is a fine fish, of good edible qualities. It has a fairly wide distribution, being known to occur along the greater part of the New South Wales coast, as well as those of Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zea- land. It is never taken in very great abundance in any fortion of its habitat. Probably this is the fault of the appliances, and not through any scarcity of the Morwong itself. It may be taken by either hook-and-line, or with the aid of the trammel-net on rocky and sandy ground, and in the vicinity of "bomboras." Two fine, coloured illustrations of this species are given on plates 173 and 174 of McCoy's "Prodromus of the Zoology of Victoria." The Jackass-Fish is generally confounded by amateur fishermen, and many others, with the Morwong; and, as it 120 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. is a common fish, and more easily taken than the latter, I have found that the greater number of so-called Morwongs brought in to market are really the species that we are now dealing with. In this species, the head has a more drawn- cut appearance than in the Morwong, and there is a wide, saddle-like, purple band over the shoulders. It is this character that has earned for the fish its common name. Like the Morwong, this fish has an extended range, and it is found in very similar localities. In Tasmania it is fairly common, and is known both as "Perch" and "Silver Perch." In New Zealand, where it is more commonly obtained than in any other portion of its habitat, it is known under the Maori name of "Tarakihi." It attains a length of from 18 inches to 2 feet. Both the Morwong and the Jackass-Fish are considered to be first-class fishes for table use. Fig. 48. — SEA CARP, OR RED MORWONG (Cheilodactylus fuscus). The next one of this family to be considered is the Sea- Carp. This well-known fish is restricted to the waters of New South Wales — so far as is at present known — and is one of the State's finest food-fishes. It is an exceedingly handsome species at all times, although there is a consider- able amount of variation in colour. The general colour of the body varies from a bluish-silvery to a light reddish- brown, each scale having a reddish-brown margin. There are usually a number of vertical bars interspersed at regular intervals along the body in the adult, and always in the young. The young, it may be added, are uniformly lighter THE MORWONG FAMILY. 121 in colour than the adults. There is a beautiful orange- coloured band round each eye, and an orange patch at the edge of the operculutn on the body. Both the dorsal and caudal fins are edged with orange. An interesting point in the structure of the three species oi this family which we have so far discussed, and which the ordinary observer will not be likely to miss, is the re- markable shape of the pectoral fin. In this, one of the lower rays is greatly elongated, and possesses a peculiar finger-like appearance. This feature is particularly striking in the Morwong and Jackass-Fish. Other features of interest are the thick, fleshy lips and the prominent, knobby protuber- ances over the eyes. Young Carp from about 8 inches in length downward are very often taken, when a net is hauled to land over a "grassy" flat in the lower waters of Port Jackson; parti- cularly if the flat is in the neighbourhood of rocky ground. The adult is almost solely an "outside" fish, being quite common around sunken reefs, bomboras, and rocky shores, where it obtains for its sustenance small Crustaceans, Worms, Shells, &c. In the harbour of Port Jackson itself, examples are occasionally taken about Clark Island, Shark Island, George's Head, Bradley's Head, and a few other somewhat similar localities. The ordinary means of capture employed for the Carp are either hook-and-line or the trammel-net. Another fish of this family that is very common, but, at the same time, is not often seen by the average person, is the Cockatoo -Fish. This is a vegetable- feed- ing, "outside" rock-fish, which subsists principally upon gelatinous seaweeds. It is a very dark-coloured fish, with somewhat lighter mottlings. The skin and scales have a leathery feeling. It has a most peculiar-looking head ; very suggestive of that of a cockatoo — hence its common name. From the occipital portion of the head, the back suddenly rises to the dorsal fin, and this heightens the generally peculiar appearance of the fish. It commonly attains a length of 1 8 inches or more. The Cockatoo-Fish is not usually caught by hook-and- line, though occasional specimens have been captured in that way. The only proper and really effective manner is by 122 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. means of the trammel-net. Though, as I mentioned, this is an outside fish, still it is not uncommon about the rocky portions of the lower waters of our harbours. GRUNTERS AND BOAR-FISHES. ( Family : Pristipomatid . — "OLD MAN SNAPPER (Pagrosomus auratus). It is worth mentioning that all of the large "Old-Man" Snappers that I have examined have been females; there- fore the term "Old Man" appears rather out of place. The same thing applies equally, as far as my experience goes, in the Black Bream, Blackfish and Mullet. '"Wollomai" is a name given by some New South Wales blacks to these old examples of the Snapper. 128 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Black Bream : This famous Australian fish, which is of such immense importance both as a food and a game fish, is found along the greater portion of the Australian coast- line. On the coast of New South Wales, it is particularly abundant, inhabiting all the coastal lakes and estuaries, where it frequents rocky and sandy bottoms, subsisting chiefly upon small crustaceans and mollusks. It is easily able to reduce to fragments, even fairly stout shells, by means of the powerful molars on each side of the jaw. The Black Bream is seldom taken on the outside grounds. This is so well-known as a sporting-fish, that there is no need for me to here enlarge upon its virtues in that respect; suffice it to say, that the angling for it, affords a pleasurable occupation to many thousands of our amateur fishermen. Often the most tempting of baits and the finest of lines have to be used, before this wily fellow can be hooked. And when he is hooked what a brave fight he makes ! Fig. 47. — BLACK BREAM (Chrysophrys au*tralix). As a food-fish, it is always sought after, finding a ready sale, both wholesale and retail. Some idea of its great im- portance, may be gathered when I state, that in the Fish Markets of New South Wales alone, about 18,000 baskets (of about 75 pounds weight each) are sold annually. The Black Bream attains a weight of about 6 pounds. One in the collection of the N.S.W. Department of Fisheries THE BREAM FAMILY. weighed while fresh, 5^4 pounds, and measured 20 inches, while another of about the same length, weighed 4^ pounds. Both of these were from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales ; which may be said to be the richest Black Bream water on this coast. The Tarwhine : This fish is more of a tropical species, than the preceding; consequently it becomes more common on our coast as we proceed in a northerly direction. It occurs on at least two-thirds of the New South Wales coast, and along the whole of the eastern coast of Queensland. In addition to this, it has been recorded from Western Aus- tralia and a portion of North Australia, and inhabits the waters of New Guinea, the Malay Archipelago, the Seas of India and the Red Sea. In appearance, it is somewhat similar to the Black Bream : and, by many people, is often confused with that fish : but a very cursory examination by even the most casual observer, will be found quite sufficient to bring out most striking points of difference between the two. Many of these differences might be enlarged upon, but it will be sufficient to mention here that the Tarwhine has what is termed "a more bull-nosed appearance" in the head than the Bream, that it has a number of somewhat broad, yellowish-golden longitudinal stripes along the bodv (particularly on the upper portion), and that it has n soft- rays in the anal fin as against 8 in the Bream. Also, the spinous rays of the anal fin are very weak when compared with those of the latter. Though the Tarwhine is of considerable commercial value, it is not to be compared to the Black Bream. It attains a weight of several pounds. Yellow-mouthed Perch : This handsome fish is, like the preceding, a tropical species ; and consequently, is only obtained occasionally on the New South Wales coast ; its home as far as Australia is concerned, being in Queensland ; where it is also known as "Yellow-mouthed Snapper." This is an exceedingly-handsome species when alive, retaining a great deal of its beauty for a considerable time after capture. Each scale of the upper half of the body, has an irregular, opalescent, central blotch, with a brownish spot at the base. Inside the mouth and immediately around 1 30 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. the lips is of a rich orange-red. On each side of the head, there are several bluish streaks, while at the summit there is an irregular line of bluish blotches. The face and the opercle are golden-yellow; and the iris is of a golden-red. The fins are beautifully ornamented with red, blue and yellow, and altogether the fish has such a beautiful appear- ance, that, once seen, it is not readily forgotten. It attains a length of about 3 feet. A closely-allied species is known in Queensland as "Emperor," on account of its glorious colouration. RED-MULLETS OR GOATFISHES. ( Family : Mullidce. ) IT should be at once understood by the reader, that "Red- Mullets" are not really Mullets; that is to say, they are not at all closely related to that family which contains all of our so-called "Grey-Mullets" (Sea Mullet, Flat-tail Mullet, etc.), previously referred to on page 73. Probably if we were to go back to the origin of the name, it would be found that these fishes really had a prior right to it ; but as the very large family of the "Grey-Mullets" is universally recognised by that name, in the whole English-speaking world; at the same time, containing as it does, so man/ important edible species, it is more expedient to retain the title for them. In America, the Red-Mullets are recognised under the name of "Goatfishes" and this appears to rrie a rather appropriate and useful title; I will therefore use it as a terminal in the common names of our own fishes of this family. This will be generally recognised as the better thing to do, rather than to perpetuate a confusing and mis- leading title. Though a number of species of the Goatfishes are found in Australian waters, little is known regarding their habits or even their distribution. I will therefore only speak of three kinds which are known to occur on the coast of RED-MULLETS OR GOATFISHES. 131 New South Wales. These are: the Blue-striped Goatfish (Upeneus porosus), the Spotted Goatfish (Upeneus signatus) and the Bar-tailed Goatfish ( Upeneus tragula) . Of these the principal one is the Blue-striped Goatfish. Tins attains to a larger size than any of the others, and is at the same time the most common. Generally speaking the Goatfishes are small species; but ordinarily-large examples of the kind under discussion are about 10 inches in length. The Blue-striped Goatfish is distributed over the whole of the coast of New South Wales and is also known from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand. In the last-mentioned place, it is some- times known under the Maori name of "Pakurakura." The largest specimens brought into the Sydney Fish Markets, are usually obtained in Port Jackson, by means of either trammel-nets set around the rocks, or by sunken prawn-nets hauled in fairly-deep water. Small specimens may be obtained in large numbers in Port Jackson, by means of hauling-nets, drawn over sandy-"grassy"-flats, in such localities as Grotto Beach — at the entrance to Middle Har- bour— and, also, the beach near the head of North Harbour. The observer will notice the barbels which hang from the chin in this fish. These are typical of all the Goatfishes and are tactile organs, assisting the fishes to locate their prey, which consists largely of small crustaceans, worms, etc. Amongst these fishes we find displayed the very richest of colours; but the fishes have to be seen alive to be pro- perly appreciated, as these colours disappear to a very large extent, immediately after death. The Blue-striped Goatfish is so named because it possesses on each cheek, several narrow bands of a most beautiful light-blue. The body generally is of a rich car- mine, with violet reflections above; the lower surface being silvery-white. The Spotted Goatfish is found over a large part of the New South Wales coastline but has not so far been recorded from any of the other States. It is not so common as the preceding and does not usually attain to a larger size than about 8 inches. i32 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In colour this fish is a pretty red, the upper surface being of a deeper tint — almost brownish. A broad dark band runs along the body on each side, from the operculuni, and on the back of the tail is a large blackish spot. From the last-mentioned character it has derived its name of "Spotted" Goatfish. The Bar-tailed Goatfish : Though this remarkably beautiful fish has until recently only been known in New South Wales from a very few specimens taken in Port Jackson, there is no reason to think that it is very rare. The localities that it appears to usually frequent are some- what outside the scope of the fisherman's hauling-net, being on bottoms of a more-or-less rocky nature. Fig. 48. — BAB-TAILED GOATFISH (Upeneus trayula). In addition to its very different colouration, this species differs from both of the preceding, in the general shape of the body, which is lower and has a more rounded form. In colour it is as follows: The sides are somewhat silvery, the upper parts are of a dusky-roseate tinge, spotted with brown, while below it is whitish or pinkish. A brown longitudinal band passes from the eye through the snout to the base of the caudal fin. The dorsal fins have dark bands, and each lobe of the caudal fin has five or six oblique brownish or blackish bars. The Bar-tailed Goatfish is known to occur in the Seas of India and the Malay Archipelago, and it will probably be found to be fairly common in the waters of Queensland. THE SWEEP FAMILY. 133 CHAPTER VII. The Sweep Family— The Coral-Fishes— The Surgeon- Fishes— The 'Black Trevally " Family— The Pomacentrids— The Parrot-Fishes or \Vr asses. THE SWEEP FAMILY. ( Family : Scorpididce.} THE Australian representatives of this family of fishes are not of much importance as food fishes, but amongst their number are several very interesting forms. I will here just briefly speak of three species : the Sweep (S cor pis cequi- pinnis). the Mado (Atypichthys strigahis) and the Batfish (Monodactylus argcnteus). The most important of these is the Sweep This species is very abundant along the coast of New South Wales, and is a very familiar fish to most waterside folk. In localities like Port Jackson the young, up to about 6 inches in length, are exceedingly abundant around the rocky parts of the lower portions of the harbour, where they, in company with their relation, the Mado simply swarm. In his boyhood days, the writer has captured hun- dreds of both of these fishes in localities such as those men- tioned. No special skill is required, as the little fishes — both species — are very ravenous after anything in the shape <>f animal food. The adults (of the Sweep) are usually found on the outside grounds ; but are not very often taken, probably not because they are any less hungry than they were in the days of childhood, but because the baits and hooks used either for Snapper or Nannygai are usually too large for their comparatively small mouths. The Sweep is fairly good for table purposes, and attains a length of 12 or 13 inches. In colour, it is of a uniform bluish tint on the sides, being a little darker above and a little lighter below. In addition to its occurrence in New South Wales waters it will probably be found to be fairly abundant in Victoria, and it is known to occur in West Australia. T34 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA, The Mado is a smaller species than the preceding, though one would not think so were he to judge by the rela- tive sizes of the specimens of each kind captured by line oft" the rocks in Port Jackson; but the mature Mado is caught under these circumstances, while the adult Sweep seldom "s. The Mado is a handsome little fish, having alternate brown and yellow longitudinal stripes along the body. Fig. 49. — BATFISH (Monodactylus argenteus). The Batfish is common from a little south of Port Jackson all along the coastline of New South Wales and Queensland; but, like many other fishes, is not often seen by the average person, and consequently is usually classified amongst our rarer forms. It is a very deep, short, and narrow-bodied fish; the scales are very smooth. When freshly taken it has a most brilliant, silvery appearance, with the exception of the head, which has two dark vertical bars upon each side. When the fish is "sailing" along in the water — as I have seen it, — these bars give it a very remark- able appearance. THE CORAL-FISHES. 135 The largest example that I have seen measured about 8 inches. The geographical range of this species is very extensive, as, in addition to its occurrence in Australia, it is known from the Red Sea, the East Coast of Africa, the seas of India, the Malay Archipelago, and other localities. THE CORAL-FISHES. ( Family : Chcctodon tidce. ) THE Coral-Fishes are closely allied to the preceding family. They are well represented in Australian waters, and include one or two food-fishes. The most interesting or note- worthy, are perhaps the Coral-Fish (Chelnwnops trunca- tus), the Striped Chaetodon (Ch&todon strigatus) and the Butter- Fish (Ephippus multifasciatus) . Nearly all the fishes of this family are noted for the remarkable — and often brilliant — colouration of their bodies : the colours generally being arranged in the form of bands or stripes. The fins are very scaly, the skin of the body being continued for some distance up each side of the dorsal and anal fins. Any bands of colour which exist, are usually continued out on to these fins, thus giving to these fishes quite a different appearance to other striped fishes possess- ing unsheathed fins. I have mentioned the Coral-Fish because of its re- markable appearance. Very little is known of its habits. Its snout is long and drawn out into a kind of tube. The body is high and narrow, and the hinder margins of the dorsal and anal fins are vertical ; the one being in line with the other. Along the fish, from the snout to the tail, are broad, zebra-like, vertical bars of — usually — brown and yellow. The Coral Fish is occasionally captured in Port Jackson and on other parts of the New South Wales coast as well as in Western Australia. i36 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The Striped Chaetodon is something like the Mado in appearance, having black and yellow longitudinal bands along the body ; but the body is much higher and the bands are arranged more obliquely, than in the Mado. Still, not- withstanding these and other points of difference, the one is often mistaken for the other. This species is not uncommon on the coast of New South Wales. It is also said to occur in the waters of Western Australia and is known from the Seas of China and Japan. It attains to a length of about 6 inches. The Butter-Fish is an inhabitant of the shores of tropi- cal and semi-tropical Australia ; being very abundant in parts. It has been recorded from New South WTales, Queensland, North and Western Australia. On the New South Wales Fig. 50. — SPOTTED BUTTER-FISH (Eplnppns argus). coast, it is found about as far south as Port Jackson, and from there becomes more common as we proceed north. In the estuaries of the great northern rivers — the Clarence and the Richmond — it is quite common. This fish also abounds in the Seas of India, China and the Malay Archipelago. As an edible fish it is not considered of great import- THE SURGEON-FISHES. 137 ance. Small lots are occasionally sold in the Sydney Fish Markets; but if there were a ready sale for them large numbers could, at times, be obtained. It attains to a length of 15 or 16 inches, but examples of about 12 inches in length are more commonly seen. The Butter-Fish is very prettily marked. On a bright silvery background are displayed at intervals, broad, vertical, broken bands of a dark-green colour. These bands are composed of large elongated spots. Between these are shorter and narrower bands composed of smaller spots. Another fish of this family that may be mentioned, is the Spotted Butter-Fish (Ephippus argus). THE SURGEON -FISHES. ( Family : A can thuridce. ) THE fishes of this family are very remarkable, in that they possess — in some instances — a curious, sharp, erectile, lancet- shaped spine, on each side of the tail, which, when at rest, is set in a sheath ; while in other cases there are one or more sharply-keeled, bony plates in the same position. By means Fig. 51. — UNICORN-FISH (Naseus unicornis). of these spines or knife-like plates, these fishes are able to inflict a very nasty wound upon the unwary — by striking suddenly from side to side. In very young specimens these spines or plates are usually wanting. In appearance, one of the most remarkable of these is the Unicorn-Fish (Naseus unicornis). This is a very 138 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. widespread species ; and amongst other localities, is occa- sionally obtained on the Queensland coast. On its grotesque-looking head immediately in front of the eyes, it possesses a curious horn-like projection, which is sometimes as much as 2 inches in length. The fish itself attains a length of upwards of two feet. The principal Surgeon-Fish on the New South Wales coast, is that known as Prionurus microlepidotus. It is one of those species possessing the row of keeled plates on each side of the tail, and is rather a funereal-looking fish, being of a uniform dark colour — almost black. This fish is a rock-dweller and subsists largely on gelatinous seaweeds. It is occasionally taken by hook and line in the vicinity of Sydney Heads, but is more-usually captured in the trammel- net. It reaches a length of about 18 inches. THE "BLACK TREVALLY" FAMILY. (Family: Siganidce) OF this family about 30 species are known from various parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are all char- acterised by the possession of a strongly-compressed oblong body, covered with very small scales, and may be readily recognised by the singular structure of the fins. In all of the species, the dorsal fin has 13 spines and 10 rays; while the anal fin has 7 spines and 9 rays. It is well to make a note of this, as it is of great assistance in recognising these forms. The ventral fin has a very curious structure indeed, possessing an inner spine as well as the outer one usually seen in fishes, with three soft rays in between. All the spines of these fishes are very acute ; and wounds inflicted with them have been found to be very painful. This applies equally to the species found along our own coastline. All of these fishes are vegetable- feeders and they are nearlv all of small size. THE POMACEXTRIDS. 139 Amongst those which are found on the east coast of Australia may be mentioned the fish known in New South Wales as the Black Trevally ( Siganns ncbulosus). This is a small fish of from 8 to 10 inches in length, which, though not often captured, occasionally occurs on parts of Fig. 52. — "BLACK TREVALLY" (Siganu* the New South Wales coast in fair numbers. Though called "Black" Trevally, this species is of a brownish colour, with irregular marbled mottlings all over the body. A closely-allied species occurring on our coastline, is Siganus javus. This is the one here illustrated. THE POMACENTRIDS. ( Family : Pomacentridce. ) THESE are small marine fishes frequenting tropical and tem- perate seas. According to Boulenger over 150 species are known. Most of the species have a very brilliant coloura- tion. Some live upon small marine animals, while others subsist upon vegetable matter. A number of species occur along the coast of Queensland, particularly in the neighbour- hood of the Great Barrier Reef and a few are found in other States of the Commonwealth. None of the Australian Pomacentrids are at present of much economic value, but some of them have very curious and interestine habits. 1 40 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Perhaps the most interesting to us, are the curious little Amphiprions, some of which actually live within the mouths of some of the giant Sea-anemones, regardless of the sting- ing tentacles of the latter, which, it may be added, appar- ently have no effect upon these remarkable fishes, while bodies of animals of the same or a larger size are constantly seized by them and devoured. In this connection it will be of interest to quote Saville- Kent's words, in his work on the Great Barrier Reef ; where, in speaking of the two giant anemones Discosoma kenti and Discosoma haddoni (the former of which reaches a diameter of about 2 feet, while the latter is not much smaller) he says: Fig. 53. — AMPHIPRION (Amphiprion percula). "A phenomenon of high interest is associated with the two giant anemones just described. Both of them, in point of fact, act the part of hosts to other living organisms of appreciable size; the guests comprising two species of fish, and also a species of prawn. The larger species, Discosoma kenti, almost invariably contains two or more specimens of a percoid fish about three inches long, that is identical with the Amphiprion percula of Lacepede. On thrusting a stick into the oral orifice of the anemone, the fish swim out, but return immediately to their residence within the gastric cavity of their host on the removal of the disturbing missile. The fish thus furnished with free lodgings by the anemone, is notable for its brilliant colouration. The ground colour in this type is a bright orange-vermilion, interrupted bv three pearly-white cross-bands, which, as well as the edges of the fins, are bordered with black. . . . The second species of fish, Amphiprion bicinctus, that similarly lodges with Discosoma haddoni, but dines out, presents the same orang'e- THE PARROT-FISHES OR WRASSES. .41 vermilion ground colour, but possesses only two white cross- bands, and neither these nor the fins are edged with black. . . In a third species of this genus, apparently identical with Amphiprion tnelanopus, collected by the author at Port Darwin, there is only one intersecting band of white; and, as this crosses the fish's head and cheeks it communicates to it the ludicrous appearance of having its face bandaged as though for toothache. At first sight it was, as a matter of fact, imagined that a scrap of white paper was acciden- tally adhering to the fish, and it was only on attempting to remove it that it was recognised as forming an integral part of the organism." THE PARROT-FISHES OR WRASSES. ( Families : Labridcc and Scaridce. ) As these two families are so closely allied, it seems to me desirable to treat of them together. They form an immense group of over 500 distinct species. In the words of Gtin- ther: "The 'Wrasses' are a large family of littoral fishes, very abundant in the temperate and tropical zones, but be- coming scarcer towards the Arctic and Antarctic circles where they disappear entirely. Many of them are readilv recognised by their thick (fleshy) lips, which are sometimes internally folded ; a peculiarity which has given to them the German name of 'Lip-fishes.' They feed chiefly on mol- lusks and crustaceans, their dentition being admirably adapted for crushing hard substances. Many species have a strong curved tooth at the posterior extremity of the intermaxillary,* for the purpose of pressing a shell against the lateral and front teeth; by which it is crushed. Other Wrasses feed on corals, others on zoophytes; a few are herbivorous.'' Most of those glorious-looking many-hued creatures, to be seen in the vicinity of the coral-reefs ; swim- * One of the hones of tho upper jaw. i42 F I SPIES OF AUSTRALIA. ming in and out amongst seaweeds and growing coral, are members of this great group of fishes. Of the numerous Australian Parrot-fishes or Wrasses, I might dwell a little upon the following more important edible kinds: — The Pigfish (Diastodon unimaculatus) , the Groper (Achterodus go-uldii), the Maori or Rainbow-Fish (Coris lintolatus), belonging to the Ldbridcz proper, and also the so-called Rock-Whiting (Odax richardsonii) and the Herring-Kale (Olisthops cyanomelas) belonging to the Scaridcz . All of these are "Rock-Fishes," properly so- called, as they frequent weed-covered rocks in the vicinity of the headlands and sunken reefs. All — or nearly all — of them, may be captured by hook and line, but the most effec- tive means of capture is the trammel-net. Fig. 54. — SPOTTED PIOFISH (Diastodon uiiimaculatuft). The Pigfish is well-known on the New South Wales coast. It has also been recorded from both Tasmania and New Zealand. From an edible standpoint it is a very fine fish, being much sought after by those who know its value. Its common name has been derived from the very suggestive pig-like snout. The lips are fleshy and thick. From the description of the colours given below it will be seen that this is a most beautiful fish. The description, which is after Ogilby's, is a faithful one, true to life. The body is a deep scarlet above, gradually changing into pink or saffron yellow below. Each scale has on the sides a narrow reddish streak in the middle, this giving the fish a longitudinally-banded appearance. There is a large THE PARROT-FISHES OR WRASSES. 143 pinkish patch below the origin of the soft portion of the dorsal fin, and some small spots of a similar colour in front of it on or near the lateral line. The dorsal and caudal fins are scarlet, with a fairly broad lighter margin ; the former with a large dark-blue spot between the 6th and 8th or 7th and Qth spines; this being surrounded, except at its base, by a pearly-white band. The anal fin is scarlet towards the front and yellowish behind. The ventral fins are hyaline with the outer rays golden. The pectoral fins are reddish, with a small dark blue spot — inside, at the base. In each eye, the iris is a beautiful orange tint. The fish known as the Banded Pigfish (Diastodou bellis) is most probably not a distinct species, but merely a colour variety of the Spotted Pigfish; which, it may be added, is the more common form. According to my experience, the Spotted Pigfish grows to a length of about 15 inches. The Groper : By this name I particularly refer to what is called the "Blue" Groper; though there appears to me little doubt that the only difference between it and the so-called Red or Brown Groper is that of sex; the former being normally the male, while the latter is the female.* r>5. — GBOPEE (Achcerodus youldii). Supposing that this is the case, the finding of an occasional male dressed in red or of a female dressed in blue, would not upset the idea; as, instances in the Animal Kingdom, in which the female has assumed the livery of the male, or vice versa, are not uncommon. I have found this to be * I never yet saw a young " Blue " Groper that was blue, the ground colour being always a reddish-brown. i44 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. partially so in the case of the Herring-Kale ; mentioned later on. The Groper is found abundantly along the coast of New South Wales, as well as that of Victoria and of Tasmania. As a market fish it is not very common, not being very highly esteemed, from an edible point of view; in large specimens the head and shoulders only, being usually con- sumed. Nevertheless, small examples up to 2 pounds in weight are excellent fish for the table. The Groper may be captured by hook and line; a common bait being the body of a crab, after the spot where fishing is being carried on, having been well "berleyed" with crabs' legs and other "delicacies." This species is a very ponderous-looking fish and it is one of the largest of the Wrasses, growing to a length of from 3 to 4 feet. The Maori, probably so-named on account of the peculiar tattoo-like colour-markings on each side of the head, is a common New South Wales rock-fish, being known to occur also, in Victoria, South Australia and Western Aus- tralia. To what extent it abounds in the three last-men- tioned States is at present a matter of some doubt. It is a much smaller species than the last-mentioned and of a totally-different appearance ; possessing a more elongate, compressed body — attaining a length of about 16 inches. As an edible fish it is of some value, and examples are to be seen in the principal fish markets of New South Wales, throughout the greater part of the year. It is easily cap- tured by means of hook and line ; an animal bait, such as shell-fish, crustaceans or fish being used. Young Maoris- are captured in numbers on the small-boy's line, around* weedy rocks in the lower parts of our inlets. The very distinctive colours of this species, render it easily recog- nisable. The general colours are: red above, yellowish below, separated by a more or less conspicuous, pink, longitudinal band, which is generally bordered above and below by pur- plish bands. All the lower scales have a violet bar. To- gether they form more or less regular vertical streaks. The upper and lower surfaces of the head are an olive-green, THE PARROT-FISHES OR WK ASSES. 145 with the sides golden ; the whole being traversed by blue bands, which are broadest below. The dorsal fin possesses four narrow, longitudinal, violet bands, and small spots of the same colour between them ; there being an olive-green blotch between the second and third spines. The anal fin has over its surface, irregular rows of violet spots separ- ated by golden bands. The pectoral and ventral fins are without spots, but the caudal fin has violet bars between the rays. The eyes — with the exception of the pupil — are crimson. The Rock- Whiting is not a Whiting, in the proper sense of the word, as restricted to our Australian Whitings of the family SiHogYtttt&F (page 109). Considering that the latter and the fish under discussion belong to two totally different families, having but little in common with one another, it is really remarkable that such a bodily likeness should exist (though, at the same time, it has to be remem- bered, that such an occurrence is by no means unique in the Animal Kingdom, instances of even close mimicry be- tween animals of a very different nature being often met with ; particularly in the class of insects ; where one occasion- ally finds that insects in entirely different orders, for pur- poses either of protection or aggression, are modified so curiously as to make them resemble closely each other exter- nally). From the Whitings proper, the Rock- Whiting may be at once distinguished, by the softer and more slimy feel- ing of the body ; due to the less horny nature of the scales ; the lesser number of body-scales, which are consequently relatively larger ; the teeth, which in this species are formed into a kind of rough plate having a chisel-like edge, while in the true Whitings they are small, separate and chiefly villiform; and, finally, by the arrangement and structure of the fins. In the true Whitings there are two distinctly- separated dorsal fins, the first being fairly short, high, some- what printed and spinous ; while the second is soft, low, and possesses a greater base-length. In the Rock-Whiting there is only one dorsal fin : this being long and low and of an almost uniform height throughout. Though more than half the length of this fin is composed of spinous rays, the 146 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. latter are soft and flexible — as are all the other fins of this fish. The Rock-Whiting is quite common along the shores of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, while in South Australia and Western Australia it is also known to abound. In New South Wales it is more common in a southerly direction, the waters of Victoria being, apparently, its principal home. In Victoria and Tasmania, this fish is known as "Stranger"; this name even being occasionally used in the Sydney markets. This species is commonly obtained of a length of 12 to 14 inches, though larger specimens are obtainable. It is carnivorous — if not wholly, very largely so — sub- sisting principally upon small marine mollusks, crustaceans and other organisms to be obtained in the vicinity of, or amongst, weedy rocks at sea. In colour there is a good deal of variation, but the following description, which is adapted with slight modifica- tions from that of Ogilby, may be taken as fairly typical' Above purple or reddish-brown, darkest on the head. The sides are of a bright greenish-blue, the lower surfaces bluish-white, the whole being profusely spotted with orange, and, usually, with indistinct, darker, transverse bands. The cheeks are greenish-blue, beautifully vermiculated with orange. The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is a pale- green (sometimes blue), the basal half being unspotted, while the marginal half is crossed by narrow, oblique, orange or lilac bars. The soft-rayed or hinder portion of the dorsal fin possesses a large blackish spot, often broken up into several smaller spots, occupying the greater part of the base ; there being a broad, purple, marginal band spotted or streaked with orange. The anal fin is violet with purple and orange spots. The ventral fins are whitish, tipped with purple and having large orange spots near the base. The pectoral fins are greyish and the caudal is a greenish-blue with orange spots. From the above description it will be at once apparent that this species is a very beautiful fish; and such is cer- tainly the case. Before leaving this fish, I must mention that there is THE PARROT-FISHES OR WRASSES. 147 a very much smaller kind of Rock Whiting which inhabits our waters. This is a, comparatively, dull-coloured little fish, growing to only a few inches in length and being found more commonly amongst weeds or rocks near the entrances to our inlets. This species is the Little Rock- Whiting (Oda.v balteatus), known in Tasmania as the Kelp- Fish. The Herring-Kale : This is one of the commonest of New South Wales and Victorian "rock-fish," being found also in Western Australia. There are two forms of this species ; the one being a dark blue-black, while the other is of a rich reddish-brown with beautiful orange and blue mottlings all over the body. The former is the male, and the latter is the female (this being, also, usually the larger). Some time ago it was thought that these were distinct species; and, in fact, they were described as such; but, that idea was found to be incorrect. Though the dark colour spoken of is the proper livery of the male sex, I have seen and handled one large speci- men of a male which possessed all the colours of the female.* Hut this is of very unusual occurrence. The Herring-Kale abounds in similar situations to those inhabited by the Rock Whiting but is, perhaps, more com- mon, than the latter. It is seldom taken by hook and line ; one reason being that it is, generally speaking, of a more herbivorous nature; subsisting largely upon gelatinous sea- weeds. As an edible fish, this species possesses considerable value, being of good flavour and consistency. Only a better knowledge of its edible value is awaited, to ensure its con- sumption as food, on a very much larger scale than at pre- sent ; and the supply — both present and prospective — is prac- tically without limit. In the capture of this fish, the proper gear to employ, is the trammel-net. The Herring- Kale grows to a length of about 18 inches. The following fuller description of the colours in each sex will be found of value : In the male the body is of a uniform * This specimen is in the collection of the Department of Fisheries, New South Wales. i48 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. bluish-black above; and a little lighter below. There is a bright blue band near the outer margin of each caudal lobe, and a similar one on each side near the upper margins of the pectoral fins. In the female, the body is of a rich brown, being lighter below. All of the body-scales have a narrow orange margin and a dull bluish central spot. The head, above, is blackish, the sides having orange and bluish vermi- culated bands ; below, greyish, with large orange spots. The dorsal and anal fins are reddish-brown, the former with faint olive-green spots, the latter with zig-zag orange bands. The ventral and pectoral fins have the rays blue, the last-men- tioned having three blue cross-bands. The caudal fin is reddish-brown with irregular cross-bands. THE YELLOWTAIL FAMILY. 149 CHAPTER VIII. The Yellowtail Family— The Sergeant-Fishes— The Mackerel Family — The Barracouta Family. THE YELLOWTAIL FAMILY. ( Family : Carangidfe. ) THIS is a large and important family of carnivorous fishes, containing many species of economic value, spread out over the temperate and tropical seas of the world, and nearly all are voracious fishes, while a number of them are swift and powerful swimmers, growing to a large size. About 150 species are known. They are characterised in a general way by the possession of a more or less compressed — often greatly elevated — body, which is either naked or covered with small scales. The Yellowtail family is well-represented in Australian waters, there being at least 12 species in New South Wales alone. Amongst the Australian kinds might be mentioned, the Yellowtail (Trachurus declivis), the King-Fish (Seriola lulandi), the Trevally (Caranx georgianus), the Samson- Fish (Seriola hippos), the Tailer (Pomatomus saltatrix) , the well-known Pilot-Fish (Naucrates ductor) and the curious Pennant-Fish (Alectis ciliaris). The Yellowtail is an almost cosmopolitan fish ; being distributed over nearly the whole of the seas lying within the temperate and tropical zones of the northern and southern hemispheres. In Great Britain, where it is abun- dant, it is known commonly as the Horse Mackerel — a name which we in Australia apply to a member of the true Mackerel family (page 160). Though the Yellowtail is very abundant along a great part of the Australian coastline, and is, when fresh, of good flavour, it is not used much for food; most of those caught — chiefly immature fish — being used as bait by line-fishermen for the capture of larger or 1 5o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. more highly-prized fishes. Young Yellowtail — up to a few inches in length — simply swarm in the various inlets along the coast of New South Wales, at all seasons of the year. Adults are seldom seen in any quantity, as they keep more to the outside waters. Very young fish, from about three- quarters of an inch in length up to about 2 inches, are very often to be found in summer time in our harbours swim- ming in little shoals beneath (or behind as it often is) the friendly shelter of the "umbrellas" of Medusa of various kinds; particularly the common light-blue "Blubber" that is seen in such immense numbers at times. This is a known habit of the species in other parts of the world and I have personally observed it repeatedly in the upper waters of Port Jackson. Being carnivorous and highly voracious, the Yellowtail is not very particular as to its food, provided that it is flesh of some kind; usually, however, it subsists upon fish fry, small crustaceans and mollusks. In this species, the scales of the lateral line, are, for the greater part, large and plate-like; a number of them being sharply-keeled, the keel ending in a spine. The length of the largest specimens usually seen on the New South Wales coast, is about 12 or 13 inches. In New Zealand, where this fish is very common, it is often known under the Maori name of "Hauture." The name of "Scad," also, is often applied to the species in various parts of the English-speaking world. When a few Yellowtail are examined, it will usually be found that in the majority of cases, the fishes are acting as a host to one of the parasitic isopod crustaceans. This crustacean (Meinertia imbricata) attains a length of con- siderably over an inch and inhabits the mouth of the Yellow- tail; clinging on to the tongue. It finds its way into the mouth of the fish while it is in a pelagic or free-swimming state during its babyhood. At that time, there is a freely- moving tail portion and the legs show a greater amount of development ; but after "settling down" in the mouth or the pharyngeal cavity of the fish, the tail portion of the crus- tacean becomes dwarfed and stiff, while the legs become modified into sharp hooks which point inwards, facing one THE YELLOW TAIL FAMILY. 15' another, so as to enable it to hold on — which it does most tenaciously. Apparently the fish is not in the least "put: out" by the intrusion of the parasite ; as those affected are quite as healthy and vigorous looking as any of th^>se without parasites. The King-Fish, though not such a cosmopolitan as the Yellowtail, has an immense distribution. It is found along probably the whole of the eastern and southern coast- lines of Australia, and, in addition, occurs in the waters of Tasmania, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Japan, Cape of Good Hope and also in those of America from West Florida to Brazil. In addition to the one given above, it is known under various titles in different localities. In America where it is valued as food it is called Amber-Fish, Amber- Jack, or Coronado and in New Zealand, the Maori name of '. "Haku" is applied to it. Coming nearer home, we find that, as in a number of other species, the application of two different names to the one form in the two principal States of the Commonwealth of Australia, has given rise to a good deal of confusion. In Victoria it is usually known in the markets as "Yellowtail" (just occasionally being heard of as "Sydney King- Fish"). Now the King-Fish grows to a length of about 6 feet with a weight of about 100 pounds ; specimens of 4 feet in length being quite common; while, as before stated, the length of the largest specimens of Yellowtail usually seen, is about 12 or 13 inches, most people being only familiar with the younger stages up to about 6 or 7 inches ; the surprise and derision, then, of a New South Wales fisherman — not armed with the facts as here stated — when hearing of the capture along the Vic- torian coast of "Yellowtail" measuring 4 or 5 feet and weigh- ing 50 or 60 pounds, may well be imagined. The "gentle- men of the rod" are not famed for their veracity, and such a story as this would appear to the majority as quite inex- cusable. Yet this is only one of the smallest of the many difficulties arising out of the misuse of common names. The King- Fish is a highly-voracious fish and a swift and powerful swimmer. It is of pelagic habit, moving about in enormous shoals, from which, large bodies often detach themselves, entering our harbours either in pursuit of 152 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. smaller fishes like the Pilchard or to escape the attentions of Sharks and Porpoises, which play great havoc amongst them. This species gives a considerable amount of sport to anglers. It is easily captured on a line trailed behind a moving boat, and, when hooked, makes a good fight before being safely landed. Though no doubt in the future proper means will be found for the utilisation and disposal of this fish, at the pre- sent time it is not considered of much importance — com- paratively speaking — from an economic point of view, as the flesh is not of such a good flavour as that of the majority of our food-fishes. In colour, the body of the King- Fish is bluish or bluish- green, above ; with the sides silvery and the lower surfaces whitish. The skin has a uniformly-smooth feeling, the scales being very small and numerous. The Trevally : This is another widely-distributed fish. It is very common in the waters of New South Wales, Vic- toria, Queensland and Tasmania ; being also abundant around the coasts of New Zealand, and Lord Howe, Norfolk and Raoul Islands. It has been also recorded from Western Australia. In Victoria it is known as Silver Trevally, while in New Zealand, according to Hector, it is known under the Maori name of "Arara." Though to a certain extent a pelagic fish, and occur- ring at times in enormous shoals, this species is one of those that are always with us to a greater or lesser extent, in our inlets. It is very frequently to be seen in our fish markets, and, if in good condition, always commands a ready sale; as it is of considerable value as a table fish. Like others of this family, it deteriorates very rapidly after death, if high temperatures prevail; particularly so when, as is usually the case, it is not gutted. It takes the smoking process well, and at times large numbers are preserved by this means. As regards size; the ordinary "run" of what might be termed large Trevally, average about 2 to 3 pounds in weight, though examples of a much larger size than that are obtainable. During November, 1905, when a consider- THE YELLOW I AIL FAMILY. 153 able quantity was coming into the Sydney fish markets, some of the specimens ranged about 6 or 7 pounds in weight, examples of 8 and one of 9 pounds being recorded — the length being about 2 feet 6 inches. Young Trevally are found in great profusion in all the coastal inlets of New South Wales, being also, often found at sea. They are prettily ornamented with transverse bars of a golden-yellow tint. They, with the adults, are very beautiful when freshly taken from the water; the whole of the body, particularly the upper portions, showing the most glorious iridescent reflections. The body-scales are very small ; those of the hinder por- tion of the lateral line being enlarged and produced out- wardly so as to form a horny ridge on each side of the tail ; there is but little approach, however, to the tremendous development of the lateral-line scales as seen in the Yellow- tail. The Samson-Fish : So far as present records go, this fish is a native of New South Wales only; though it is scarcely probable that a fish of pelagic habits, as is this, will not be found to extend beyond the limits of this coastline. Though at times this species roams about in very large shoals, but a comparative few find their way into consump- tion as food. It may be taken by hook and line in the same manner as the King-Fish, to which it is closely allied. The "Samson" is a beautiful fish, the sides being of a fine golden-yellow; with irregular, wide, vertical bars of a darker colour; these being still more pronounced in the young. The very young fry of about 2 to 3 inches in length is coloured with a gold as rich as that of an ordinary Goldfish. This fish grows to a length of at least twenty inches ; most of the large ones captured, however, are considerably below that size. Amongst allied forms, this species may be at once recog- nised by its prominent "bull" head. The Taller: Here we have another fish of wide dis- tribution. It is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, finding its way occasionally into the Mediterranean i54 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Sea. On the Atlantic coast of America it ranges from Central Brazil and the Guianas, through the Gulf of Mexico and north to Nova Scotia — though never seen in the Bay of Fundy. It occurs also in the Malay Archipelago, at the Cape of Good Hope, at Natal and about Madagascar. In America it is generally-familiar under the title of "Blue- fish," while in South Africa the name of "Elft" or "Elft- visch" is applied to it. In Australian waters, this important food-fish is very common along the coasts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, being also found in Tasmanian waters, though it does not appear to be so abundant there. Though adult Tailer (or Tailor) are adapted for roaming over large areas of water — and do so — the young are found in great pro- fusion in many of the inlets embraced within its habitat. Particularly is this so in Port Jackson, where large num- bers of immature examples are enclosed in almost every haul of the "garfish" — or "hauling" — net. Even in the inlets them- selves, the young often mass themselves together so as to form large shoals, particularly when small fishes like the young of the Pilchard are present in great quantities. Amongst these the young Tailer, trying to emulate their older relatives, play great havoc. When the Tailer are roaming about in the harbour of Port Jackson in shoals, hundreds of men and boys line the wharves ; all endeavour- ing to entice the fish to take their bait ; which is not a very difficult feat to accomplish, as a Tailer is usually too hungry to stop to see whether there is anything attached to the bait. Shoals of the full-grown fish also often make their appear- ance in the harbours, but, as a rule these prefer the open sea. However, the adults are nearly always present — either singly or in small groups — in the harbours and lakes. In Port Jackson and other localities when a net is hauled ashore, not uncommonly half a mullet will be picked out of the net ; usually the head part. When one sees this he knows that "Master Tailer" has been busy; for, it is a habit of this fish, that when he cannot take in the whole of a fish he takes as large a portion as he can comfortably — or, per- haps, uncomfortably — swallow ; snapping it off with his wonderful steel-trap-like jaws. It is a most absorbing and THE YELLOW TAIL FAMILY. 155 interesting sight to see 2 or 3 Tailer "rushing" a small shoal of Mullet on, say. a shallow, sandy flat. They race along with almost lightning speed, sweeping round now and again in the most graceful curves, cleaving the water at the surface with their blue backs and sending the little ripples and eddies away on each side of them. Though at times great numbers of large fish could be captured by our fishermen, no special fishery for this species yet exists on our coast ; the principal reason being that the fish decom- poses so rapidly after death, this rendering it what is called a "bad fish for market." This is very regrettable, as a freshly caught and cooked Tailer is of fine flavour and fit to grace the best tables. At the present time, the average fisherman feels rather aggrieved if a few Tailer are enclosed in his net, as they have a troublesome habit of rushing the net, snapping at it with those awful jaws and making holes to let themselves and other fishes out. Fig. 50. — TAILER (Pomatomus saltatrix). As a smoked fish the Tailer is "really excellent," that being the universal opinion ; and from an economic point of view undoubtedly there is a great future before it. In the United States of America at the present time, great quan- tities are captured and sold, either in a fresh condition or preserved in a smoked or pickled state; the amount con- sumed annually in the country mentioned being very con- siderable. During 1901, the quantity of Tailer captured in the six Middle-Atlantic States of the United States of America reached the enormous total of 16,317,795 pounds (valued it about £151,600) ; that of the State of New York alone being 9.350,502 pounds. 156 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. In Victoria and Western Australia this fish is known as "Skipjack," while in Queensland, the native name of "Pombah" is sometimes used. It grows to a length of about 3 feet. The following interesting notes in regard to the habits of the species under consideration are from Jordan and Evermann. They speak of it, of course, as the "Bluefish, ' and say: — "The bluefish is a carnivorous animal of the most pro- nounced type. As Professor Baird has well said, there ;s no parallel to the bluefish in point of destructiveness, to the marine species on our coast. It has been likened to an animated chopping-machine, the business of which is to cut to pieces and otherwise destroy as many fish as possible, in a given space of time. Going in large schools, in pursuit of fish not much inferior to themselves in size, they move alons" like a pack of hungry wolves, destroying everything before them. Their trail is marked by fragments of fish and by the stain of blood in the sea, as, when the fish is too large to be swallowed entire, the hinder portion will be bitten off and the anterior part allowed to float or sink. It has been even maintained, that such is the gluttony of this fish, that when the stomach becomes full, the contents are disgorged and then again filled! It is certain that it kills more fish than it needs or can use. The amount of food they consume or destroy is incredibly great. It has been estimated at twice the weight of the fish in a day, and one observer says that a bluefish will destroy daily a thou- sand other fish. It has been estimated that there are annually on our coast from New Jersey to Mononomy a thousand million bluefish averaging 5 or 6 pounds each in weight, and that these eat or destroy at the lowest estimate 10 fish each every day. And as the bluefish remain on this coast at least 120 days, the total destruction amounts in round numbers to twelve hundred million millions of fish destroyed in a single season by this species. These would weigh at least three hundred thousand million pounds. And it must be remembered that in this estimate no account has been taken of those destroyed by bluefish under 3 pounds in THE YELLOWTA1L FAMILY. 157 weight, vastly more numerous and all engaged in the same butchery." Further these same authors write : "The bluefish is one of the most active and unyielding fishes that swim. 'It can jump higher and come down quicker, dive deeper, and stay under longer than any other salt-water fish of its size,' says Nimrod Wildfire. 'Look at his clean build, and it is accounted for; his narrow waist and depth of hull, falling off sharply as it approaches the keel, enabling him to keep well to windward, as if he had his centreboard always down. See his immense propeller behind! No fish of his size is more wicked or wild when hooked.' ' All of the above-quoted remarks are equally applicable to this fine fish as it occurs in Australian waters; and I trust that these notes will assist in directing more attention to the utilisation of such a valuable food-fish. The Pilot-Fish This highly-interesting fish, which has a cosmopolitan distribution, is a frequenter of the open seas rather than the harbours. Though it occurs in some parts of the world in sufficient abundance to be utilised as a food-fish, generally-speaking it is chiefly known through its habit of consorting with the large predaceous Sharks. And true it is that nearly every large Shark has a small company of these Pilot-Fishes in attendance wherever it goes. Many are the marvellous tales of the manner in which the little fish pilots its mighty and fearsome companion into the regions of food and out of the regions of danger; and most of them should be taken cum grano salis. But what- ever happens to the Shark as a consequence of the "Pilot's" attendance there is no doubt that the latter is there from purely selfish reasons — if I may put it that way — subsist- ing upon the morsels which are so small as to be beneath the Shark's notice and also upon excrementitious matter from the Shark itself. In addition to this, the Pilot-Fish must experience a certain amount of immunity from the attack of fishes larger than itself, which are over-awed by the presence of the Shark. Though, personally, I would not trust a hungry Shark, there appears to be no doubt that it does not usually molest its small companions; in fact, if it were otherwise this interesting partnership could i58 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. hardly have been developed. It has been suggested that the Pilot-Fish is even attentive enough to remove skin-parasites from the Shark. The Pilot-Fish is of a bluish colour, with dark vertical bars. It attains a length of about 2 feet. The Pennant-Fish is a very widely-distributed species of small size. In addition to its occurrence upon various portions of the Australian coastline, it is found in the Red Sea, the Seas of India and the Malay Archipelago and also on both coasts of tropical America, being common about Florida Keys and Cuba, where it is a food-fish of some importance. As it is of rather rare occurrence in the Aus- tralian portion of its habitat, it is of no economic im- portance. Fig. 57. — PENNANT-FISH (Alectis cilia rim). This curious-looking fish, with its high, compressed, somewhat "diamond-shaped" body, is chiefly remarkable for the long filaments which depend from the dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal filaments are often as much as four times the total length of the fish itself, while those of the anal fin are not much shorter; and when the Pennant-Fish is swimming slowly and majestically through the water they lend to it a very peculiar aspect. THE SERGEANT-FISHES. 159 The body is of a brilliant silvery colour and has 6 or / dark vertical bands upon each side. The tail is very deeply forked. In America this species is usually known as "Cobbler Fish" or "Thread Fish." THE SERGEANT-FISHES. ( Family : Rachycentrida . ) As far as is at present known, this family contains but one species — the Sergeant-Fish (Rachycentron canadus). This species is an inhabitant of most warm seas, being very widely distributed. It is not very uncommon on the New South Wales coast and is also obtained in Queensland. In shape it is elongate, and it is covered with very small smooth adherent scales. The head is broad and low ; the bones above appearing through the thin skin. It is a large, strong and voracious fish attaining a length of at least 4 Fig. 58. — SERGEANT-FISH ( Jfachjicentron canadus). feet. In colour it is of a light brown ; darker above and somewhat inclined to greyish below, and possessing along each side, a broad chocolate-coloured band, with, usually, a narrower one beneath. It is the possession of this broad stripe which has given rise to the name of "Sergeant," applied to this fish. In addition to the name stated, this species is also known under various others, such as West- Indian Kingfish, Crab-eater, Coal-fish, etc., the last two being given to it on the coasts of the United States of America, where it is considered as an edible fish. 160 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. THE MACKEREL FAMILY. ( Family : Scombridce. ) FROM 50 to 60 species of this family are known from various parts of the world, about 8 of which are to be found in Australian waters. These fishes are amongst the swiftest inhabitants of the sea. Elegant in form (and often in colour) their beautiful spindle-shaped bodies are able to gracefully cleave the waters with but little muscular exer- tion. Typical "submarines," they are able to make their way in the water, in any direction, and at any angle, with a speed that is surprising. If a typical Mackerel be closely examined, it will be at once apparent that the fish has been "built for speed." The skin is smooth and slippery, the snout is pointed and somewhat conical in shape, and the body tapers away rapidly to the shaft of the tail, from which the comparatively-large, forked caudal fin spreads out. Upon examining the back we find that there is a groove which enables the first dorsal fin to lie right down out of sight and that the second dorsal and anal fins are partly sheathed and arranged in such a way that there is little resistance to the water. Even the pectoral and ventral fins also, fit into shallow depressions in the body ; so that when the fish is travelling at a high rate of speed, a clean, smooth, non-resistant surface is presented, this allowing the fish to literally "slide" through the water; so that with a minimum of effort a very high rate of speed is attainable. Upon the tail in certain Mackerels there is a kind of leathery keel developed on each side, followed by two other smaller ones — one above it and one below it — on the somewhat- flattened root of the caudal fin itself; while in others only the latter are developed. The purpose of these is to assist in giving a little stability to what would otherwise be a "very cranky craft" when the balancing fins are laid back. Of course, when the fish is only travelling at a low rate or moving about within a small area the pectoral, ventral, dorsal and anal fins are continually in use. I should also have mentioned that the little "finlets" which follow after THE MACKEREL FAMILY. 161 the second dorsal and anal fins and which are so charac- teristic of the Mackerel family, are of very material assist- ance to the fish in giving additional stability, and because they, apparently, act as so many tiny rudders. With certain modifications (because of the tail being here the means of propulsion), what a glorious living pattern is this for future high-speed submarine boats ! The members of the Mackerel family are of exceed- ingly-great importance to Man (though if one were to judge by the little use at present made of them in Australian waters, he would not be likely to come to that opinion), immense numbers being captured and consumed as food. Most of the species are large and powerful fishes. Some of the most important, however, are of a fairly small size, making up for that — as in most of the Herring family — by the enormous size of their shoals. The Common Mackerel of Europe and the Atlantic coast of North America is one of the latter. It is at present one of the most important among all food-fishes ; providing — in its capture and treat- ment alone — employment for thousands of persons. Pro- bably the largest numbers are captured on the coast of Norway, while the British fishermen reap a rich harvest out of them ; but the fact that in 1900 the catch landed at Boston and Gloucester alone — two ports on the coast of the United States — amounted to 24,854,794 pounds, valued at about £250,000 sterling, should demonstrate the importance of this fish. Amongst the larger forms — in fact, tlie largest — is the great Tunny (Thunnus thynnus), which attains to a length of over 10 feet and a weight of 1500 pounds. One gigantic example captured off Cape Ann in America- even measured 15 feet. This fish has a wide distribution, occur- ring in nearly all — if not all — warm seas. It is highly pro- bable that it will be found to occur at times in numbers, on the coast of Australia. In the Atlantic Ocean, on the American coast, it is found as far north as Newfoundland and the Loffoden Islands. It is also abundant in the Medi- terranean Sea, and in the Pacific Ocean on the coast of California, while, in addition, it has been obtained in the Indian Ocean and on the coast of Japan. In the Mediter- 162 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. ranean Sea — where a great fishery for the species exists — and on the coast of California, it is known as the "Tuna" ;* or, perhaps still more familiarly as the "Leaping Tuna'' ; while in England it is always known as "Tunny." The fishery of the Tunny is systematically carried on in the Mediterranean, dating from remote antiquity. Its salted preparation was known to the Romans as Saltamentum sardicum, being greatly esteemed by them. The flesh is still largely consumed as food. In the Mediterranean Sea its capture is effected almost solely by the use of deep floating-nets ; but in California, it is recognised as a great sporting-fish ; consequently being greatly sought after with rod and line. Many are the tales of the prowess of this great and powerful fish. The American authors, Jordan and Evermann, quote Professor Charles F. Holder, who says that: "The most sensational fish of these waters" (Cali- fornian) "is the leaping tuna, which well compares with the tarpon ; and, personally, I prefer it to its Florida and Texas rival ; and, in my experience, the average large tuna is a match for two tarpons of the same size. The tuna is the tiger of the Californian seas, a living meteor which strikes like a whirlwind, and when played with a rod that is not a billiard-cue or a club in stiffness, will give the average man the contest of his life." Amongst the members of the Mackerel family which are known to be found in Australian waters, may be men- tioned the Mackerel (Scomber colias), the Horse-Mackerel (Sarda chilensis), the Bonito (Gymnosarda pelamis), the Albacore (Germo alalunga}, and the two species of Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commersonii and S. guttatus). The Mackerel of Australia is a fish of considerable value, and is likely to become of great use as a food-fish in the near future. Extensively and abundantly distributed in our waters, only a little enterprise is needed to raise it to a position of great importance amongst our economic fishes, at the same time creating a fishery of boundless extent. Always present in our waters, at certain times it swarms along our coastline and in our harbours and * In New Zealand a species of Eel is known as "Tuna." THE MACKEREL FAMILY. 163 estuaries in countless myriads. Many of those that enter the inlets are immature, the larger fishes usually preferring the open waters of the ocean itself, though occasionally large shoals of those also put in an appearance. In addition to being distributed over the greater part of the Australian coastline, this species has an immense range, occurring in the waters of Europe, and on both coasts of America, being particularly common in the Mediterranean Sea and in Southern California. In America it is known under various titles, such as Chub Mackerel, Tinker Mackerel, Easter Mackerel and Thimble-eyed Mackerel ; while in England it is called "Spanish Mackerel."* In colour the Mackerel is as follows: Upper surfaces bluish-green with numerous, irregular, wavy, blackish streaks, which extend to just below the lateral line. Some of these streaks form reticulations and enclose pale spots of the colour of the back. Belly and sides silvery-white, but always, in the adult, with roundish dusky spots or cloud- ings. There is a black spot on each side, at the root of the pectoral fin. As a game fish this species is somewhat sought after, as it gives a considerable amount of sport to line fishermen. The Mackerel usually attains a length of from 12 to 14 inches. The Horse-Mackerel : This active and highly-voracious fish is not so commonly seen as the preceding, but at times, huge shoals put in an appearance on the coast of New South Wales, and it is also known from the Victorian coast. As it has an extensive distribution outside of Australia it is more than probable that it is to be found in the waters of other Australian States, though it appears to have escaped attention so far. It attains to a very much greater size than the Mackerel, growing to a length of about 3 feet. Ogilby says that "with us eighteen inches is the maximum size,'* but I have handled a specimen — one of a small school of the same size — measuring more than 27 inches. This speci- men was captured in Rose Bay, Port Jackson, and is now * This must not be confused with the Spanish Mackerels mentioned 1 64 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. in the collection of the New South Wales Department of Fisheries. The Horse-Mackerel abounds in such widely-separated localities as New Zealand, Japan, San Francisco, Chile and Patagonia. In America, where it is called the "California Bonito, ' large numbers are salted and dried for human consumption, and there appears to be no reason why the same should not be done here. During the summer and the autumn, large numbers are captured by trolling, among the Santa Bar- bara Islands, off the coast of California. Fig. 59.' — HORSE-MACKEREL (Sat'cla chiletuie). When freshly taken from the water the Horse Mackerel is a strikingly handsome fish. The colour of the back is a dark metallic blue ; the sides being dusky and the belly silvery. There are a number of dark stripes running obliquely upward and backward from the pectoral region to the upper edge of the tail; these stripes being variable both in number and direction. The Bonito : This fish is somewhat larger than the last-mentioned, and — as far as the New South Wales coast, at least, is concerned — occurs in shoals at more frequent intervals. As it is considered by our fishermen to be of little value, it is very rarely to be seen in our fish markets. How- ever, as it is a game-fish of some worth, advantage is usually taken of its presence in our harbours by numbers of amateur line-fishermen, who derive a considerable amount of sport from its capture. Having a very wide geographical distribution — as is the case with most scombroicl fishes — it is known from manv THE MACKEREL FAMILY. 165 parts and under many names. In America, where it Is found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, it is known as "Oceanic Bonito" ; the first portion of its name of course being in reference to its free pelagic existence. It occurs also upon the shores of Great Britain, Japan, India, China and many other places. The back of the Bonito is bluish, the belly being silver v with four brownish stripes on each side parallel with the lower curve of the body. The Albacore is still more pelagic in its nature than any of the others so far mentioned, roaming the wide oceans within tropical and sub-tropical zones, and seldom entering coastal inlets. It is closely allied to the large Tunnies, from which it differs chiefly in having the pectoral fin very long and shaped like a sabre; in the adult the length of this fin being about two-fifths of that of the body. As a food-fish, this species is of little value, its flesh being coarse and oily. It attains a length of over four feet, one of that size having been captured in 1903, at Port Macquarie, on the coast of New South Wales. It appears to be very rare in Australian waters. Sailing ships when cruising in the Pacific Ocean, have been known to be attended by myriads of this species for many successive months. In regard to the name of this fish it may be mentioned that Jordan and Evermann state that "Albacore is from Albacora, a Portuguese name, said to be from the Arabic al a, and bacora, little pig. It should not be spelled Albicore as it is not connected with Albus, white." The Spanish Mackerels : I have here adopted the title used by the American Ichthyologists just quoted, for fishes of the genus S comb ero morns. We have two kinds on the coast of New South Wales, both of which attain to very large proportions and are very widely distributed. In a general way they may be distinguished from one another, by the fact that in S. guttatits, there are a number of large ovate spots of a dark colour, distributed over a great part -i66 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. of the body; while in S. commersonii there are indistinct vertical bars and no spots. At times immense shoals of these fishes visit the shore? of New South Wales ; but no notice is taken of them in a commercial way at present, though there appears to be every possibility of a lucrative fishery being established on our coast some day. A few years ago, a large shoal of Spanish Mackerel "ran ashore" on a beach a little to the south of Wollongong, N.S.W., a mound of them about 2 miles in length being naturally formed from their numbers. Doubtless these had been pursued by either Dolphins ("Porpoises") or Sharks. One of the Spanish Mackerels in America, closely allied to our two, is S. maculatus. This fish is now one of the most highly-esteemed of all American fishes, always com- manding a high price. The catch in 1897 amounted to 1,183,456 pounds, worth nearly £14,000. May the time be not far distant when we will have catches of our oceanic fishes approximating to this amount ! THE BARRACOUTA FAMILY. ( Family ; Trichiuridce. ) THIS family is an important one from an economic point of view, because it includes in its number, the well-known Barracouta (Thyrsites aturi). Altogether, in this family there are about 25 species, widely distributed and of a pelagic nature ; some of them being found in the great ocean depths, while others are surface-fishes, living in the vicinity of coastlines. In all of these, the body is elongate and com- pressed; sometimes being even band-like. Their jaws are usually armed with strong teeth. In addition to the Barra- couta, which, undoubtedly, must have first place, amongst the more striking forms occurring on the Australian coast, might be mentioned, the Australian Hairtail (Trichiurus THE BARRACOUTA FAMILY. 167 .nV), and the Scabbard-Fish or Frost-Fish (Lepidopus caudatus). The Barracouta is a highly voracious fish, attaining a large size and distributed over many waters. It is a very valuable food-fish, immense numbers being captured and preserved by either pickling or smoking, amr ally, for table purposes. At the same time, though, when properly pre- pared, it is undoubtedly of good flavour, '*t can hardly be placed amongst, our first-class table fishes. The species is commonly found in the waters of Chile, the Cape of Good Hope, New Zealand, Tasmania, South Australia, ( ?) Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. A great fishery for the Barracouta exists in the vicinity of Bass Strait, large numbers being captured and forwarded to Melbourne and Sydney for disposal, in addition to those which are disposed of in Tasmania. Their capture is effected Fig. 60. — BABBACOUTA (Thyrsltes atun}. by means of hook and line; and in this no difficulty is ex- perienced, as the Barracouta is neither particular as to the kind of bait used nor slow about taking it. Any bright moving object is sufficient to attract the fish, a piece of red flannel fastened to the hook being a first-class bait. When the Barracouta are at all "thick" large hauls are often made within a very short time. Recently, in one day and from a small steam-launch off Derwent Lighthouse, Tasmania, the great haul of over 2000 of this species is said to have been made. In South Africa also, where the fish is known as "Snoek," a great fishery exists. The Barracouta is quite common along the most southern portion of the coastline of New South Wales ; and, during the last few years — in the winter-time — it has made its appearance in fairly large shoals in Port Jackson, and as 1 68 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. high up as Port Stephens ; while it has once been observed in the vicinity of Moreton Bay, in Queensland. This last record however must be taken as denoting a very excep- tional occurrence indeed. As this species does not "keep" well in a fresh state (and because of the flesh being naturally rather soft), it is not often sold in that condition. However, it takes the smoke well, consequently "Smoked Barracouta" is the usual form in which it is familiar to the majority of the public. The teeth are very sharp and formidable-looking ; and I may mention, that there are several finlets — as in the Mackerels — following both the second-dorsal and anal fins. It attains commonly a length of about 4 feet. The Australian Hairtail is not often seen by the majority of, even, the fisher- folk. In shape it differs con- siderably from the Barracouta, there being no caudal fin as in the latter; the body being ribbon-like and tapering to a fine point. Neither are there any of the little finlets, as there is one single dorsal fin extending the whole length of the back. There are several long fang-like teeth in each jaw. It usually attains a length of about 4 feet. The Scabbard-Fish is very similar in the shape of the body to the Hairtail, but differs in that there is a small but well-developed caudal fin. It is a very widespread species; in addition to occurring in Tasmania and on parts of the south-eastern coast of Australia, being found in New Zealand, South Africa and the European Seas. In New Zealand, where it is always known as "Frost-Fish," it is greatly esteemed as a food-fish. This fish is considered to be usually an inhabitant of deep ocean waters. It grows to a length of about 6 feet. The fish known in Cuba as the "Escholar" and in the South Sea Islands as "Palu" (Ruvettus pretiosus) is also a member of this family. I mention this as many Aus- tralians must have seen the so-called "palu-hooks" and won- dered what species they were intended to catch. SWORDFISHES OR SPEARFISHES. 169 CHAPTER IX. Swordfishes or Spearfishes— The Luvarus Fish— Dolphin-Fishes— TheT Pomfrets— The John Dory Family— The Flat- Fishes— The Goby Family. SWORDFISHES OR SPEARFISHES. ( Family : Histioph oridce . ) THE Swordfishes, or, more properly, the Spearfishes, are large oceanic fishes, occurring in all tropical and temperate seas. They are endowed with extraordinary strength and velocity, and most of the species are but rarely captured. Next to those powerful and masterful cetaceans, the Killers (Orca gladiator} , I think they may be regarded as the Lords of the Ocean; and they are the largest among all Teleos- teans; attaining to lengths of from 12 to 15 feet. The "swords" or "spears" differ in length in the various species ; in the typical Histiophorus gladiiis reaching a length of at least 4 feet. The Spearfishes are much respected by fisher- folk, because of the formidable weapon that they carry about, always ready for immediate action. Not only are they always ready, but apparently they are always looking, for a fight ; their pugnacity being well-known and having passed into a by-word. Many are the tales of ships being attacked by these mischievous "demons-of-the-deep," a large number of them being undoubtedly founded on fact. In some cases timbers of more than a foot in thickness have been pierced, in the majority of instances the spear or sword having been broken off into the hole formed by it. One does not need to go abroad for these occurrences, as, within the last few years, there have been several cases chronicled as having happened within our own waters. At first sight it appears, perhaps, marvellous, that these fishes are able to penetrate the sides of ships; but when the size, 170 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. solidity and strength of the weapon, the weight of the body behind it, and the enormous power and great speed of this fish, are considered, the thing appears fairly simple. On the east coast of the United States of America a fishery for the capture of these fishes exists, and large num- bers are caught annually. There is also a small fishery in the Straits of Messina in the Mediterranean Sea. "The apparatus ordinarily 'employed for the capture of the Swordfish is simple in the extreme. It is a harpoon with a detachable head. When the fish is struck, the head of the harpoon remains in the body of the fish, and carries with it a light rope, which is either made fast or held by a man Fig. 61. — SPEARFISH OR SWORDFISH (Tetrapturus indicus). in a small boat, or is attached to some kind of a buoy, which is towed through the water by the struggling fish and which marks its whereabouts after death."— (Goode.) The "spear" is formed by a prolongation of the upper jaw. In very young specimens both jaws are slightly pro- duced and the eyes are of a great size, and as the little fish grows, its eyes become relatively smaller, while the upper-jaw grows longer and longer. Amongst the various species of Spearfishes, is one known as Tetrapturus indicus. This species is widely-dis- tributed and amongst other localities is known to occur occa- sionally on the coast of Australia. In this fish, the spear is considerably shorter than,rit is in the typical species, before-referred-to, though it is exceedingly stout and power- ful. During 1905 a fine example of this Spearfish was cap- tured in Port Jackson, by a fisherman named Skinner, re- THE LUVARUS FISH. 171 siding at Manly (Port Jackson).* The "spear" — measuring more than 2 feet — and also a photograph of this specimen are now in the collection of the New South Wales Depart- ment of Fisheries. The whole fish measured about 12 feet. Some years ago (1880) a specimen of the same species was captured about 6 miles south of Wollongong, N.S.W., by a party out for Snapper. They had found that many of the fishes hooked, were taken off the lines ; and soon after a large Spearfish in pursuit of a Snapper, became entangled in the anchor-line, which had become twisted round its snout; thereby enabling one of the party to successfully harpoon it. The animal towed the boat for several miles and then, becoming exhausted, was towed ashore. Shortly after being harpooned, it disgorged a number of Snapper; this being regarded as evidence that it had been the culprit. During the fight it leaped several feet out of the water. This example measured about 14 feet. THE LUVARUS FISH. (Family: Luvaridap.) THE sole representative of this family — Luvarus imperialis — is one of those fishes which are rarely seen and about the habits of which, consequently, very little is known. Boulen- ger points out that : "The excessive length of the intestines and the feeble dentition point to its feeding partly on vege- table matter, partly on minute animals; the circumstances under which certain specimens were captured tend to indi- cate that they follow up streams of pelagic life such as engage the attention of the Basking Shark, of similar dis- tribution." Pelagic in nature, it is known to occur in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, * Mr. Skinner informs me that about 3 months after the capture of this fish another one of about the same size was seen cruising about in the same locality. i72 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. where it attains a length of about 6 feet. It is occasionally captured on the British coasts. Fig. 62. — LTJVABUS PISH (Luvarus imperial-is). Only once has this interesting fish been known to have been captured on the Australian coast; the locality being Bermagui, N.S.W. This specimen measured about 6 feet 2 inches in length, the girth being 4 feet 8 inches and the spread of the tail 2 feet 3 inches. The weight was be- tween 2 and 3 hundredweight. The colour was a silvery salmon-pink such as one sees in the Nannygai. It is supposed that this Luvarus had become stranded while in pursuit of food ; as, when it was discovered, it was surrounded by a large quantity of the small crustaceans known as "Whale-Feed." DOLPHIN-FISHES. (Family: Coryphcenidcr.') AT the outset, I would like to make it quite clear, that these fishes are not to be confounded with the cetaceans known as Dolphins, which are warm-blooded mammals like the Whale. I feel it necessary to mention this, as I find there is considerable confusion at times on the point. The Dolphin-Fishes are large, pelagic fishes of a carni- vorous nature; very widely distributed in various oceans They are very remarkable-looking, with their high "fore- heads," their elongate, narrow bodies and strong forked Q I ^ ^ ! |i 6 S — = I I * s II ES. tails. A single dorsal fin extends from the back of the very deep head almost to the caudal fin. As the -fishes in- crease in age, this dorsal fin becomes higher in its anterior part. They are most powerful swimmers, congregating In shoals and pursuing the Flying-fishes unceasingly. When- ever possible, they are eagerly captured by sailors, who con- sider the flesh to be of very good flavour. Giinther states that the form of the body and especially of the head, changes considerably with age. Very young specimens — from one to six inches in length (which are abundant in the open sea) — have the body cylindrical, with the head as broad as it is high. As the fish grows, the body becomes more and more compressed. Of the two "good" species existing, the most important is the Common Dolphin-Fish (Coryphcena kippurus), which grows to a length of 6 feet. This species has been captured on a number of occasions on the coast of New South Wales. Jordan and Evermann, writing of this family, state that it is the custom of seafaring men before eating them, to test the flesh by putting a piece of silver into the vessel in which they have been cooked; it being a common belief, that if the flesh is poisonous the silver will turn black. Narratives of ocean voyages abound in descriptions of the beautiful colours of these "dolphins" and the brilliant changes of hue exhibited by the fishes when they are dying. I have never seen any of these while alive but have handled them soon after death ; and even then the colours were mag- nificent. Giinther gives the following as the colours: — "Silvery-blue above, with markings of a deeper azure, and reflections of pure gold ; the lower parts being lemon-yellow, marked with pale-blue. The pectoral fins are partly lead- colour, partly yellow ; the anal is yellow, the iris of the eye golden." This description of course, however good, can give but a feeble idea of the magnificence of this fish. i74 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA THE POMFRETS. ( Family : Bramidee. ) THK fishes of this family usually inhabit the open sea and some of them are found in the great ocean depths. About 12 species are known. The fishes of one of the genera, known as Pteraclis, are very remarkable for the enormous sail-like dorsal and anal fins. Perhaps the best-known species of this family is the Pomfret (Brama rail), also known as "Ray's Bream." This is a fish of wide distribu- tion and of considerable value in portions of its habitat as . — POMPBBT (Bra ma rail). a food-fish. It has been obtained on the coast of New South Wales, but is here exceedingly rare. In the Medi- terranean Sea it is common, while, in American waters, it is stated by Jordan and Evermann to be rare on the Atlantic coast, but not uncommon on the coast of California and north to Puget Sound "where it is regarded as an excellent food- fish." The Pomfret — that is the American name — is a deep-bodied fish, growing to a length of from 2 to 4 feet. The colour is described as a sooty-gray, with some "soiled silvery on the snout." THE JOHN DORY FAMILY. (Family: Z eider.) THE "Dories" are widely-distributed marine fishes, inhabit- ing the temperate zones of both the Northern and Southern THE JOHN DORY FAMILY. 175 Hemispheres. Taking a cursory glance at them, the most striking features are, the high, narrow body and the very grotesque-looking face. The latter is particularly pronounced in the typical "John Dories" of the genus Zeus, in which also will be at once noticed, the large spot in the centre, on each side of the body — of which more anon. According to Boulenger, 12 species of this family are known from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The common European species of John Dory (Zeus faber) is so well-known in literature — being a familiar object even in children's books — that little description of it is necessary; and those who are familiar with the appear- ance of that fish, could at once — knowing the locality — identify the very closely allied Australian John Dory (Zens australis)* This fish, which is common in fairly- deep water off the coasts of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, usually attains a length of about 18 inches. It is an excellent fish for table purposes, though seldom brought in to the markets — at least in New South Wales — there being no special fishery in existence for this fine fish. In the special capture of this species, the "trawling-net" would be a necessary adjunct. A series of bony plates, runs along the bases of both the dorsal and anal fins ; there being another series along the abdomen. In regard to the large dark spot on each side, before referred to, much has been written. "The fishermen of Roman Catholic countries hold this fish in special respect, as they recognise in a black round spot on its side, the mark left by the thumb of St. Peter when he took the piece of money from its mouth." — (Giinther.) "The Dory, or Doree, contends with the Haddock, for the honour of bearing the marks of St. Peter's fingers, each being supposed to have been the fish out of whose mouth the Apostle took the tribute money ; leaving on its sides, in proof of the identity, the marks of his finger and thumb. * Some are inclined to believe that the Australian John Dory is merely a " local variety" of the European form (Zeus faber}. I have not yet had an opportunity of comparing the two. i76 WISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Another origin for the spots on the sides of the Dory has also been assigned. St. Christopher, in wading through an arm of the sea, bearing the Saviour, whence his name of Christophorus, is reported to have caught a Dory, and to have left those impressions on its sides, to be transmitted to all posterity as an eternal memorial of the fact.'' — (Yarrell.) Another Australian member of this family that should be mentioned, is the Silver Dory (Cyttus austrcdis). This is a smaller species than the preceding and is found in the waters of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. In New South Wales it is of rare occurrence but in the colder waters of the South it is more common — occurring in schools. Fig. (j4. — SILVER DORY (Cyttus australis}. As might be judged by the common name, this species is of a beautiful uniform silvery appearance (though more roseate when first captured). The body is covered with very small scales and there are no bony plates on the body. The first dorsal fin is very short, high and pointed. The mouth is telescopic, though not to such a degree as in that of the John Dory. In Tasmania this is known as "Bastard Dory." THE FLAT-FISHES. 177 THE FLAT-FISHES. (Family: Pleuronectidce.) LIKE the family of the Gobies, this family of fishes em- braces a huge number of different forms ; but, unlike the Gobies, they include a very large number of species of the greatest economic importance: and most of them are used by Man in different parts of the world as food. As will be apparent, perhaps, from their general shape, they are all bottom-haunting fishes. The smallest among them average but a few inches in length, but the majority grow to a fairly-large size ; while a few of them are very large indeed. The largest of all is the Halibut (Hippoglossus vulgaris) of European seas, which attains to the comparatively enormous length of 10 feet or more, with a correspondingly huge weight ; examples of 6 to 7 feet in length being common. These fishes are termed "Flat-Fishes" on account of the strongly-compressed, high and flat body, which, in a varying extent, is common to all of the species. It must be at once remembered that they lie on their sides and that the dark or coloured part which is uppermost, is one of the sides and not the back. It is well to remember this, otherwise a great deal of confusion will arise. That side which rests against the bottom is normally whitish and without any spots of colour; while the upper side is variously coloured, according to the habitat and the en- vironment of the particular species ; some being striped or spotted, while others are mottled or of uniform colour. Not uncommonly however in certain species, both sides are coloured alike ; the lower surface assuming the tints of the upper. I have known this to occur rarely in one of our own common Flounders. In adult Flat-Fishes, both eyes — it will be noticed — are on the same side of the head ; in some being very close together and far removed from the upper border of the head, while in others they are far apart; the one belonging to the underside apparently having just managed to make its way round to the desired side and no more. In their 178 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. early life these fishes pass through the same stages as do most others which — like these — are hatched from a pelagic egg; and for some time (the period being longer or shorter according to the species) they are quite symmetrical, the eyes being in their natural positions, one on each side of the head; but, after a while, the eye on that side which is destined to be the underpart, begins to work round to the other side and toward the light, as the fish gradually takes to living on the one side at the bottom. In some species, it is believed — with good reason — that the eye actually works through the head. That side which rests against the bottom and which becomes in early life eyeless, is called the "blind" side. In some species this is the left side, while in others it is the right. Amongst the numerous Australian Fiat-Fishes may be mentioned the Large-toothed Flounder (Paralichthys arsius), the Small-toothed Flounder (Paralichthys novce- cambrite), the Southern Flounder (Rhombosolea mono- pus), the Queensland Halibut (Psettodes erumei), the Black Sole (Synaptura nigra), and the Lemon Sole or Tongue-Fish (Symphurus unicolor). For the purposes of this little volume, a very few words in regard to each must suffice. The Large-toothed Flounder is one of the com- monest of the Flounders of New South Wales and Queens- land. It has an immense geographical distribution ; in addition to the localities mentioned being found in the Seas of the Malay Archipelago, China, Japan, India, the East Coast of Africa, as well as in the Red Sea. Being, as will be seen, a tropical species, it is more abundant in the northern parts of New South Wales, becoming uncommon as we approach the southern extremity. It attains a length of about 15 inches and is a first- class table-fish. In colour, it is yellowish-brown with darker mottlings, there being, usually, several white-edged spots along the centre of the body. Apart from considerations of colour, this species may be distinguished from the Small-toothed Flounder by (i) THE FLAT-FISHES. '79 the presence of several comparatively-large canine teeth near the front of jaw (while in the latter the teeth are fairly-uniform in each jaw, being but slightly enlarged at the front of the upper jaw), also, (2) the slightly increased number of dorsal and anal rays, as compared with the Small-toothed Flounder, and the presence upon the lower jaw of a pronounced knob, with — usually — a slight notch beside it ; the projection when occurring at all in the other kind, being not at all prominent. The Small-toothed Flounder, often known as the "Spotted Flounder," has not, as far as we at present know, a great distribution; being only known from the coast of New South Wales, on parts of which it is very abundant. It usually frequents sandy bottoms, from a few fathoms in depth up to the shallowest water, being at times quite abun- dant upon the shallow grass-covered flats at low water. Here they lie apparently without fear, relying upon their protective resemblance to their surroundings to enable them to escape observation. Thus a person may often take a boat and glide slowly over the flats where these fishes are lying, capturing them with a spear or even — in very shallow water — by leaning over and impaling them on a knife. The greatest difficulty, however, is not to catch them, but, first to distinguish your prey from its surroundings. This species grows to a length of over 16 inches, though those brought to market would probably average not more than 10 inches. In colour this fish is of a rich brown or greyish on the upper surface, with numerous small, round, white spots scattered about it. There are some dark spots along the lateral line (the middle ones being the most conspicuous), each spot being closely dotted with yellow or white. In addition there are fine, dark marblings over the whole of the side and the fins. Both this and the preceding species are carnivorous fishes subsisting upon such organisms as are usually foun-i in sandy localities— small fishes, crustaceans and mollusks. i8o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA THE FLAT-FISHES. 181 The Southern Flounder : This fish occurs in the waters of Victoria and Tasmania : being found most com- monly, however, in New Zealand. It is the species which is retailed in Sydney fish-shops as "New Zealand Flounder" after having been exported from New Zealand in a frozen or smoked condition. It attains to a somewhat larger size than either of the preceding. In New Zealand, where this fish is often known under the Maori name of "Patiki," it is very common in the shallow bays and tidal estuaries on every part of the coast, and is everywhere esteemed as food. The Maoris used to capture them on the shallow mud-flats by means of a long slender spear: choosing the night-time, and each carrying a lighted torch or a pan of flaming kauri gum on the shoulder ; thus attracting the Patiki and enabling them to be observed and speared as they glided over the bottom. The Queensland Halibut: This is a highly-interesting member of the Flat-Fish family, it having retained a more symmetrical shape than any of the other species ; conse- quently, its eyes are as often found on the right side as on the left. Its body is more elongate, not having such a great relative depth as is usual in these fishes and it is said to frequently swim in a vertical position. It has a fairly wide distribution in the Indian Ocean, and also occurs on the coast of Queensland, growing to a length of nearly 2 feet. It has a most ferocious aspect, the mouth being very wide, and each jaw being armed with two series of long, slender, curved teeth ; the front teeth of the inner series of the lower jaw being the longest. These long teeth ( which are widely-separated from one another) are received into a kind of groove or pit in the upper jaw, immediately in front of the vomer. The Black Sole is, no doubt, a very familiar fish to most of my readers. Owing to its rather unique shape as compared with our other fishes, it is not readily forgotten when once seen. The long dorsal and anal fins are joined, at their ends, to the small caudal fin, this giving the fish the appearance of being without any tail fin at all, and making its general outline a fairly-regular oval. 182 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The Black Sole is very abundant along the coast of New South Wales, and the southernmost portion of that of Queensland; probably occurring also along the northern parts of Victoria. It frequents the mud-flats and muddy bottoms ; being found commonly in water from a few incri8s in depth down to 3 or 4 fathoms. In the vicinity of Sydney the localities where they are most plentiful are George's River, Parramatta River (the head of Port Jackson) and Middle Harbour (Port Jackson). During the summer months, when these fishes are spawning, large numbers of mature specimens are to be found on the sandy flats in Botany Bay, at the entrances to George's River and Cook's River. Most of the Soles captured at this time and at this locality, have assumed — consequent upon their altered sur- roundings— quite a light sandy-colour. During the last few years a rich harvest of large marketable fishes has been reaped amongst these spawners, by fishermen using a long: shallow kind of trammel-net. Unfortunately however, most of the fishes so caught are full-roed ; thus a large contribu- tion of eggs to the local supply is forever lost. (In regard to the ripe eggs ; they are comparatively large ; not "very small" as stated by Ogilby.) The normal colours of the Black Sole are as follows: The blind side is whitish or yellowish-white. The upper side is of a rich olive-brown, mottled over with large, irre- gular, darker blotches. There is a certain amount of varia- tion, according to the situation. This species is fairly common in the fish markets of Svdney, but is not so abundantly represented as it would be if a special fishery existed for it. Nearly all of the Black Soles netted (with the exception of those just mentioned as being captured in Botany Bay) are caught amongst other fishes. They always bring a higher price and in certain quarters are highly esteemed. The Black Sole grows to a length of 14 inches, with a weight of about 2 pounds. The Tongue-Fish is a native of the coasts of New South Wales and Queensland, being also found at Lord Howe Island. From its very elongate form it has earned the common-name here used. The outline of the bodv is I I I THE GOBY FAMILY. 183 that of a very long oval, pointed at the tail end. The upper part of the snout is produced backwards into a long hook- shaped flap, known as the "rostral hook." In colour, the upper side of this fish is a pale yellowish- brown, with numerous round spots of a creamy tint. Though there is no reason to doubt that this species is fairly common along our open sandy sea-beaches (whereon it loves to dwell), it is seldom captured. It grows to a length of nearly 13 inches. Amongst other species of our Fiat-Fishes might be mentioned the Long - snouted Flounder (Ammotretis ro strata), the Narrow-banded Sole (Solea macleayana) , the Crested Flounder (Lophonectes galhis) and the Peacock Sole (Achirns pavoninus). THE GOBY FAMILY. (Family: Gobiidtf.) THIS is quite an enormous family of fishes, embracing as it does about 600 different species. They are chiefly of small size, including amongst their number, the tiniest fish (and at the same time the smallest vertebrated animal) that exists. This little Goby is a native of Luzon, in the Philip- pine Islands, where it is used as food, and where it attains the wonderful size of just about half an inch. However all the Gobies are not small, as there is a species of Bleotris in the rivers of Siam, Borneo and Sumatra, which grows to the majestic size — for a Goby — of nearly 3 feet. Gobies are distributed over all the oceans of the world, with the exception of those lying within the cold regions of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. Those which are marine, are usually found upon rocky coasts; even, in some instances, in water which is subject to constant and violent agitations. To enable them to withstand this agitation of the water, as well as the action of sea-currents — local or otherwise — many of these fishes have the two ventral fins i84 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. placed very close together and converted into a kind of cup- shaped sucker, by the aid of which they are able to place themselves in all sorts of apparently-"impossible" positions. Amongst the many Australian species, the following might be mentioned as being either prominent or striking : — The Bridled Goby (Gobius bifrenatus),- the Striped Gudgeon (Krefftius anstralis), the Carp-Gudgeon (Caras- siops compressus}. the Mud - Skipper (Periophthalmus australis) and the Eel-like Goby (Gobioides purpurascens} . The Bridled Goby : This pretty little Goby is an in- habitant of the shores of New South Wales and Victoria. It loves to dwell upon the mud-flats such as one finds in the higher parts of Port Jackson (where — by the way — it is known to the fishermen as "Mud-Gudgeon") and other similar localities. Of the comparatively- few species of fishes captured in the process of hauling with the "prawn-net'' within these regions it is perhaps one of the most common. It is a very elongate fish ; the head being somewhat round and tad-pole like, and having pretty bluish stripes on each side of the face. The body becomes gradually narrower as it approaches the tail, which is highly com- pressed. The tail-fin is comparatively large and fan-like, being in the male considerably produced. Here we have one of those instances — rather uncommon amongst fishes — in which it is possible to distinguish the sex of the fish by external characters. The Bridled Goby grows to a length of from 5 to 6 inches — exclusive of caudal filaments. The Gudgeons : Amongst the smaller species of our Australian fresh-water fishes, perhaps the most abundant are those usually styled "Gudgeons." The simple and con- venient term "Gudgeon" is made to apply to the whole of the known species — as well as, I am sorry to add, several others of a totally different character, which have no right to the name whatever. Excepting, perhaps, regions of great altitude, these Gudgeons are plentifully distributed in the rivers, creeks and pools throughout the length and breadth of Australia. They are all small fishes, the largest growing to a length of 6 or 7 inches. People often mistake them for the young of larger species, for instance, adults of the THE GOBY FAMILY. Purple striped Gudgeon (Krefftius adspersus) of the Western River-system of Xe\v South Wales, being often taken to be the young of the Murray Cod. In New South Wales, one of the commonest kinds is the Striped Gudgeon of which the natural habitat is the Eastern watershed. It is rather prettily striped with dark longitudinal bars and the dorsal and anal fins are very beau- tifully variegated: the latter being a feature common to most of the Gudgeons, being more particularly apparent in the males and during the spawning season. Fig. 66. — STRIPED GUDGEON (Krcfftiu* In the creeks and waterholes around Sydney, this little fish — which attains a length of about 5 inches — is known under quite a variety of names by different "schools'' of boys : one very inappropriate name being that of "Cod." Anyone having a little knowledge of fish life and at the same time possessed of some insight into the conditions which govern our Australian land water-system, might sup- pose that the Gudgeons — which live in all sorts of out-of- the-way waterholes, creeks and lagoons subject to a periodi- cal drying-up — would show great tenacity of life and adap- tability to conditions which would be absolutely fatal to many aauatic organisms ; and this they certainly do in a very marked degree. When the pond or creek in which any of these are situated, begins to show signs of drying up, the Gudgeons burrow into the mud, and so long as the mud keeps a little damp, they are able to remain alive for a very long time. Recently. I had an experience of the tenacity of life of the Purple-striped Gudgeon before re- ferred to. A parcel of fish specimens had been brought to me. for identification of species, from Wagga Wagga, i86 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. on the Murrumbidgee River, N.S.W. The fishes included one Macquarie's Perch about I foot long, two or three Carp, and two examples of Purple-striped Gudgeon, a little over 3 inches long. They were all wrapped up in several thicknesses of newspaper, into which they had been placed early in the previous afternoon at Wagga Wagga. They had then been brought down in the train — a journey of 314 miles ; no special care being taken of them — that is, no more care than a parcel of dead fish would merit. I opened the parcel about 12 o'clock the next day (nearly 24 hours after) and as the fins and skins were rather dry, threw all of the fishes into a basin of water to "soak them out" prior to preserving them in formalin. About 10 minutes after- wards, upon going to examine them, my astonishment can be better imagined than described, when I found the two Gudgeons swimming round and round, one of them quite serenely and the other just a little "lamely," as though it had been bruised a little on one side. I kept the first one alive in a jar of water for some time after and he remained perfectly healthy. The Carp-Gudgeon : This interesting and beautiful Carp-like Goby is commonly found in creeks and ponds in coastal parts of New South Wales and Southern Queens- land. In the upper parts of Cook's River, and in other creeks around Sydney, it is quite common, though not so abundant as the Striped Gudgeon. It varies in colour from a very pale gold to a rich red coppery-gold ; the male being very brilliant at the spawning time. This species is an excellent aquarium fish, and usually swims in mid-water; while the other Gudgeons, which also make fine aquarium pets, are ordinarily bottom-swimmers. The Carp-Gudgeon grows to a length of about 4 inches. The Mud-Skipper : Many of my readers will, no doubt, have heard of, while some will have often seen, those curious little fishes which hop and skip about the mud- and mangrove-flats on the coast of Northern Queensland ; often, even climbing the sloping boughs and exposed roots of the mangroves themselves. This is the "Mud-Skipper," known in some parts of Queensland as the "Climbing Fish." Upon examination, two points will at once strike the observer; THE GDBY FAMILY. 187 these being the prominent eyes, placed close together at the summit of the head, and the large pectoral fins with their highly-muscular bases — with which their hopping and climb- ing are chiefly accomplished. In the words of Seville-Kent, the Mud-Skipper "is an essentially-tropical species, being particularly abundant among the muddy mangrove-flats of North Australia and the Malay region. Under these con- ditions, it may be commonly seen at low water associating in little groups and basking in the sun on the surface of the mud, chasing each other in sport with their quaint skipping action : or. having climbed to the elevation of a mangrove root or the woodwork of the jetty, peacefully contemplating its companions' antics. The capture of the little fish seems at first sight an easy task; but woe betide the reckless en- thusiast who ventures on the treacherous ooze in its vain . pursuit. He will emerge from the enterprise with bemired raiment and a much-chastened spirit. Should, however, the acquisition of specimens be an important object, the enlisted services of the wily native — who needs but a little paint and a pearl-shell for the renewal of his full-dress apparel—- will speedily secure an abundant supply. "A remarkable circumstance associated with the life economy of Periophthalmus is the fact that it cannot sus- tain life if continually water-submerged like ordinary fish. The exposure of its tissues to the action of atmospheric air with everv fall of the tide appears to be essential to its well- being, and examples experimentally kept under water for prolonged intervals were literally drowned. As a provision for its abnormal life-habits, it has been ascertained that Periophthalmus possesses a supplementary respiratory organ which, singularly to relate, is represented in this instance, in the creature's tail. The fish while reposing on the sur- face of the mud commonly leaves its tail more or less im- mersed in the water. The blood circulates with abnormal energy through this thin membraneous appendage, which accordingly fulfils the function of a supplementary gill." Periophthalmus aits trails grows to a length of about 12 inches. The Eel-like Goby is a fish which might be mistaken by many, for an Eel : but the presence of ventral fins will 1 88 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. at once definitely settle any doubt that there may be, as those fins arc absent in all Hels. It is a small fish, of a few inches in length, occurring on portions of the coastline of New South Wales and Queensland, living in the mud on the banks of the lower portions of the rivers. According to Castelnau, who described this species, the colour in life is a deep purple-red with a series of pale spots down the middle line of the body ; the fins being dark with pale edges. Though as I have inferred, this fish is distinctly Eel- like ; still the long dorsal and anal fins are comoletely separ- ated from the caudal fin. THE SUCKING-FISHES. 189 CHAPTER X. The Sucking- Fishes— Scorpaenoid Fishes— The Flatheads — Gurnard or Gurnets — Flying Gurnards or Sea Robins — Leptoscopoid Fishes — Notothenioid Fishes— The Star Gazers— Trichonotoid Fishes. THE SUCKING-FISHES. (Family: Echeneididce.) AMONGST fishes which are remarkable for peculiarity of habit and structure, the Sucking-Fishes certainly stand in the front rank. These curious creatures are provided with a long, oval, transversely-laminated, suctorial disk on the top of the head and by its aid, they are able to attach them- selves to the bodies of Sharks and other large fishes or ceta- ceans. They are also known to attach themselves to the bottoms and sides of ships. Thus they are enabled to travel over vast areas with a minimum of muscular effort. Sharks are the principal "hosts" (if I may use the term) of the Sucking-Fishes, and hardly a large one is caught that has not 2 or 3 of the latter as attendants. Very often they remain attached when a Shark is hauled out of the water; great force being required to dislodge them, owing to the wonderful way in which they adhere. The sucking-disk by which this adhesion is brought about, is a very remarkable organ. It possesses a long central longitudinal division and numerous short transverse ones : The number of these trans- verse divisions, varies considerably in the different species, though the general plan of arrangement is always the same. The sucking or "cupping" action is produced in the same way as that of the suckers on the tentacles of the Octopus ; that is, by the formation of a partial vacuum; in this case caused by raising the partitions dividing the various com- partments of the disk. To give an idea of the great utility of this organ, I may mention that I have taken one of these Sucking-Fishes, even several hours after death, and applied the sucking-disk to a piece of smooth glass giving a slight i9o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. even pressure all over. I then found that it was very nearly impossible to dislodge the fish by a direct steady pull without breaking the glass. In some parts of the world, advantage is taken of this habit of attaching themselves to larger marine animals to use them — particularly the large species, Echeneis naucrates — in the capture of turtles. This is done by fastening a line to a metal ring fastened round the tail of the fish, and allowing it to swim about in waters where the turtles are known to commonly occur. Some- times turtles are found asleep; and in that case the boat is pulled up as close as possible, and the Sucking-Fish is launched ; soon to attach itself to the breast (or plastron) of the sleeping turtle, when they are both drawn in together. Fig. 67. — SHORT SUCKING-FISH (Remora remora). One of the Sucking-Fishes was the celebrated echeneis of the Greeks ; famous from remote antiquity for its power of adhesion to other bodies. Pliny and other ancient natu- ralists relate among other stories, that Antony's ship, at the battle of Actium was kept motionless by the exertions of the echeneis, notwithstanding the efforts of several hun- dred sailors; and that the vessel of Caligula was detained between Astura and Actium by another of these fishes found sticking to the helm, and whose solitary efforts could not be countervailed by a crew of four hundred able seamen, till several of the latter, on inquiring into the cause of the detention, perceived the impediment and detached the fish from its hold. Now, although it would be altogether im- possible and out of all reason to suppose that one individual could exert sufficient power to delay or retard a vessel's pro- gress, still an instance has actually come under my notice, in which a sailing-vessel was considerably delayed while in SCORP^ENOID FISHES. 191 tropical seas through a shoal of "Suckers" attaching them- selves all round the sides and bottom. Two species of Sucking-Fishes occur commonly in Australian waters, particularly on our eastern coast. These are the Long Sucking-Fish (Echeneis naucrates} and the Short Sucking-Fish (Remora remora). The former reaches a length of 3 feet. It is of elongate form, is of a dark-brownish colour, and has the central portion of the caudal fin very much rounded. The latter is a small species, commonly attaining a size of 8 to 10 inches, is relatively stouter in build, of a greyish colour and possesses a forked caudal fin. The "Suckers" are carnivorous, usually subsisting upon other fishes. SCORP^ENOID FISHES. (Family: Scorpcenidce.) THIS is a large family of carnivorous marine fishes, em- bracing about 250 species. Included in their number are some of the most extraordinary-shaped fishes imaginable; in fact some of them surpass the wildest flight of an over- heated imagination and look altogether "impossible/' Among the various species are to be seen hideously-dis- torted heads (Glyptaiichen, etc.), tremendously-elongated fins (Ptcrois, etc.), skins covered with curious weed-like appendages (Scorpcena, etc.), and in nearly all of them the head is set with more or less dangerous spines, some of which are erectile. Amongst the Australian species the most noticeable are the Red Gurnet-Perch (Sebastapistes percoides), the Red Rock Cod (Scorpana cruenta), the Bullrout (Notesthes robusta), the Fortescue (Centropogon austral is) t the curious Goblin-Fish (Glyptauchcn panduratus), the Red Fire- Fish (Ptcrois rolitans) and the Velvet-Fish (Aploactis 192 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. milesii). Of these only the first three are of economic im- portance, the principal one being the Red Rock-Cod. The Red Gurnet-Perch is not uncommon along the coasts of New South Wales and Victoria, being also found in Tasmania and New Zealand. In Tasmania it is" known as "Rock Gurnet," while in New Zealand, where it is quite common, it is called "Sea Perch," or the Maori name of "Pohuiakaroa." In shape, it is somewhat like the Red Rock-Cod, but its form is devoid of the fleshy weed-like filaments which adorn the head and body of that species. Also, the head of the Red Rock-Cod is scaleless, while in the Red Gurnet-Perch, that portion down to the space be- tween the eyes, is covered with scales. Other differences also exist. In colouration, this species, like so many scorpsenoid fishes, is very beautiful ; but it requires to be seen while fresh to be properly appreciated. The following descrip- tion is chiefly from McCoy. It will be found to apply fairly well in most cases, though there is a certain amount of variation. Colour : variable ; cheeks, sides, tail and upper part of body orange, scarlet or vermilion, and carmine-red ; dotted or minutely-spotted with blackish-brown ; rendering the top of the head and the middle of the back darkest. On the sides are four irregular, broad, dark transverse bands, the first two not reaching to the abdominal profile and the last of which crosses the base of the caudal fin. These bands are formed by a confluence of the more numerous blackish freckles of the upper part of the body ; a few of which are also scattered between the bands. All the fins are of a vermilion, tinged with orange on the rays ; the membranous portions of the dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins being pale- purplish, the dorsal being strongly speckled with black at its base especially over the dark body-bands. The membranes of the ventral and anal fins are orange. In front of the pectoral fin and along the lower part of the sides is a yellow- ochre tint separating the red of the upper part from the pearly white of the throat and belly. Occurring as it does in fairly-deep water in rocky \\ii V ^*A ' \ w SCORPJENOID FISHES. 193 situations the Red Gurnet-Perch is usually only captured by hook and line. It usually attains a length of about 12 inches but at present is not greatly esteemed as food. The Red Rock-Cod is found along the greater part — if not the whole — of the eastern coast of Australia, abound- ing also in Tasmania. It is a very grotesque-looking fish ; having a large heavily-armed head, covered with ridges and spines. The eyes are large and between them is a deeply- concave space. Distributed over the head and body at in- tervals, are numerous short skinny appendages. The spines of the dorsal and anal fins are strong and acute. The colours of the Red Rock-Cod are very beautiful. The general colour is a rich carmine — very bright towards the back; while the lower parts are a pearly-white. There is a broad transverse pink spot, which is narrowest in the middle immediately at the back of the head on the occiput. The lower surface of the head is a pale red marbled with yellow with which colour the lips are banded. On the sides are scattered many dark chocolate-coloured spots, par- ticularly over the lower portions. This species is a rock-fish, being captured by hook and line with a flesh-bait on outside reefs and bomboras in fairly-shallow water along our coastline, being very abun- dant in the vicinity of Port Jackson. It is a very voracious fish, subsisting upon crustaceans, mollusks and other marine animals that are to be found in the vicinity of weedy-rocks. As food it is considered to be of value, as its flesh is of good flavour. Though the Red Rock-Cod is more often seen of a length of from 10 to 12 inches, it attains at least 18 inches. The Bullrout though an edible fish, is famed chiefly on account of the painful wound which it inflicts upon the unwary handler by means of the strong, sharp preorbital spines ; one of which is short and triangular, while the other is long and thorn-like. The fish is able to erect these spines at will, when they become really formidable weapons of defence. In colour this fish is brownish, marbled with black. i94 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Often the black is arranged in the form of broad, irregular, vertical bands. The possession of such an Ugly head coupled with its known power to cause such nasty wounds, has brought about in many people a strong feeling against using this fish as food and has even given rise to an idea in some quarters that the flesh is poisonous, but such a fear is altogether unwarranted, as the Bullrout is usually both wholesome and palatable. This species is one of those which, while occurring commonly in the upper portions of our harbours and estuaries also penetrate far up into the fresh-waters of our eastern rivers. When in fresh-water it usually assumes a more dingy tint. It loves to lurk in weedy patches, from where it dashes out suddenly upon its prey. Though occurring more commonly in New South Wales waters it is also found along part of the eastern coast of Queensland and probably in Victoria. It attains a length of about 12 inches, examples of 8 to 10 inches being more commonly seen. When captured this fish emits a loud and harsh grunt- ing sound. The Fortescue is somewhat similar to the preceding and is often considered by fishermen and others to be merely the young of the Bullrout ; but this idea is altogether wrong; as, of course, this species is quite distinct. The Fortescue inhabits, by preference, bottoms covered with marine growths ; such as are to be found near to and inside the entrances to some of our harbours — notably that oft* Vaucluse in Port Jackson. Its head is even more heavily- armed — that is relatively — than its larger congener; the spines being longer and still more acute ; and, like the latter, it uses this armature to produce very painful stinging wounds. In colour, this species is much lighter than the preced- ing, being of a light yellowish-grey with dark vertical bands at intervals along the body. Though the Fortescue attains not uncommonly a length of 6 inches, the size of those more usually seen is from 3 to 4 inches. SCQRPMNOID FISHES. 1 95 It is most abundant on the coast of New South Wales, and is known to occur along the coasts of Queensland and Victoria. The Goblin-Fish is one of those remarkable animals that appear more like creatures of a frenzied imagination rather than perfectly normal natural productions. Such a gro- tesque shape it would be truly difficult to imagine. Space will not permit me to here describe this fish in detail, but I may mention in passing that it reminds one of nothing Fig. 08. — GOBLIN-FISH (Glyptauchcii panduratus). so much as an unfledged parrot. It is a somewhat rare fish and is found on the coast of New South Wales, as well as the Southern seaboard of Australia. It attains a length of about 6 inches. The Red Fire-Fish is remarkable for the tremendous elongation of the rays and spines of the fins. It is a brightly-coloured fish. It is really a tropical species, being uncommon on the coast of New South Wales. The Velvet-Fish is an exceedingly curious-looking species. It has a very leathery skin covered all over with small protuberances suggesting in a way, velvet-pile ; whence its name. Along each side is a row of larger protuber- ances. The ground colour of the body is a rich brown, while many of the papillae or protuberances are tipped with orange-yellow or red. 198 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. wonderful assimilation of its colours to the prevailing hues of whatever bottom it is on; on muddy bottoms being a dirty brownish-black with transverse bars of black, while in sandy places a light sandy-grey is assumed. The Dusky Flathead is exceedingly ravenous ; nothing much in the way of animal food coming amiss to it. It is one of the commonest of our food-fishes, the flesh being of good flavour and much appreciated. The Rock Flathead is more particularly a Victorian fish, being more common on that coast. It is not uncommon on the most southern portions of the New South Wales coast, but is rarely obtained as high up as Port lackson. It occurs also in Tasmania, ( ?) South Australia, and Western Australia. If one took a rubber duplicate of a typical Dusky Flat- head from New South Wales, and stretched it out so that it became relatively much longer, narrower and rounder he would have a very fair resemblance to the Rock Flathead. In its colours it is somewhat similar to the Dusky Flat- head, but the sides are very prettily mottled with white and when fresh there are very distinct dark crossbands. This species is considerably smaller than the preceding, growing to a length of less than 2 feet. The Long spined Flathead is a small, large-bellied species, occurring on the coast of New South Wales. It is not uncommon on sandy patches in deep water off a number of the beaches in the vicinity of Sydney. In this Flathead there is a great development of the lower of two preopercular spines (on each side) this being exceedingly large and sharp. From this character, the fish is known to the fishermen of Coogee by the very appropriate name of "Spikey." This only attains a length of about 12 or 13 inches, even that being considered very large, and it is sexually mature at a length of 7 or 8 inches. It is of a light sandy colour, spotted over with small, brilliant, red or vermilion spots. The Variegated FJathead I have included solely be- cause of its remarkable appearance and beautiful colours. GURNARDS OR GURNETS. 199 It is a native of New South Wales, where, partly be- cause of its habits, it is not often obtained. It is a short, thick-bodied Flathead. The scales are rough and the head is covered with prominent ridges and spines. The colours are very brilliant, being very similar to those of the "Red Rock-Cod" and like that fish it has a number of skinny tentacles growing upon its head. It grows to about 15 inches in length, but is not obtained in sufficient numbers to be used as food. GURNARDS OR GURNETS. (Family: Triglidce.) THE Gurnards are well-known to most people, their well- armed or well-armoured "bull-heads" or the beautiful butterfly-like "wings" being familiar objects to most people. In species they are fairly numerous, occurring in consider- able numbers in most seas lying within the tropical and temperate zones, and inhabiting water ranging from a few feet down to moderate ocean depths. Many of the species are possessed of the most magnificent colours while they are alive and in their natural surroundings. They may be observed to great advantage in an aquarium, where their movements will be found to be most interesting. One of their principal characteristics, noticed by all authors dealing with these fishes, is the three curious finger-like pectoral rays below each pectoral fin, from which they are quite free ; acting in quite an independent manner. The ventral fins are sometimes very large, but it is the pectorals wrhich especially claim our attention; these being frequently ex- ceedingly large, membranous and wing-like, and orna- mented with the most brilliant and indescribably-beautiful colours. Normally, these beautifully-coloured though grotesque-looking fishes frequent the bottom, upon which they crawl about, using their free pectoral rays — which may 200 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. be curved somewhat like fingers — as a kind of legs ; but at times certain of them seek the surface waters, from which they take short flying-leaps (with their pectoral fins spread out), skipping over the surface for considerable distances. From this habit equally with their possession of the large pectorals various species in different parts of the world have derived the name of "Flying Gurnard" — a name, how- ever, which it is better to restrict to the "Sea-Robin" or Dactylopterus (page 202). Amongst the Australian Gurnards may be mentioned the Red or Kumu Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) and the Sharp-beaked Gurnard (Pterygotrigla polyommatd). The Kumu Gurnard is an inhabitant of many waters ; having a very extensive geographical range. It is found along the whole of the eastern coast of Australia as well as in Tasmania, and has been recorded from Western Aus- tralia. Outside of Australia it occurs in the waters of New Zealand (where it is abundant), South Africa, the Malay Archipelago, China and Japan. It appears highly probable that it will be found to be distributed in suitable localities right round Australia. Along the coast of New South Wales, this Gurnard is quite common ; though, as it fre- quents rough ground, it does not often come within the scope of the fisherman's net and consequently is not brought to the markets in any quantity. Young examples are com- mon on bottoms around rocky headlands in places like the lower parts of Port Jackson,* being occasionally captured by "prawners" using a sunken-net. The upper parts of the Kumu Gurnard and the sides of the head are of a reddish or reddish-brown colour; the lower surface being whitish. The large fan-shaped pec- torals are exceedingly beautiful, but must be seen to be properly appreciated. In New Zealand this is known by the Maori name of Kumu (or Kumukumu) and I have here used that prefix: in preference to that of "Red" as the latter is rather mis- leading ; the Sharp-beaked Gurnard, though very different, having a tint ot red also as the prevailing colour. The Kumu Gurnard is an excellent table fish, and * Ogilby was evidently not familiar with this fact, as he stated in his " Kilible Fishes'" (page 110) that "the fry are never seen in our harbours.'' GURNARDS OR GURNETS.- 201 grows to a length of twenty inches, though those brought to market are usually considerably below that size. The Sharp beaked Gurnard has a considerable dis- tribution along the southern half of the Australian coastline, being found in the waters of New South Wales, Victoria, ( ?) bouth Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. It is usually termed by amateur fishermen and others "Flying" ( iiirnard. a name which — as previously pointed out — is more correctly applied to another fish. In this species the head is very heavily armed, there being two large and powerful, flattened spines projecting in front of the snout and four others which are long, rounded and acute, at the back of the head (two on each side), there being also two or three short blunted ones on the lower part of the preopercle on each side. In addition to all these, there is a very long and strong, ridged spine on each side upon the clavicle, above the pectoral fin. The eyes are very large and are situated right at the top of the head, there being a deep concave space between them. Fig. 70.— SHARP-BEAKED GURNARD (Merygotrigla polyommata). The general colour of the Sharp-beaked Gurnard is a beautiful reddish-pink ; the lower parts being whitish, while along each side is a broad silver band. It grows to a length of about twenty inches. This fish is fairly common on outside sandy grounds in moderately-deep water along the New South Wales coast, at least as far up as Camden Haven. It is captured bv means of hook and line with a flesh bait. Considerable 202 • FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. quantities are caught by professional fishermen in the offing at Coogee (near Sydney). In regard to their capture in Tasmanian waters, Johnston (quoted by Ogilby) wrote in 1882, as follows : "At times during the winter season, these beautifully-coloured fishes, with their gaudily-painted pec- toral wings, may be seen around our wharves in small schools, dashing, or rather flying, through the water with sudden bounds, after their prey. . . . They are rarely cap- tured however, on our coasts ; and are, therefore, unimpor- tant here, from a commercial point of view." Though, the foregoing quotation is of interest, it is not correct to des- cribe the pectoral fins as "wings" nor their mode of pro- gression out of the water as "flying." Though the Sharp-beaked Gurnard has been twice re- corded from Western Australia, little is known of its occur- rence in the waters of that State. FLYING GURNARDS OR SEA-ROBINS. (Family : Ccphdlacanthidcr..} IN these fishes, the head is a parallelepiped ; the upper sur- face and the sides being entirely hard and bony. From the hinder portion of the head, on each side, there is an enormous spine pointing backwards. The pectoral fin on each side is so greatly enlarged as to almost form a kind of wing. The principal one amongst these fishes, and that which :s found on our coasts, is the Flying Gurnard or Sea-Robin (Cephalacanthus spinarella) . These fishes and the true Flying-Fishes are the only fishes which are enabled by their long pectoral fins to take sustained flying leaps out of the water. When young, the pectoral fins of the Flying-Gur- nard are much shorter ; and, consequently, the fish is unable to raise itself from the water. On our coast, this species attains a length of 12 or more inches. (In connection with the technical name of this species, it is worthy of mention that the fish will usually be found FLYING GURNARDS OR SEA-ROBINS. 203 Fig. 71. — FLYIXI; (JTRXARDS (Cepfalecanthus spinarella). 204 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. referred to in past literature under the name of Dactylop- terus orientalis) . LEPTOSCOPOID FISHES. (Family: Leptoscopidce.) THIS family is remarkable, in that it includes the largest known deep-sea Teleostean fish — Macrius amissus — an im- perfectly-known species, which measures 5 feet in length and was obtained at a depth of 1000 fathoms in the Pacific Ocean. Another noteworthy fact, is, that one of the smaller fresh-water species, lives in alpine torrents in New Zealand. According to Boulengers arrangement about 25 species are included in this family, ranging from the tropics to the Antarctic Circle. One species which was taken home by the Southern Cross Expedition was captured in 78° 35' S. Fig. 72.— LEPTOSCOPUS (LeptO9Copus macropyy-ns). lat., the farthest point at which fishes have yet been ob- tained in the Antarctic region. Perhaps the most notice- able Australian member of this family is the fish known as Leptoscopus macropygus—a. kind of "Star-gazer." This is an exceedingly curious-looking fish, having a large, broad head, which is entirely covered with a thin, soft skin; the body being elongate and covered with small scales. The scales of the lateral line are twice as large as those of the adjoining series, a fact that is worthy of note as it is of great assistance in the identification of this fish. There is NOTOTHENIOID FISHES. —STAR-GAZERS. 205 one long, low dorsal fin : with a still longer anal fin and a broad fan-like pectoral. The gill-cover is unarmed — there being none of those nasty dangerous spines which are to be seen in the Star- gazers of the family Uranoscopida*. In colour, the upper half of the head and body are olive, mottled with brown ; the lateral line being also brownish. This species has been obtained in Port Jackson — where it is rare — and also in Xew Zealand ; on the coasts of which it i^ more common. NOTOTHENIOID FISHES. ( Family : Nototheniidce.) THIS rather unimportant family is composed of fishes obtained chiefly from the Southern Hemisphere, some being from the Antarctic regions. Of the Australian species, the most important is the little Whiting-like fish known in South Australia and Tasmania as Sandy* (Psendaphritis urrillii}. It is common in the lower parts of the Murray River ( in South Australia) and in Tasmania; occurring also in Victoria and New South Wales. The curious-looking' fish known as Bovichthys variegatits, which is found on the coasts of both New South Wales and New Zealand, is also a member of this familv. THE STAR GAZERS. (Family: Uranoscopidcz.') ABOUT 15 species of these curious and grotesque-looking creatures are known from various parts of the world. They are remarkable for the large, broad and thick head, which is partly covered with bony plates, the cleft of the mouth pointing upwards almost vertically. The eyes are very * Known commonly on the Lower Murray by the uative name of "Congolly/' OF THE UNIVERSITY OF 206 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. small and can be raised or depressed at will. Of sluggish disposition, as befits their structure, they generally remain hidden away at the bottom of the waters they frequent, lurking in some cases amongst rocks and in others burying themselves in the sand ; the eyes and the edge of the mouth only being uncovered — only being visible, I was about to say, but that expression would hardly apply; as, owing to their protective colouration, it is almost impossible to dis- tinguish any of these fishes when at rest in their natural surroundings. Amongst the Australian species may be mentioned the Mottled Star-gazer (Anema inerme) and the Stone-lifter (Kathetostoma Iceve). The Mottled Star-gazer is a native of the coasts of India, Ceylon, Japan and Eastern Australia. Along parts of the northern half of the New South Wales coastline it is not uncommon though rarely captured. Though "hauling - nets" are often drawn over the kind of ground frequented by this species, it is enabled to escape capture by its habit of burrowing into the sand — the net passing over it. Lurking quietly and craftily in this position, it snaps up the unwary searcher for such delicacies as "pippies" and sand-worms. The mouth has a curious fringed appearance, this assisting to deceive its prey. Recently there passed through my hands a specimen of this Star-gazer, which had been found lying dead, buried in the sand at Pelican Island, Brisbane Water (N.S.W.), and jammed tightly by the head in its mouth was a fair-sized Black Bream, also dead. Here was re- vealed a rather pitiful tale. Nemesis had at last overtaken the crafty one; like most villains he had at last attempted too much and had "fallen in." All of the upper surface of this fish is very prettily marbled or mottled with black and white, with occasionally, several distinct, dark cross-bands. In addition to being found in shallow water, it is interesting to note, that the Mottled Star-gazer was trawled from the "Thetis" in 1898 off the coast of New South Wales at a depth of from 63 to 75 fathoms — showing that it possesses quite a considerable bathymetrical distribution. In India, it is known in parts by the appropriate native TRICHONOTOID FISHES, 207 name of "Nillum koranjan" ; meaning "a diver into the mud." On the coast of New South Wales it reaches a length of about 15 inches. The. Stone-lifter : This species is still more quaint- looking than the preceding; though in its shape it is very similar. The upper parts of the head are very strongly armoured and there are two long, acute and strong spines — one on each side — at the back of the head over the pectoral fins. There are other spines of a less dangerous character underneath the head. The ventral fins in this — as in the mottled Star-gazer — are very large and strong; and are used principally in the process of burrowing. This fish is of a yellowish colour with, usually, two or three broad dark bands. In the waters of Victoria and Tasmania it is quite plen- tiful, but is rather uncommon in those of New South Wales. It. also, is found outside of Australia. In Tasmania it is known as the "Cat-Fish." The name of "Stone-lifter" has been derived from the habit credited to this species, of burrowing under stones. It attains a length of about 20 inches. TRICHONOTOID FISHES. ( Family : Trichonotidcz. ) THESE are small elongate fishes which are very nearly re- lated to the Dragonets. All of them are marine. Three species, of which the names are here given, are known to occur in the waters of New South Wales ; viz. : Creedia has- ivelli, Limnichthys fasciatus and Schizochirus insolens. From an economic standpoint they are of no value. 210 F I SPIES OF AUSTRALIA. THE BLENNIES. (Family : Blenniidtz^} THE Blennies form a very large family. Most of them are very small and very curious-looking fishes. They are nearly all shore- frequenting fishes; consequently, most of us are quite familiar with the appearance of one or other of them, even if we are not always able to recognise the species to which they belong. They are distributed abundantly in all temperate and tropical seas — a few having become adapted for an existence in fresh-water. Although they may be quite properly termed "a family of Gullivers" there are amongst them a few "Brobdingnagians." The greatest of these is the ferocious Wolf- Fish (Anarrhichas lupus}, called also the "Sea-Wolf" or "Sea-Cat." This gigantic Blenny grows to a length of more than 6 feet and inhabits the northern seas of Europe. Amongst the Australian Blennies, there is one of con- siderable economic importance. This is the so-called "Slippery" or River Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus] , also known occasionally as the "Marbled River-Cod. ;r Others that are worthy of mention are: the Joey (Lepi- doblennius geminatus), the Oyster Blenny (P,etroscirtes anolis), the Crested Weed - Fish (Cmsticeps macleayi) the Red -Indian Fish (Pat&cus fronto) and the Hair- tailed Blenny (Xiphasiasetifer). The River Blackfish is, as its name implies, a fluvia- tile fish ; being found abundantly in parts of Tasmania, Vic- toria, South Australia and New South Wales. I mention Tasmania and Victoria first, because they appear to be the principal home of this species. It is also one of the giant Blennies (though not nearly so large as that previously mentioned), attaining a length of more than 24 inches. At the same time, the average of those caught is not much more than half that size. In country parts, this species is looked upon as being of considerable value as an edible fish; and as a sporting fish, it is of no mean order, taking the bait readily and "showing fight." Like many fresh-water fishes it is car- THE BLENNIES. 211 nivorous, subsisting upon larval aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, etc. It must be distinctly understood that there is no affinity whatever between this fish and the Blackfish pro- perly so-called. It should always be called the "River Blackfish" (the "River" being a more essential part of the name than the "Blackfish'') or else the "Slippery"; the Fig. 74.— RIVER BLACKFISH (Gadopsis marmoratus) . latter being, perhaps, more preferable, as it is not likely to create any confusion in the observer's mind. The Joey: All of you in New South Wales who have visited the seaside, and have walked along the shoreline among the rock-pools, must have seen that pretty little varie- gated fish the colours of which, harmonise so well with the surrounding rock, and which makes short quick darts from one place to another; instantly, upon coming to a state of rest, being lost to sight ; through its protective colouration. This is the little "Joev-" Some people think that these are little "Flathead," but they have no affinity with the latter. The Joey is very common along a great portion of the New South Wales coast attaining a length of about 4 inches. The Oyster Blenny : I have given this title to a very curious little fish (with a cassowary-like helmet on its head), which is very often to be found amongst dead and empty oyster-shells, along the coast of New South Wales. It is of a deep greenish colour, or sometimes blackish. The dorsal fin is very pretty and is very high, a little beyond the middle. This little Blenny grows to a length of about 3 inches. At any time of the year it may be found frequenting the empty oyster-shells; but, during the spawning season, larger numbers are to be found, as in the shells their 212 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. curious eggs — which are demersal and adhesive — are de- posited. These eggs are arranged in patches, one against the other, and not in masses, as are some demersal eggs. The whole story in regard to these eggs, their deposition, and the rearing of the young which hatch out from them, still remains to be told ; but that it will be a very pretty story of paternal and maternal care cannot be doubted. The parents show great ferocity during the period in which the eggs are hatching, watching over them and driving away, or attempting to drive away, all intruders. The Crested Weed-Fish: This very peculiar-looking fish, which has two dorsal fins (one of them being situated at the back of the head — hence its name), is, though seldom seen by the majority of even waterside folk, quite common in suitable localities along the eastern coastline of Australia, or at least in New South Wales. (If Castelnau's Cristi- ceps macleayi is synonymous with the C. australis of Cuvier and Valenciennes, as appears to be not altogether impro- bable, then the species exists in Victoria and Tasmania as well.) The Crested Weed-Fish loves to dwell amongst weeds in fairly-deep water; either on sandy bottoms or amongst rocks ; its pretty, mottled markings enabling it to escape the detection of predaceous fishes, and, at the same time, no doubt, assisting it to obtain its food, which is of an animal nature. As I have found, this little fish has a fairly-large stomach-capacity and it preys to a certain extent upon the "Little Rock-Whiting" (Odax balteatus) which frequents localities of a somewhat similar character. This species, is of particular interest, because of the •fact, that it brings forth its young alive, though they are very tiny. It attains a length of about 10 inches, the more common size being from about 6 to 7 inches. The Red-Indian Fish: I am sure that when any of you see an example of this most remarkable-looking species, you will think that the common name which I have chosen is very suitable, as the suggestion of a North American "Red Indian" with his crest of feathers running from the back of his head down his back, is most pronounced. Alto- THE FROG-FISHES. 213 gather it is one of the most comical-looking fishes that swim. It is very high at the front of the head, from which the body tapers away rapidly down to the tail. The long and high dorsal fin begins immediately at the front of the head (where it is very high) and runs along the whole of the body, being connected by a membrane with the caudal fin. The anal fin is not connected with the caudal. The "face" is quite cadaverous-looking; in fact, the fish looks more like a caricature than a reality. When fresh the whole fish, with the exception of a few spots, is of a most- beautiful reddish hue. It attains a length of about 8 or 9 inches, and lives in weedv, rocky localities, along parts of the coast of New South Wales, having been also recorded from the shores of Western Australia. I have seen some very handsome specimens from Port Jackson and Bondi, N.S.W. The Hair-tailed Blenny : This remarkable-looking fish is an inhabitant of Indian seas and has been recorded from the coast of New South Wales, where it is exceed- ingly rare. It has a long, eel-like body; the tail ending in a long, fine filament. Very little is known concerning this species. It is said to be venomous. The accompanying illustration, which is taken from a figure in Day's "Fishes of India," will serve to show what a quaint-looking fish this is. THE FROG-FISHES. (Family: Batrachidcz.} THESE are described as small, sluggish, voracious and car- nivorous fishes, frequenting the shores of tropical and sub- tropical seas; some of them ascending rivers. They have broad and thick heads with elongate bodies, compressed pos- teriorly; the skin being either naked or with small scales. The most remarkable members of the family are two species 2i4 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. of Thalassophryne from Central America, in which the first dorsal fin is formed by two spines only; each of which is hollow (as is also a spine on the operculum), and conveys the contents of a poison-bag situated at its base into any wounds inflicted by the points of the spines. Wounds from these fishes are said to cause death and native fishermen are exceedingly careful to avoid standing upon them. A common representative of this family in Australian waters is the Frog-Fish (Batrachus dubius). This is often to be met with in Port Jackson and other localities. Appar- ently, it ranges from New Guinea to Tasmania. It is a squat-looking tadpole-like fish, having a smooth, soft, naked skin which, though darkly coloured, is rather prettily mot- tled. Small, tentacle-like weedy growths are placed all round the mouth and on other parts, these with the dark mottlings contributing to give to the fish a protective re- semblance to the weed amongst which it is usually found. Wounds inflicted by the spines of this fish are very painful. The Frog- Fish grows to a length of 6 or 7 inches. ZOARGOID FISHES. (Family: Zoarcida.) SPEAKING in a general way, this family of fishes is but little met with ; consequently, with few exceptions, they are unfamiliar to the majority of people. They are widely dis- tributed; many of them being adapted for an existence in great ocean depths. They have a more-or-less elongate body and there is usually no distinct caudal fin, the dorsal and anal fins forming — as in the Australian Rockling — one continuous fringing fin. Included in this family are the curious Cave-fishes of Cuba, which are organised for an existence in subterranean waters — never coming to the light — the eyes being either absent or quite rudimentary, and covered by the skin ; while others are found in depths of 2,500 fathoms (nearly 3 THE AUSTRALIAN ROCK LING. 215 miles). Two specimens only, of one species, known as Typhlonus nasns measuring 10 inches in length were dredged by the "Challenger" Expedition off the north-east coast of Australia at a depth of 2,440 fathoms. This is a very remarkable-looking fish, possessing curious protuber- ances formed by projecting portions of the cranium, occu- pying the upper and side surfaces of the head ; there being also one in the front and another on each side of the snout, these being very conspicuous. In this species the eye is not externally visible, being reduced to a minute rudiment hidden below the skin. THE AUSTRALIAN ROCKLING. ( Family : Ophidiidce. ) THE members of this family are marine, carnivorous fishes from Atlantic and Southern Pacific coasts, as well as from great depths in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans (Boulenger). About 25 species are known. They have usually narrow, elongate bodies and large heads and are chiefly of small size. The only representative of this family of any import- ance, that is resident in our waters, is the Australian Rockling (Genypterus blacodes). This is a widely-distri- buted fish, in addition to its Australian habitat, being known to occur on the coasts of New Zealand, Chile and Peru. A closely-allied species in South Africa is known as "Klip- visch." The Australian Rockling is most abundant on the coast of Victoria, seldom being seen on any part of the New South Wales coast.* It is a comparatively-large, somewhat Eel- shaped fish, growing to a length of over 3 feet. As in the other members of this family, there are no true ventral fins, these being replaced by a pair of bifid filaments or barbels, which are placed beneath the lower jaw. The pos- * There is a fine example in the collection of the New South Wales Department of Fisheries, this being from Jervis Bay. 216 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. session of these and of also such wide, open gill-openings, would enable the veriest tyro to at once distinguish this fish from any of the Eels; this is worthy of note, as there is some tendency for the uninitiated to confuse it with the latter. Fig. 75. — AUSTRALIAN ROCKLING (Oenypterus Wacodes). This species is stated to be not uncommon in the Mel- bourne market, being moderately good for table purposes. Thoiijgh the Australian Rockling cannot lay claim to that gracefulness of form which is so apparent in many of our other fishes, its colours are very attractive. The head and body are of a rich purplish-brown above, with a deli- cate lilac tint, stronger towards the posterior end, irregularly marbled with confluent spots of dark vandyke-brown. The cheeks and the upper part of the iris have a rich coppery- red, bronze tint ; the lower part of the iris being silvery. The lower part of the body and the belly, are yellowish-white, without mottlings. The fins are also very nicely marked. Before dismissing this species, I might mention that in New Zealand it is known as "Ling" and also as "Cloudy- Bay Cod." It is quite common in Cook Strait and on other parts of the New Zealand coast to the southward. There, it is stated to attain as great a length as 5 feet with a weight of 15 to 20 pounds. Large numbers are captured by hook and line as the fish is very voracious, taking the bait greedily. RIBBON-FISHES. ( Family : Trackyptcridce. ) AT least two species of this very remarkable family inhabit Australian waters. These are the Southern Ribbon-Fish RIBBON-PISHES. 217 (Trachvptcrns jacksonensis} , and the Oar-Fish, better known as "King-of-the-Herrings" (Regalecus glesne}. The Ribbon-Fishes have a band-like body, which may measure as much as 15 or 20 feet in length, with a depth of i foot and a thickness of, often, not more than an inch. This terminates in a short and deep head possessing large "saucer-eyes" and a highly-protractile mouth, which, rela- tively-speaking, is not very large. The teeth are very feebly developed. There is generally a high dorsal fin, composed of a very numerous series of rays, which are neither arti- culated nor branched ; and this fin runs from the back of the head to the tail. There is a small detached portion on the crown of the head, elevated into tall filaments. Fig. 76. — GAB-FISH (Regaln-n There is no anal fin and they do not possess any scales. The young, which are not un frequently found at the sur- face of the ocean, are very unlike the adults, having the body more like that of an ordinary fish, but remarkable for the enormous development of the rays of the front part of the dorsal and ventral fins. The dorsal rays are often several times the length of the whole fish, and are furnished at intervals with barb-like expansions. Ribbon-Fishes are usually of a most brilliant, uniformly silvery appearance, with roseate fins. The Oar-Fish is so named because of the long oar-like ventral fins, while the name of "King-of-the- 218 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. Herrings" was derived from the idea that it accompanied shoals of Herrings. Dead or dying Ribbon-Fishes lying or swimming at the surface of the ocean, have, no doubt in some cases, been responsible for tales of sea-serpents. It is the Oar-Fish which has been known to reach a length of 20 feet. ANGLER-FISHES OR FISHING-FROGS. (Family: Antennariidce.) AMONGST the curious and remarkable beings that inhabit our waters, certainly not the least curious are the little Angler-Fishes, which are also known under various other names, such as "Fishing-Frogs" and "Walking -Fishes." There are quite a number of species of these in Australian waters, and they all have the same general habit of luring their prey to them by means of a contrivance on the top of the head, which acts as a fishing-rod and bait, so that here we have the artful human angler in piscine form. One of the species is jet black and has a crimson mouth. It lives in fairly-deep water, generally on a dark muddy bottom. Without going into detail in regard to the various species, I will content myself with describing one of the most familiar examples — the little Striped Angler-Fish (Antennarius striatus}. This is to be found living amongst the weed on the bottom in shallow and rather sandy parts, and is one of the quaintest-looking fishes imaginable. Its short, plump body, which, out of the water, feels very flabby to the touch, is covered with a rough, sand-papery, scale- less skin, the ground colour of which, is a light brown or a fawn colour; having all over it, running in all direc- tions, dark-brown stripes of varying width and shape. The great contrast of these colours, would lead the observer, upon first viewing it, to think that the fish must be a very conspicuous object in the water, but such is certainly not the case, as anyone may prove for himself. Even if one ANGLER-FISHES OR FISHING-FROGS. 219 of these be placed on a sandy bottom in clean water, it is hard to believe that it is not merely a variegated piece of seaweed. But it is when the fish is seen in its proper haunts, that the beauty of its protective colouration is apparent. Though I say "when it is seen" this can reallv only be if the fish moves about. Let it remain stationary, as is its habit; or, let the observer turn his eyes away for a moment, and he will certainly not be able to locate ;t again. There may be dozens at a time within actual visual range of a person, and he will not be aware of it unless they move fast — and what is fast for them is very slow for most other fishes. The usual mode of progression (when that is necessary), is a kind of walking; the pectoral and ventral fins — particularly the latter — being so wonderfully modified, as to form a sort of legs. This fish is not at all Fig. 77. — ANGLER-FISH (Antrnmii-in* immmifer.) adapted for swimming freely in the water — like a Yellow- tail, for instance — nor does it attempt to; excepting when it is necessary to travel from one weed-patch to another. The tail is very small, and not at all powerful enough to drive the fish along at any speed. The food of the Striped Angler-Fish consists prin- cipally of active little Shrimps and Prawns — though small fishes are also occasionally taken. Now, to the average reader, who is unfamiliar with the habits of this fish, it will appear quite paradoxical, that such a sluggish fish should be able to live upon such active crustaceans. But it can be explained. If anyone examines the mouth of one of these, he will find that the brown stripes of the head and 220 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. :"' body are continued right into the mouth on to the palate and the top of the tongue. The result is that the mouth might be wide open and no one — not even a little Shrimp at close quarters — could tell that it was. Now, growing on the end of the snout, and immediately over the centre of the mouth, is a thin but stiff filament, about 24 to i inch in length, forming a fishing-rod ; and, on the end of this little rod, is a soft, fleshy appendage, which is the bait. This appendage is divided at its extremity into several soft, short filaments, so as — no doubt — to give a rough general resemblance to some small marine animal. When the little Angler feels that it is hungry, all that it has to do is to rest amongst the weed, open its mouth, wag its little fishing-rod and bait about, and one or other of the little Shrimps, which are very plentiful in these localities, will be sure to come after the tempting morsel, probably even standing right on the brink of the little tyrant's mouth in the act. Comparatively-large Shrimps are swallowed whole by the Anglers without being in any way mutilated. Nothing is known in regard to the breeding habits of any of our Angler-Fishes, but one species which dwells upon the floating "Gulf-weed" makes a wonderful nest, sus- pended by means of silk-like fibres, which prove strong enough to support the huge bunches of eggs, that hang like grape-clusters within its orbicular case. Each nest is made of one seaweed; the different "twigs" being brought to- gether and made fast to each other by the fish, by means of a pasty sort of substance provided by the animal itself. The species of Angler- Fish here illustrated (Fig. 77), is one of our less common kinds. THE LEATHERJACKETS OR FILEFISHES. (Family: Balistldte.) MANY kinds of Leather jackets swarm in Australian seas. They are the bete noire of both amateur and professional fishermen; and, of the latter, perhaps the Crayfishermen are the greatest sufferers from their depredations; as they LEATHERJACKETS OR FILEFISHES. 221 get into the Crayfish-pots and eat the bait. Several of the species attain to a large or fairly-large size, and are of some economic importance. They may all be recognised at once as Leatherjackets by even the most casual observer, on account of the rough leathery skin and the sharp, often high, serrated and barbed spine behind the head on the back. In size, our Leatherjackets range from the wee little green fellow of little more than an inch or two (Monacanthus trossulus) up to the common large yellow one sometimes known as "Chinaman" which attains to a length of upwards of two feet (Monacanthus ayraudi). The barbed- spine (just mentioned), at the back of the head, is really the remnant of the first dorsal fin which in fishes of a closely-allied genus, Batistes, still exists. It is from the barbed and serrated nature of this spine, that they have received the name of File-Fishes. The tough skin covered over with the exceedingly rough and small scales is respon- sible for the other name of "Leatherjackets," by which they are most familiar to us. In these fishes both jaws are armed with eight strong, incisor-like teeth, and with these they are able to crush up very hard substances, such as the shells of Mollusks and Crabs, etc. Some of them are at times very destructive to young edible Oysters. Their rough scutes or scales are so small as to give to the skin quite a velvety appearance. Some of these scales are mush- room-shaped and others are spinous. They all make most interesting objects for the microscope. The term "scales" is here really not quite correct as they are more properly described as "dermal papillae." Some of the species possess -a peculiar armature on each side of the tail, that of the male being usually different to what is found on the female. This armature may consist either of simple spines arranged in rows, or of the development of the minute spines of some of the scales on each side of the tail, into long, stiff bristles ; so that a patch is formed, which looks very much like a tooth-brush. Both of these different forms of armature are to be found in well-known Australian species. As it will be quite impossible within the scope of such a general little work as this, to even casually mention even 222 FISHHS OF AUSTRALIA. a few of our many species of Australian Leather jackets, I will have to content myself with two well-known forms ; namely, the " Orange-spotted Leatherjacket " (Monacan- thus hippocrepis*) and the "Yellow Leatherjacket " Mona- canthus ayraudi) . The Orange-spotted Leatherjacket is a large and handsome species, which occasionally finds it way into the fish markets at Sydney (at least). It is essentially an "out- side" fish and is taken at times by line-fishermen in the vicinity of reefs and rocky shores. The species is very widely-distributed in Australia; as, in addition to its occur- rence on the coast of New South Wales, it is known to be an inhabitant of the waters of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia; though at the same time practically nothing is known as to its relative abundance in those waters. It may very properly be regarded as one of our food-fishes, as its flesh is of good flavour and it attains Fig. 78. — OBANGE-SPOTTED LEATHERJACKET ( Monacanthus hippocrepis ) . to a length of over 18 inches. When alive it possesses the most lovely tints, the upper or dorsal surface being of an olive-green or vellowish-green and shading into a lighter tint below. On the middle of each side is a large, irregular blotch, of a bright orange-colour, within which, a horseshoe- shaped band is sometimes present. The lips are surrounded by two or three dull, blue, yellow-edged ban ds, and the sides of the abdomen, with narrow waving bands of an intense LEATHER JACKETS OR FlLEFISHES. 223 blue. Even the most prosaic person, on viewing this splen- did-looking fish, must be filled with admiration. The scales are rough yet velvety, and upon each side of the tail peduncle are three pairs of very strong curved spines. The Yellow Leather] acket is a very common fish on the coast of New South Wales, and, like the one just mentioned, in its adult state is principally taken by line on the outside reefs, by fishermen engaged in fishing for Snapper. At times vast shoals occur, and upon such occa- sions, fishing with the hope of capturing anything else is altogether out of the question. In many instances, where it is itself hooked, its powerful and sharp teeth enable it to cut the line with the greatest of ease. Occasionally num- bers of them are brought to market and sold. The demand for them is gradually increasing, and it will still further increase as their good esculent properties become better known. As with all the Leather jackets it is better to skin these fishes before cooking. This is quite a simple matter, as the tough skin is very readily pulled off the body. The colour of this species is usually a uniform yellow or yellowish-brown in the adult; while the young have a ground colour of yellow, upon which are several dark longi- tudinal stripes running from the head to the tail. The young are exceedingly common sometimes, near the en- trances to some of the bays and estuaries of New South Wales : and. with several other species of Leather jackets, are taken by the fishermen in swarms. The net-fishermen of course, have a great detestation of these pests ; not only because of their uselessness to them, but because they be- come entangled in the meshes of the net by the dorsal spine, and then it is a labour to extricate them. They are usually thrown up on the beach to die. The Yellow Leather jacket reaches a length of about two feet. A curious-looking Australian Leather jacket which pos- sesses on each side of the tail, those peculiar tooth-brush-like areas before mentioned is known as Monacanthits guntheri. 224 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. BOX-FISHES OR TRUNK-FISHES. ( Family : Ostraciontidce. ) THE remarkable fishes which form this family are totally unlike any that we have so far discussed ; as, in these, the skin of the body forms a hard, continuous carapace, consisting of hexagonal plates laid together like a mosaic pavement. The only portions of the skin that are not hard- ened are those immediately around the mouth, tail, and fins, so as to enable these to have a free movement. Several interesting Box-Fishes inhabit our waters. One of these is the Linked Box- Fish (Lactophrys concatenates). This is a funny-looking little fellow with a three-sided body and a most severe-looking little face. It is of a deep-greenish colour, and is usually of small size. It is not uncommon on parts of the New South Wales coast, being obtainable in small numbers at all times on the bottom off Vaucluse, in Port Jackson. Fig. 79. — HORNED Box-Fisn (Ostracion cornutum). Another one of these curious and quaint-looking crea- tures is the Horned Box-Fish (Ostracion cornutum). This attains to a length of about 15 inches, and has a four-sided carapace, with two long spines, like horns, jutting straight out from the top of the head, and two more of about equal length below the tail. (This is the species in our illustration.) It occurs also in India. Other kinds also are found in our seas ; principal among which is the Lenticular Box-Fish ' Aracana lenticularis) . THE TOAD-PISHES. 225 THE TOAD-FISHES (Family : Tetrodontidce^ THE most familiar example of this family, to most of my readers, is that plump little spotted fish, to be seen usually near the top of the water, swimming around the rocks near sandy localities. This is the Toado (Tetrodon hamil- toni), which reaches a length of 4 to 5 inches. It is some- times caught on the small-boy's line with a "fly-hook" and often comes within the scope of the fisherman's hauling-net. All Toad-Fishes have the power of inflating their bodies, puffing them out often to a prodigious extent, until they appear like footballs. Our little Toado possesses this habit and it is known to many of our boys ; who, I am sorry to say, often indulge in the rather cruel "sport" of rolling the little fish on the sand to make it puff itself out; and when it has done this, of jumping on it suddenly; bursting it with a loud report. There are many kinds of these Toad-Fishes in our seas, some of which reach a length of more than 2 feet. Most of them have small sharp spines set in to the thick fleshy skin, and when the body is inflated, these spines are erected. Some species have these spines only on the back, some only on the abdomen and many have them on both back and abdomen. Fig. 80.— TOAD-FISH (Teirwlon Irevigaius). Xone of the Toad-Fishes are of use as food and some of them are poisonous. Occasionally, certain kinds appear on our coast in enormous shoals. At such times the water over a large area and for several days appears to be nothing but a living mass of Toad-Fishes. Such a visitation occurred off the coast of New South Wales a few years ago. 226 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The teeth, in these fishes, are welded together to form two powerful crushing plates in each jaw. From that character the generic name of Tetrodon (which includes a large number of Toad-Fishes), meaning "four-teeth," is derived. The Toad-Fish illustrated (Tetrodon lavigatus) is a very widely distributed species. •'• In America the fishes of this family are often termed "Rabbit-Fishes" on account of their peculiar teeth, and also —occasionally — the rabbit-like head. SEA-PORCUPINES. (Family: Diodontidce.} THE Porcupine-Fishes are somewhat similar in many ways to those just mentioned, but they are generally characterised by the presence all over the skin of long and sharp thorns or spines. In some species, such as our common "Porcu- pine " (Dicotylichthys punctulatus) these spines are im- D Fig. 81. — SEA -HEDGEHOG (Diodon hystriac). moveable and jut out from bony plates which are set in the skin of the fish ; while in the others, the spines are erectile ; that means that when the fish is not feeling particularly warlike, the spines lie against the body pointing backwards ; but immediately the skin is inflated with either air or water the spines stand straight out all round the fish, making it a really formidable object. Some Porcupine- Fishes are THE SUN-FISHES. 227 able to erect the spines about the head at will by means of muscles lying under the skin. Their teeth are welded into the one massive crushing plate in each jaw. Some of these attain to a length of about 2 feet. They are very destructive to young Oysters. All these fishes have a very bad reputation; indeed some of them are highly-poisonous and are said to have caused long-continued illness and death. In some cases the poisonous properties seem to be more powerful at one time of the year than another. The species illustrated is Diodon hystrix — sometimes known as the Sea-Hedgehog. THE SUN-FISHES. (Family: Molidce) THE Sun-Fishes are sea-rovers and are very rarely taken in the harbours. They are found in all oceans within tropi- cal and temperate zones. They possess a most curious disc- I w w f Fig. si'.— SUN-FISH (Mola mold). 228 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. shaped body and pass through a number of remarkable changes with age, the young being quite unlike the adult. The former has large, strong spines upon its body, while the latter is quite smooth. Their jaws are undivided in the middle, comparatively feeble, but well adapted for masti- cating their food, which consists of small pelagic crusta- ceans, jellyfishes and larval fishes. The Common Sun-Fish (Mola mola), which has been taken on the coast of New South Wales and other portions of the Australian coast, attains to a very large size, measuring not far short of ten feet and weighing 1800 pounds. It has been observed to swim slowly about near the surface, the high dorsal fin above the water. LUNG-FISHES. (Sub-class: DIPNEUSTI or DIPNOI.) passing on to take a cursory glance at the Sharks and Rays, I feel it incumbent upon me to dwell for a little upon the highly-interesting Lung-Fishes. These have earned the common name here applied to them, because of the curious fact that the air-bladder is transformed into a simple kind of lung; so that we here find in these fishes, rather wonderful beings that are able to breathe either water or air. A peculiarity of external structure is that their paired fins give one the impression of being more like simple limbs than fins. Lung-Fishes come of a very ancient stock ; fishes re- lated to those at present existing, having lived in some of the waters of the earth even as far back as palaeozoic times. The existing kinds are referred to three genera; known respec- tively as Neoceratodus, Lepidosiren and Protopterus ; repre- senting three distinct families, the first being found in Australia (Queensland), the second in South America, and the third in Africa. Though all of the species belonging to these three genera agree with one another in some general characters, they differ very considerably in detail ; but I must here con- LUNG-FISHES. 229 tent myself with a few remarks upon that one which more directly concerns us ; I refer to the Australian Lung-Fish (Neoceratodns forsteri). This fish is a native of the Mary and Burnett Rivers in Queensland; to which it appears to be at present restricted. That it was not always forced to occupy such a small area, is evidenced by the fact that teeth of the same species have been discovered in the alluvial deposits on the Darling Downs in Queensland (these deposits being of later Tertiary age). By many Queens- landers this species is known as "Barramundi," a name which applies with more propriety to Sclero pages (page 25). Other names are "Flathead" and "Burnett Salmon" or "Mary-River Salmon"; the last two on account of the Salmon-like tint of the flesh. By many it is considered to be a good edible fish. Fig. 83. — AUSTRALIAN LUNG-FISH (Neoceratodus forsteri). The Australian Lung-Fish is an inactive, sluggish fish, frequenting the bottom in muddy parts and among weeds. It subsists largely upon crustaceans, worms, and mollusks and to obtain them it is stated to cram its stomach with a great quantity of the leaves of water-plants, when in a de- composing condition ; in much the same manner as certain of the "Sea-Cucumbers" (Holothnria), swallow great quantities of sand, so as to obtain from amongst it what- ever nourishment it may contain. Under natural conditions it rises to the surface occasionally to fill its lung with fresh air; being able to breathe also in the water itself — unless it be too foul — by means of its well-developed gills. Though no doubt many people have been and are familiar with this curious fish in its native haunts, not very much of importance has been, written ; g^reat credit, there- fore, must be given to Professor Semon, who, a few years ago, visited Queensland and investigated to some extent its 23o FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. early life-history and habits. The egg is a fairly-large one, measuring more than half an inch in length. The early developmental stages show a general resemblance to those of some of the Amphibians (Frogs, Newts, etc.). This species is possessed of very large body-scales, some of these often measuring more than 4 inches across. It grows to a length of several feet. The discovery of the Australian Lung-Fish in 1870 created the highest interest in the Old World, mainly be- cause of the general similarity of its teeth to some very singular ones which were found in a fossil state in certain geological formations of Europe, India and America. "These teeth, of which there is a great variety with regard to general shape and size, are sometimes two inches long, much longer than broad, depressed, with a flat or slightly undu- lated, always punctated crown, with one margin convex, and with from three to seven prongs projecting on the opposite margin." — (Gunther.) SHARKS AND RAYS. 231 CHAPTER XII. Sharks and Rays — Lampreys and Hag-Fishes— The Lampreys — The Lancelots. SHARES AND RAYS. (Sub-class: BLASMO3RANCHIL) IN both their living and extinct forms, the Sharks and Rays are remarkable, in that they do not possess a bony skeleton, such as that possessed by all the fishes with which we have so far been dealing. Instead, we find that it is wholly car- tilaginous or partly calcified (that is, hardened by the addi- tion of calcareous or limey matter), while the skin takes the form of a more or less uniform coating of dermal den- ticles, which under the microscope show a structure similar to that of teeth. If these denticles are small, pointed and close-set, the skin is called "shagreen." In some cases large tubercles, plates or spines of various sizes, are found to be developed. The Elasmobranchs — as the Sharks and Rays are called — are chiefly active predaceous fishes, occurring in nearly every sea of the world, and also in many fresh- waters ; even in some cases living entirely in the latter. As compared with other fishes, none of them are very small ; while some of them are exceedingly large, and amongst the Sharks are included the largest of all living fishes. In regard to their bathymetrical distribution, it may be men- tioned, that they are at present known to occur in depths ranging from the shallowest water, down to nearly 1000 fathoms. Though they are most abundant within tropical or semi-tropical areas, they are quite numerous — both as regards species and individuals — in temperate regions, while certain kinds are known to inhabit permanently, waters lying within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. So far as is at present known, all Elasmobranchs are 232 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. carnivorous; their diet ranging from (occasionally) Man himself, down to Crustaceans and Sea-Urchins. The great majority of these fishes are viviparous (that is, the young are brought forth alive) ; the remainder being oviparous (that is, the young are hatched out after the deposition of the egg) . Only one of the very large Sharks is known to be oviparous and that is the huge Greenland Shark (Lemargus borealis), which is unique among Sharks, in that it produces eggs without any horny covering; these being deposited on the sea-bottom and left there to hatch. The other oviparous Sharks are the small species known as Dog-Fishes, the small Cat-Sharks and also those curious and — to Australians — familiar "Bullhead* or Port Jackson Sharks. The Rays that are oviparous, are those belonging to the family Raiidce, popularly known as "Skates." Many of the Sharks and even a few of the Rays — more particularly the former — are exceedingly formidable, and are greatly feared in many parts of the world. Fossil remains of Elasmobranchs of many species, are very abundant in some geological formations. These often take the shape of fin-spines and dermal-plates. The former are usually known as "ichthyodorulites." Elasmobranchs are considered to be of a very primi- tive type among fishes, and amongst their number we must look for the ancestors of the higher bony-fishes or teleosteans. Many species of Sharks and Rays, of many families, are known to inhabit the waters of our Australian coastline and they include amongst their numbers, some of the most ferocious "tigers of the deep." Amongst the Sharks may be mentioned: The Seven- gilled Shark (Notorhynchus indicus), the Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus philippi}, the Crested Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus galeatus), the Wobbegongor Carpet Shark (Orectolobus barbatus), the Tiger Shark (Galeo- cerdo rayneri), the Blue Shark* (Prionace glauca), the "Whaler," sometimes known as "River" Shark (Carcharias brachyurus') , the Hammer - headed Shark (Sphyrna zygcena}, the Fox-Shark or Thresher (Alopias wipes), the * Not the Blue Pointer. SHARKS AND RAYS. 233 Grey -Nurse (Odontaspis taurus), the Blue Pointer (Lamna glauca), the White Pointer (Carcharodon car- charias), the Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus), the Little Saw Shark (Pristiophonts cirratus), the great Saw- fish (Pristis zysron), the Angel Shark or Monkfish (Squatina sqiiatina), and the Ghost Shark (Chim&ra ogdlbyi) ; while amongst the Rays the following are of in- terest: The "Shovelnose" (Rhinobatus banksii), the Fiddler " (Trygonorrhina fasciata), three species of true Skate (Raia), the Numb-Fish (Hypnos subnigritm), the Common Stingray (Trygonoptera testacea), the Giant Stingray (Trygonoptera bucculenta), the fearsome Thorn, tailed Stingray also known as "Black" Stingray (Dasyakis thctidis), the Sephen Stingray (Dasyatis sephen), the Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatis narinari), the Eagle Ray (Myliobatis australis) and the immense Prince Alfred's Ray (Manta alfredi). As it is not desirable here to go into any great detail regarding these Sharks and Rays, a few of the more im- portant or striking may be selected from among them. The Seven-gilled Shark : This is a widely-distributed species, occurring in the Seas of India, Japan, South Africa and California, as well as in our own seas, where it is not very common. In Australian waters it is not looked upon as one of the dangerous species, usually not attaining a very large size. Its common name is derived from its pos- session of seven gills, and, correspondingly, seven gill-slits in place of five', which is the usual number for elasmo- branchiate fishes. In addition to this character, it may be at once distinguished, by its possessing only one dorsal fin — and that far back on the body, opposite the anal — in place of two, as ordinarily seen. From this feature it is often known as the "One-finned Shark." In this species, the teeth are of a very peculiar shape, most of them having a comb-like cutting edge. The Port Jackson Shark This is a small species attaining a length of about 5 feet, more frequently seen of a length of about 3 feet. It has a high, squarish head, this being a character of the fishes of the genus Hctero- dontns generally. 234 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. The jaws and teeth are of a very striking- nature, as will be seen from the accompanying illustration, while the large oval egg-cases with their spiral outer covering ending in long tendrils, are, perhaps, amongst the most striking of Nature's works. Fig. 84. — Teeth of PORT JACKSON SHARK (Heterodontus philippi). The four or five species of these "Bullheads" at present existing are the only surviving representatives of a family of Sharks, shewing very ancient primeval characters, and which are numerously represented in certain geological for- mations. The fossil forms far exceeded in size all of the existing species. The dentition is adapted for the mastication of hard- shelled crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, upon which (particularly the last-mentioned) they principally subsist. The Port Jackson Shark is very abundant in Port Jackson and along a great part of the Australian coast, being found also in New Zealand. The Wobbegong : This hideous-mouthed creature attains a large size ; individuals of 10 feet in length being not uncommon. It is often called Carpet-Shark, on account of the beautiful carpet-like pattern displayed over the skin. This colouration, coupled with the presence of peculiar skinny, weed-like appendages on the head and round the mouth, give it a most-decided resemblance to its surround- ings. And this is necessary, as this fish is not of a roving disposition, but lies quietly amongst the weeds and rocks, calmly waiting for some "food" to come by. It is described by fishermen as an "ugly-looking brute" and certainly it has a most horrific aspect. SHARKS AND RAYS. 235 Its teeth are long, sharp and awl-like. The Tiger Shark: This powerful and dangerous Shark, roams the oceans freely from India, to Australia. During the summer season, large numbers abound on the eastern coast of Australia, where they enter the bays and harbours, "seeking whom they may devour." Every year a good many are captured in the lower waters of Port Jack- son. The largest specimen captured on the coast of New South Wales that has come under my notice, measured 13 feet 6 inches; but a length of 16 feet (or even more) is not unknown. In this species the serrated teeth are oblique, have one large pointed cusp, and have a deep notch in one side. The Fox-Shark : This species is very widely-distri- buted, being found pretty generally throughout the tem- perate and tropical seas of both hemispheres. It is quite common in Australian seas, keeping to the open coastal waters. It attains a length of about 15 feet; of which the long, blade-like tail, forms nearly one half. It is not known to be dangerous to Man. Though it is often seen to be attacking Whales and other large cetaceans, it feeds prin- cipally upon the smaller teleostean fishes. When feeding, it is said to swim round and round in gradually diminish- ing circles, splashing the water with its tail, and keeping its prospective victims so crowded together, that they form an easy prey. The Grey-Nurse: This is a very formidable Shark, attaining a large size and occurring in many waters. At times these "wolves of the sea" rove along the eastern shores of Australia at least, in thousands ; freely entering \he harbours. The teeth are long, sharp and awl-like, with a small cusp on each side at the base. The Basking Shark: This Shark attains huge dimen- sions and is one of the largest fishes existing, reaching a length of 40 feet. In this species, the teeth are small, very numerous and tonical in shape, without serrations. The five gill-slits on each side are of great length. It subsists upon small fishes, crustaceans, and other 236 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. small animals, which it obtains near the surface of the ocean; these being strained from the water through the long slender gill-rakers, with which the gill-arches are pro- vided. Further information in regard to this species will bs found under the heading of ''Fish Economics." The Little Saw-Shark: This is a small species, having a somewhat-flattened body, and attaining a length of about 4 feet. It is common in Port Jackson, and is distributed over a great part of our coastline. The snout is long and flattened, and is armed very heavily with teeth of unequal length. Many of these teeth are very large and acute and between them are smaller ones. Beneath the snout are two tentacles. The last character alone would be quite sufficient to enable even the tyro to distinguish between this species and the young of the larger "Sawfish" ; as in the latter, there are none of these tentacles. The Little Saw-Shark is naturally a bottom-hunting fish. The Sawfish: This is a monster of terrible aspect. With a "saw" of, often, 5 feet or more in length, it grows to a size of at least 20 feet. Widely distributed, it roams the seas in search of food, commonly occurring in the bays and mouths of rivers, during the summer-time, along the coasts of northern New South Wales and Queensland. The snout is armed with strong acute teeth, and with this weapon, it is able to inflict tremendous havoc amongst shoals of fishes, throwing the "saw" from side to side with immense force. This species is often miscalled "Sword-fish," a name which belongs properly to certain teleostean fishes of the family Histiopkorida, previously mentioned. The Angel Shark: This strange-looking creature abounds in most temperate and tropical seas; being fairly common on parts of the Australian coast, where it attains a length of about 5 feet. In form, it approaches somewhat, the Rays, being broad and flattened. It is viviparous, pro- ducing about twenty young at a birth, these being about 9 or 10 inches in length. Sf/AKKS AXD RAYS. 237 This species occurs fairly abundantly in the Mediter- ranean Sea, where it is known to the French fishermen as "Squale Ange" and to the Italians as "Angelo." Fiom this it will be quite apparent, that the fancied resemblance to an "Angel" is very widespread. The colours of this fish are so arranged, as to exactly assimilate it to the sandy surroundings, upon which it is usually found on our coast. A fine specimen which I re- cently handled, was of a beautiful creamy sand colour, speckled all over with a very light fawny-brown, with the exception of larger and smaller ocellations here and there, which were of the cream ground colour. Even the borders of the eyes themselves (the irides) were speckled in the same manner, the pupil being a narrow black slit. This example measured 3 feet 5 inches, and was captured in Port Jackson. After capture, it gave birth to a number of young, which were perfectly formed, and were about 10 inches long. They were of a still lighter tint than the parent. The Numb-Fish: This species is usually known to the fishermen of New South Wales as "Nummy," from its power of temporarily benumbing parts of the human body with which it comes in contact, through the sudden delivery of sharp electric shocks. It is very flat and thick, with a rounded margin, the tail being very short. It is common along the coast of New South Wales, attaining a length of nearly 3 feet. On each side of the head, is an apparatus for the generation of electricity; and large fishes are able to give quite a powerful shock. Other names for this and an allied species (Narcine) are "Electric Ray," "Torpedo Ray" and "Cramp Fish." The Common Stingray : This well-known and greatly-abhorred Ray, occurs very commonly along the coast of New South Wales, where it is the bete noire of the fishermen. Though a comparatively small species, growing to about 2 feet in length, it is able to inflict with its sharp, barbed caudal spine the most painful and dangerous wounds, wounds which very often take many months to heal, and 238 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. in some cases, cause permanent disablement. At times these and others of our many Stingrays may be easily captured in thousands. Though no attempt is made at the present time to utilise them, this could easily be profitably done, as the "wings" or pectoral flaps could be converted into gelatine, while much oil could be obtained from the livers, the residue being then turned into a fertiliser, rich in phosphates. The Thorn-tailed Stingray : This fearsome fish, which attains a weight of between 5 and 6 hundredweight, is, as far as we at present know, only obtained on the coast of New South Wales. Its tail is armed in a most terrible manner. In addition to possessing the long serrated spine, set in the back of the tail, which is so typical of the Sting- rays in general, it has, all over the skin of the tail, cal- careous plates varying from an inch or more in diameter, down to the smallest of asperities. Each of these dermal plates, has in its centre a short, stout and acute spine. The caudal-spine or "sting" itself, sometimes reaches a length of 15 inches (occasionally there are two or three). The tail being long, muscular, powerful and lithe, it can better be imagined than described, what fearful des- truction could be wrought bv it, and it is well for our surf- bathers, that the Thorn-tailed Stingray (known also as "Black Stingray") is not abundant in the shallower waters. The tail is sometimes 6 feet in length. Prince Alfred's Ray : This is the name given to a huge Ray which is sometimes taken on the coast of New South Wales. One specimen captured in 1868 at Manly Beach, Port Jackson, measured n feet in breadth. In this Ray, the head is free from the pectoral flaps, is truncated in front, and possesses on each side, a horn-like appendage pointing forward and inward. The mouth is in front (not beneath as is usual amongst the Rays) and is very wide. The specific name of alfredi was given this species in honour of the King's brother, the late Prince Alfred. LAMPREYS AND HAG-FISHES. 239 LAMPREYS AND HAG-FISHES. (Class: CYCLOSTOMATA.} THE Cyclostomata are often called the ''Marsipobranchii,'' in reference to their pouch-like gill-clefts. They are divided into two orders ; the first of which is that including the Hag- Fishes or Borers, which are chiefly parasitic upon teleostean fishes, while the second is made up of the Lampreys. THE LAMPREYS. (Order: PETROMYZONTES.) THE Lampreys are curious Eel-shaped animals, having a large suctorial disk leading behind and above, into the mouth. Numerous horny teeth are situated on the inner surface of the sucker, as well as on the tongue. They all belong to the one family, known as the PetromyzontidG, and are distributed over the greater part of the world. They are chiefly marine, some to a greater extent than others; but in those species the life history of which has been closely investigated, it has been found that they ascend the Fig. 85. — SHORT-HEADED LAMPREY (Mordacia vnordax). rivers for spawning purposes. They are all carnivorous, obtaining their food by attaching themselves by means of their sucking disk to various fishes, and then rasping the flesh away with the lingual (tongue) teeth. In Europe and America, large numbers of fishes are known to be des- troyed by Lampreys every year. There are two species of Lamprey in Australian waters ; 240 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. the Short-headed Lamprey (Mordacia mordax) and the Wide-mouthed Lamprey (Geotria australis). Little is known of their habits. THE LANCELETS. (Group: CEPHALOCHORDATA.) THE Lancelets, usually known under the name of "Amphi- oxus," form a small group of little fish-like forms, in which there is no skull and no vertebral column. They are not true fishes, though as they are usually grouped with them, they are deserving of mention here. They are slender, transparent or semi-transparent animals of 2 or 3 inches in length, pointed at both ends, frequenting shallow coastal waters and burrowing into the sand with great rapidity. Three species of Lancelet are found on the coast of Australia ; these being Branchiostoma bassanum, B. belcheri and B. cultellwn. The first is a native of New South Wales and Victorian waters, while the others have been taken from the coast of Queensland. The Lancelets are all included in one family; that known as the Branchiostomatidce. FISHING NETS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 241 CHAPTER XIII. FISHING NETS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. — Hauling-Net, Garfish-Net, Meshing-Net, Gill-Net, Trammel-Net, Drum-Net, Trawl-Nets. FISH ECONOMICS. — Fish Oil, Fish Fertilizer, Skins of Fishes, Scales cf Fishes, Guanin. — Food Value of Australian Fishes compared with Lean Beef. A DESCRIPTION OF THE FISHING NETS IN USE IN THE WATERS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. IN dealing with the Murray Cod, slight mention was made of some of the gear used in its capture ; and before closing this little volume, it may be as well to briefly describe the various kinds of fishing-nets used by the fishermen of New South Wales; especially as several of them have been mentioned here and there. As befits her station, as the Mother State, New South Wales has developed her fisheries, to a very much greater extent than has any other State of the Commonwealth. Though this is quite true, and though the New South Wales fisheries are even at the present time of very great importance; still, comparatively speaking, we are only "on the threshold"; and there are vast storehouses filled with untold wealth lying at our doors, with their portals wide open, bidding us to enter and carry off the spoil. As deep-sea fishing — other than "hand-lining" — is not carried on to any great extent in the waters of New South Wales (or, indeed, in any of the Australian States), it naturally follows that the fishing-nets have been chiefly adapted for use in shallow waters, and principally belong to the group known in a general way as "Hauling- Nets. ' In these, there is usually a central portion made up from netting of a smaller mesh, this being termed the "bunt"; while the end pieces are called the "wings." Not infre- quently the central portion of the bunt itself is made very much deeper (that is, it contains more meshes) than the neighbouring parts ; with the result that when the net Is 242 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. hauled, a kind of "bag," or "pocket," is formed. Other very important nets are the Meshing-Nets (a small kind of which is known in the waters of the Murray River system as the "Gill-Net") ; while the Trammel-Net is also used. The Trawl-Net, which plays such an important part in the capture of the principal edible fishes of Great Britain and many other countries, has, so far, been used here, only in an experimental manner. Briefly stated, the various kinds of our nets are as follows:— The General Hauling-Net or Mullet-Net (two kinds), the Garfish-Net, the Prawn-Net, the Meshing- Net, the Gill-Net or small Meshing-Net (for use in fresh- waters), the Trammel-Net, and the Drum-Net (for use in fresh- waters). The General Hauling-Net. — Two kinds of this net are used on the coast of New South Wales; one being allowed for use in the coastal "lakes" only, while the other may be used in other coastal waters. The following are the dimensions,* as set out by law, of the former: — Total length of net not exceeding four hundred fathoms. t Length of bunt not exceeding one hundred and thirty-four fathoms. Mesh of bunt not less than two and a quarter inches. Depth of bunt not exceeding two hundred and fifty meshes. Length of each wing not exceeding one hundred and thirty- three fathoms. Mesh of wing not less than three inches. Depth of each wing not exceeding one hundred and fifty meshes. Hauling line at each end of net not exceeding two hundred and fifty fathoms in length. * All the dimensions of fishing-nets given here, are in accord with the regulations of the New South Wales Department of Fisheries in existence at the time of writing (March, 1906). There is always a possibility of alight alterations being made from time to time, or of additional nets being legalised. t A fathom is equal to a length of 6 feet. FISHING NETS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 243 The dimensions of the second, and smaller, Hauling- Net, for use in the harbours and estuaries, are as follows : — Total length of net not exceeding two hundred fathoms. Length of bunt not more than one-third of total length of net. Mesh of bunt not less than two and a quarter inches. Depth of bunt not exceeding two hundred and fifty meshes. Length of each wing not exceeding one-third of total length of net. Mesh of wing not less than three inches. Depth of each wing not more than two hundred meshes. Hauling line at each end of net not exceeding fifty fathoms in length. Both of these nets are for use in the capture of all marine fishes excepting Garfishes. The Garfish Net. — This is intended for use in the capture of the Garfishes only, and is as follows : — ;•:•;:•:•:•; .(V^/fe.*;/;! :'•"•.•.-'•:%.'•:•' y-.fu&f&iij ViH<'«/?'V? ^^ x-^s ' C< M CO CO M *"^ UH <£ W •saotrejsqnc M 00 M CO vO rv* ^ SuiUlJ I US3TJ •«*• CO X co H z — : sptQjoa^ N 2" 8 X X X ^ w •aUTJ'B|9Q QQ ^ o o H uioaj u-eqj C^? 2 ^ 0 a* ! **« x j9q?ou,^,a;i^j CO co co c* > •3UH"B19Q M 00 o 0 p £ UIOJJ vO o | fe 5 •uaoOJjTjsj Tf 00 (^ o ° 2 DIUT28.IO CO co CO CO 1 C/5 ^ 'Do001 'B ssot vp 9 0 0 p> >< 0 — : .tare \Y K£ S vO S ^ < £ ^ w •sauiuiBjQ ut jq§pA\ O O co s 1 to 0 •sjaiotuiniK ui qjSus"! ir; \O 0 ^ rt K .B S 1 ^ ^ £ |, ll 15^ O -i: o CQ ^2 ^i? V* v v- 5 cj ^ rt 5 — '-^_ v sS > ^ s C/5 OQ C/5 ^ _; APPENDIX. LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL EDIBLE FISHES OF AUSTRALIA; WITH, ALSO, THE STATES IN WHICH THEY CHIEFLY ABOUND. COMMON NAME. SPECIES. FOUND PRINCIPALLY IN : Ox-eye or Big-eyed Herring Megalops cyprinoides Q. Giant Herring. El ops saurus Q. Barramundi Scleropagcs leichhardii Q. Salmon Herring. Chanos chanos Q Bony Bream, "Pibrie" or Dorosoma trebi N.S.W., Q., and "Tookery." S.A. Pilchard or Maray. Clupanodon neopilchzrdus N.S.W., Vic., Q., and Tas. Herring. Sardinellj, castelnaui N.S.W. and Q. Freshwater Herring. Potamalosa nova-hoi I andi a N.S.W. and Vic. Freshwater Catfish. Copidoglanis tandanus N.S.W., Vic., and Q. Common Eel. Anguilla reinhardtii N.S.W., Vic., and Q. Australian Grayling. Prototroctcs mar ana Tas. Sergeant Baker. Aulopus purpurissatus N.S.W. Slender Long-Tom. Tylosurus ferox N.S.W. Stout Long-Tom. Tylosurus macleayana N.S.W. Sea Garfish. Hemirhamphus intermedius X.S.W. and O. River Garfish. Hemirhamphus regularis N.S.W. Barred Garfish. Hemirhamphus far Q. Short-beaked Garfish. A rrhamphus selerolcpis N.S.W. (North) ami Q. Sea Mullet. Mugil dobula N.S.W., Vic., Q., S.A., W.A., Tas. Richmond Mullet. Mugil petardi N.S.W. Silver Mullet. Mugil georgii N.S.W. and Q. Diamond-scaled Mullet. Mugil waigienris Q Flattail Mullet or "Ty- Mugil peronii N.S.W. and Q. gum." Sand Mullet or "Tallega- Myxus elongatus N.S.W. and Q. lane." Yellow-eye Mullet. Agonostomus forsten V:c., S.A., W.A., and Tas. Short-finned Pike. Sphyrana novce-hollandice N S.W., Vic., and S.A. 262 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. COMMON NAME. SPECIES rOUND PRINCIPALLY IN: Beardie or Ling- Lotella callarias N.S.W. and Vic. Red Cod. Physiculus backus ^.S.W. (S.), Vic., and Tas. Nannygai. Beryx affinis N.S.W. and Vic. Blackfish. Girella tricuspidata N.S.W., Vic., and Tas. Bluefish. Girella cyanea N.S.W. Drummer. Kyphosus sydneyanus N.S.W. Dusky Perch. Lobotes surinamensi* Q. Giant Perch. Lates calcarifer Q Estuary Perch. Percalates colororum N S.W , Vic., and Q Freshwater Perch. Percalates fluviatilis N.S.W. Gel den Perch, Murray Plectroplites ambiguus N.S.W. and S.A. Perch, or Yellow-belly Macquarie's Perch. Macquaria australasica N.S.W. Murray Cod. Oligorus macquariensis N.S.W., Vic., S.A. Wirrah. Acanthi stius serratus N.S.W. Black Rock-Cod. Epinephelus damclii N.S.W. and Q. Queensland Groper. Promicrops itaiara N.S.W. (N.) and Q. Half-banded Sea-Perch. Tiypoplectrodes semicincius N.S.W. Banded Sea-Perch. Hypoplectrodes annul atus N.S.W. Cuvier's Sea-Perch. Jiypoplectrodes nigrorubrum N.S.W. Bastard Longfin. Casioperca lepidoptera Tas. Longfin. Caprodon longimanus N.S.W. Red Bull's-eye. Priacanthus macracanthus N..S.W. and Q. "Government Bream." Genyoroge sebee. Q. Black-spotted Sea-Perch. Genyoroge fulviflamma N.S.W. and Q. Pearl Perch or Epaulette Glaucosoma scapulare N.S.W. and Q. Fish. Old Wife. Enoplosus armatus N.S.W., Vic., and Q. Long-finned Pike or Dinolestcs lewini N.S.W., Vic., and Skipjack Pike. Tas. Australian Salmon. A rripis trutta N.S.W., Vic.. W.A., and Tas. Roughy (of S.A.). A.rripis georgianus Vic. and S.A. Sand Whiting. Sillago ciliata N.S.W., Vic., Q.? and Tas. Trumpeter Whiting. Sillago maculata N.S.W. and Q. Spotted Whiting. Sillago punctata Vic. and Tas. Cooktown Salmon. Polynemus tetradactylut Q. Jewfish or Mulloway. Scicena antarctic a N.S.W., Vic., Q and S.A. APPENDIX. 263 COMMON NAME. SPECIES. FOUND PEINCIPALLY IN: — Teraglin. Cynoscion atelodus N.S.W. Silverbelly. Xysteema ovatum N.S.W. Bastard Trumpeter. Latris ci liar is N.S.W., Vic., and Tas. Trumpeter. T.atris liecateia Tas. Kelp-Fish. Chironemus marmoratus N.S.W., Vic., W.A., and Tas. •Cockatoo-Fish. Aplodactylus lophodon N.S.W. Morwong. Dactylosparus carponemus N.S.W. Jackass-Fish. Dactylosparus macropterus X.S.W., Vic., and Tas. Sea-Carp or Red Morwong Cheilodactylus fuscus N.S.W. Dusky Morwong. Cheilodactylus nigricans N.S.W. and Vic. Trumpeter Perch. \Terapon quadrilincatus N.S.W. and Q. Silver Perch or Grunter. Terapon ellipticus N.S.W., Vic., Q., S.A., and W.A. Queensland Trumpeter Pomadasis hasta Q. or Javelin-Fish. Boar-Fish. Histiopterus recurvirostris jyic. and Tas. Giant Boar-Fish. Histiopterus labiosus N.S.W. and S.A. Snapper. Pagrosomus auratus N.S.W., Vic., Q., S.A., W.A. Tarwhine. Chrysophrys sarba N.S.W. and Q. Bream. Chrysophrys australis N.S.W., Vic., Q., S.A., W.A., and Tas. Yellow-mouthed Perch. Lethrinus chrysostomus Q. Blue-striped Goatfish. Upeneus porosus N.S.W. and Vic. Moon-Fish. Drepane punctata Q. Sweep Scorpis aquipinnis N.S.W. Butter-Fish. Ephippus multifasciatus N.S.W., Q., and W.A. Spotted Butter-Fish. Rphippus argus Q. Black Trevally. Siganus nebulosus N.S.W. and Q. Spotted Pigfish. Diastodon unimaculatus N.S.W. Banded Pigfish. Diastodon bellis N.S.W. Blue-spotted Groper. \Charops ommopterus N.S.W. and Q. Blue Groper. Achoerodus gouldii N.S.W. and Tas. Red Groper. Achcerodus badius N.S.W. White-spotted Parrot-fish. Pseudolabrus gymnogenis jN.S-W. Crimson-banded Parrot- Pseudolabrus nigromarginatus N.S.W. fish. Maori or Rainbow-Fish. Coris lineolatus N.S.W. Rock Whiting or Stranger. Odax richardsonii N.S.W., Vic., and , Tas. 264 PISHES- OF AUSTRALIA. COMMON NAME. SPECIES. FOUND PRINCIPALLY IN: Little Rock Whiting. Odax balteatus N.S.W., Vic., and Tas. Herring-Kale. Olisthops cydnomelas N.S.W- and Vic. Queen-Fish. Scomberoides sancti-petri Q. Pilot-Fish. Naucrates ductor N.S.W. King-Fish. Seriola lalandi N.S.W., Vic., Q.r and Tas. Samson.Fish. Seriola hippos N.S.WT. Mackerel-Scad or "Co- Decapterus leptosomus N.S.W. wanyung." Yellowtail. Trachurus declivis N.S.W.. Vic., Q., and Tas. Trevally. Caranx georgianus N.S.W., Vic., Q., and Tas. Dart. Trachinotus baillonii N.S.W. and Q. Tailer or Skipjack. Pomatomux saltatrix N.S.W., Vic Q , S.A., W.A., and Tas. Sergeant-Fish or West Rachycentron canadus N.S.W. Indian Kingfish. Common Mackerel. Scomber colzas N.S.W., Vic., and W.A. Bonito. Gymnosarda pelamis N.S.W. and Vic. Horse-Mackerel. Sarda chilensis N.S.W. Barred Spanish Mackerel. Scomberomorus commersonii N.S.W. and Q. Spotted Spanish Mackerel. Scomberomorus guttatus N.S.W. Barracouta. \Thyrsites atun Vic., S.A., and Tas. Dolphin-Fish. Coryphcena hippurus N.S.W. John Dory. Zeus australis N.S.W., Vic. and Tas. Silver Dory. Cyttus australis Tas. Large-toothed Flounder. Paralichthys arsius N.S.W. and Q. Small-toothed Flounder. Paralichthys nova-cambri Page 106: For " xxix." read "xxxix. INDEX. A. PAH P. Acanthi stius serratus 96, 262 AcantJiopterygii 20, 21, 22 Acanthurida 21, 137 Achirus pavoninus 183, 264 Achcerodus gouldii 142, 263 Achcerodus badius 16, 263 adspersus, Krefftius 185 aquipinnis, S cor pis 133, 263 Aetobatis narinari 233 affinis, Beryx 87, 262 Agonostomus ~forsteri . . 15, 74, 261 alalunga, Germo 162 Albacore 162, 165 A lectis ciliaris 149 Alspidosauridce 19, 55 Alepidosaurus ferox 55 Alepocephalida 19, 36 Alepocephaloids 36 Alepocephalus niger 36 alfrcdi , Manta 233 Alopias vulpes 232 ambiguus, Plectroplites .... 96, 262 American Brook-Charr 36 amissus, M acrius 204 Ammotretis rostrata 183, 264 Amphioxus 240 Amphi priori bicinctus 140 Amphiprion melanopus 141 Amphiprion percula 140 A nacanthini 20 A nchovy 27, 31 A nema inerme 206 Angel Shark 233, 236 Angler-Fishes 218 Angler-Fish, Striped 218 A nguilla australis 44 Anguilla rcinhardtii .... 43, 261 Anguillida 19, 43 annulatus, Hypoplectrodes 262 anolis, Petroscirtes 210 antarctica, Scicena 113, 262 Antennariidce 22, 218 Antennarius nummifer 219 Antennarius striatus 218 antipodum, Engraulis 27 Aploactis milesii 191 Aplodactylida 21, 119 Aplodactylus lophodon .. 119, 263 Apodes 19 Apogon fasciatus 96 Aracana lenticularis 224 argenteus, Monodactylus 133 PAO*. argus, E phi p pus 137, 263 armatus, Enoplosus 96, 262 Arrhamphus sclerolepis .... 64, 261 Arripis georgianus 117, 262 Arripis trutta 113, 262 arsiusy Paralichthys 178, 264 ate/odus, Cynoscion .... 113, 263 Atherina lacunosa 71 Atherinida 20, 71 atun, Thyr sites 166, 264 Atypichthys strigatus 133 Aulopus purpurissatus, 15, 53, 261 auratus, Car as si us 38 auratus, Pagrosomus . . 15, 125, 263 austral asica, Macquaria . . 96, 262 Australian Band-Fish 108 Australian Cling-Fish 209 Australian Grayling .... 51, 261 Australian Hairtail 166, 168 Australian John Dory 175 Australian Knife- jaw 109 Australian Knight-Fish 89 Australian Lung-Fish 229 Australian Minnows 49 Australian Rockling 215 Australian Salmon 262 Australian Sea-Dragon 63 Australian Smelt 32 australiS) A nguilla 44 australis. Ctpola 108 australis, Centropogon 191 australis, Chrysophrys 15, 125, 259, 263 australis, Cyttus 176, 264 australis, Galeiclithys 40, 42 australis, Geotria '. ' 240 australis, Kreftius 184 australis, Ma'crurus 85 australis, Myliolatis 233 australis, Periophthalmus 184 australis , Zeus 175, 264 ayraudi, Monacanthus 221, 222, 265 B. bachus, Physiculus 86, 262 badius, Acharodus 16, 263 baillonii, Trachinotus 264 Balistidce 22, 220 balteatus, Odax 147, 264 Rand-Fish, Australian 108 Band-Fishes ioS Banded Pigfish, 143, 263 268 INDEX. PAGE. Banded Sea-rerch 262 Banded . Shore-Eel 43 banksii, Rhinobatus 233 barbatus, Orectolobus 232 Barracouta 166, 167, 264 Barracouta Family 166 Barramundi 25, 261 Barred Garfish 64, 68, 261 Barred Spanish Mackerel .... 264 Bar-tailed Goat-Fish .... 131, 132 Basking Shark 233, 235 bassanum, Branchiostoma 240 bassensis, Platycephalus 2615 bassensis, Sillago 1 1 1 Bass Flathead i" 265 Bastard Longfin 262 Bastard Trumpeter 118, 263 Balfish 133, 134 BatracJndce 22, 213 Batrachus dubius 214 Beaked Salmon 37 Beardie 86, 262 belcJieri , Branclriosioma 240 Bellows-Fish 5Q Bellows-Fishes 58 Bellows-Fish, Little 59 Berycida 20, 87 Beryx affinis 87, 262 belli 's, Diastodon 143, 263 Betta pugnaoc 39 bicinctus, Amplriprion 140 bifrenatus, Gobius 184 Big-eyed Herring 23 blacodes^ Genypterus 215 Black Bream 16, 125, 128, 259, 263 Blackfish 16, 91, 262 Blackfish Family 91 Blackfish, River 210, 265 Black Rock-Cod 96, 103, 262 Black Sole 178, 181, 264 Black-Spotted Sea-Perch 262 Black Stingray 233 Black Trevally 139, 263 Black Trevally Family 138 Blennies 210 Blenniida 22, 210 Blenny. Hair-tailed 210, 213 Blenny, Oyster 210, 211 Blind Tassel-Fish 82 Blue-eye 71, 72 Bluefish 91, 93, 262 Blue Groper 263 Blue Pointer 233 Blue Shark 232 Blue-spotted Groper 263 Blue-Striped Goatfish 131, 263 Boar-Fishes 122 Boar-Fish, Giant .... 122, 124, 263 Boar-Fish, Richardson's 122, 124, 263 PAGE. Bonito 162, 164, 264 Bony Bream 27, 31, 261 Bovichthys variegatus 20$ Box-Fishes 224 Box-Fish, Horned 224 Box-Fish, Lenticular 224 Box-Fish, Linked 224 brachyurus, Carcharins 232 Brama rail 174 brama, Seriolella 84, Br ami dec 21, 174 Branchiostoma bassanum 240- Branchiostoma belcheri 240 Branchiostoma cultellum 240 Branchiostomatida 240 Bream, Black ... 16, 125, 128, 259 Bream Family 125 Bream, Government 262 Bream, Red 126 Bridled Goby 184 Brook Charr, American 36 Brown Groper 16 Brown Trout 36 bucculenta, Trygonoptera 233 Bullheads 234 Bullrout 191 , 193, 264 Bull's-eye, Large-Scaled 90 Bull's-eye, Red 262 Bull's-eyes 90 Bull's-eye, Small-scaled 90 Butter-Fish 135, 136, 263 Butter-Fish, Spotted 137, 263 Butterfly-Fish, Japanese 39 C. Casio perca lepidoptera 262 lalauropomus^ Callionymus . . . 209 caharifer, Lates 96, 262 callarias, Lotella 86, 262 Callionymidce 22, 208 Callionymus calauropomus .... 209. Callionymus curvicornis 208 canaduSy Rachycentrnn . . 159, 264 Caprodon longimanus 262 Carangidcc 21, 149 Caranx georgianus . . 16, 149, 264. Carassiops comfressus 184 Carassius auratus 38 Carcharias brachyurns 232 carcharias, Carcharodon 233 Carcharodon carcharias 233 Carpet Shark 232 Carp Family 38 Carp, Golden 38 Carp-Gudgeon 184, 186 carponemus, Dactylosparus 119, 263 cattelnatri. Sardinella 27, 261 ^tfish Estuary 39j 4o Catfish Family 39 INDEX. 269 PACJE. Catfish, Freshwater . . 39, 40, 261 -Catesteomi 20 sarba 125, 263 chrysostomus, Lethrinus .. 125, 263 ciliaris, Alectis *49 ciliaris, Latris 118, 263 ciliata, Sillago . . 15, 109, 259. 262 liner eus, Muranesox 44 cirratus, Pristiophorus 233 cirronasus, Platycephalus 197 Climbing-Fish J86 Cling-Fish, Australian 209 Cling-Fishes 209 Clouded Eel 44 Clupanodon neopilchardus . 27, 261 Clupeidce 19, 27 Cnidoglanis mcgastomus 39 Cockatoo Fish 119, 121, 263 Cod Family .' 86 Cod, Murray 96, 99, 262 Cod, Red 86, 87, 262 colias, Scomber 162, 264 colonorum, Percolates ..15, 96, 262 commersonii . Scomberomcrus 162, 264 Common Dolphin-Fish 173 Common Eel 43, 44 Common Flathead 197, 264 Common Mackerel 264 Common Sea- Horse 61 PACK. Common Stingray 233, 237 Common Sun-Fish 228 compressus, Carassiops 184 compressus, Pempheris 90 concatenatus, Lactophrys 224 Conger Eel 44, 48 Cooktown Salmon 81. 262 Copidoglanis tandanus .... 40, 261 Coral-Fish 135 Coral-Fishes 135 Coris lineolatus 16, 142, 263 cornutum, Ostracion 224 Corvphana hip pur us .... 173, 264 Lorvphanida .... .. .. 21. 172 Coryphanoides variabilis 86 costatus, Diplocrepis 209 Cowanyung 264 coxii, Galaxias 50 coxit, Trichiurus 166 Creedia haswelli 207 Crested Flounder 183 Crested Port Jackson Shark .. 232 Crested Weed-Fish 210, 212 Crimson-banded Parrotfish . . 263 Cristiceps macleayi 210 crucnta, Scorp&na 191, 264 cultellum, Branckiostoma 240 curvicornis, Callionymus 208 cuvteri, Tetragonurus 84 Cuvier's Sea-Perch 15, 262 Cuvier's Square-tail 84 cyanea, Girella 91, 262 cyanomelas, Olisthops ih. 142, 264 Cyclostomata 239 Cy no scion at el od us 113, 263 cyprinoides, Megalops .... 23. 261 Cyprinida 19, 38 Cypsilurus melanocercus ....64, 70 Cyitus australis 176, 264 D. Dactylosparus carfonemus 119, 263 Dactylosparus macropterus 119, 263 d&melii, Epinephelus .... qb, 262 Dart 264 Dasyatis sephen 233 Dasyatis thetidis 233 De-:apterus leptosomus 264 declivis, Trachurus . . ib, 149, 264 depressa, Fistularia 5^ Diamond-scaled Mullet 74, 79, 261 Diastodon belli s 143, 263 Diastodon unimaculatus . . 142, 263 Dicotylichthys punctulatus 226 Dinolestes lewini 96, 262 Diodon hystrix 227 Diodontida 22, 226 Diplocrepis costalux 209 INDEX. Dipneusti 17, 228 Dipnoi 17, 228 dobula, Mugil . . 15, 74, 259, 261 Dolphin-Fish, Common .. 173, 264 Dolphin-Fishes 172 Dorab 26 dorab, CMroc'.ntrus 26 Dorosoma erebi 27, 261 Dory, John 175, 264 Dory, Silver 176, 264 draconis, Pegasus 63 Dragonet, Mottled 209 Dragonets 208 Drepane punctata 263 Drummer 91, 93, 262 ductor, New crates 149, 264 Dusky Flathead 197 Dusky Perch 94, 262 Dusky Morwong 263 E. Eagle-Ray 233 Eagle-Ray, Spotted 233 EcheneididfE 21 , 189 Echf.neis natter at cs 191 Echidna nebulosa 44 Eel, Clouded 44 Eel, Common 43, 44 Eel, Conger 44, 48 Eel, Green 44, 48 Eel-like Goby 184, 187 Eel, Long- finned 44, 261 Eel. Painted 44 Eel, Serpent 44, 48 Eel, Short-finned 44 Eel, Silver 44, 48 Eels, True 43 Elasmobranchii 17 231 tllipticus, Terapon 122, 263 elongatus, Myxus 74, 75, 261 Elopida i9j 23 Elops saurus 23, 261 Emperor 130 Engraulis antipodum 27 Enoplosus armatus 96, 262 Ephippus argus 137,' 263 Ephippus multifasciatus . 135, 263 Epinephelus dcemelii 96, 262 ercbi, Dorosoma 27, 261 erumei, Psettodes 178, 264 Estuary Catfish ^9, 40 Fstuary Perch 15, 96,262 t c'Ut-u/iS, l^XOC&tuS 71 Exoccetus cvolans 71 PAGK. fasciatus, Apogon 96 fasfiatus, Limnichthys 207 fercx, Alepidosaurus . . , 55 ferox, Tylosurus 64, 261 Fiddler 233 Fierasfer 57 Ficrasferidce 19, 56 Fierasferoids .56 Fighting-Fish 39 Filefishes 220 findlayi, Galaxias 50 Fire-fish, Red 191, 195 Fistularia depress a 58 Fistulariida 20, 57 Flag-tail 91 Flat-Fishes 177 Flathead, Bass 265 Flathead, Common . . 16, 197, 264 Flathead, Dusky 197 Flathead, Long-spined 197, 198, 265 Flarhead, Rock 197, 198, 264 Flatheads '. . . . . 196 Flathead, Variegated 197, 198 Flattail Mullet .. 15, 74, 78, 261 Flounder, Crested 183 Flounder, Large-toothed 178, 264 Flounder, Long-snouted 183 264 Flounder, Small-toothed 178, 179, 264 Flounder, Southern 178, 181, 264 Flute-mouths 57 fluviatilis, Percalates 96, 97, 262 Flying-Fish 64, 70 Flying-Fishes 64 Flying-Gurnard 202, 265 Flying Gurnards 202 foliatuS) Phyllopteryx 62 fontinalis, Salvelinus 36 forsteri, Agonostomus 15, 74, 261 forsteri, Neoceratodus 229 forsteri, Scombresox 15, 64 Fortescue 191, 194 Fox Shark 232, 235 Freshwater Catfish . . 39, 40, 261 Freshwater Herring . . 27, 30, 261 Freshwater Perch 96, 97, 262 Frog-Fish 214 Frog-Fishes 213 fronto, Patcecus 210 Frost-Fish 167, 168 fulviflamma, Genyoroge 262 fuscus, Cheilodactylus .. 119, 263 fuscus, Platycephalus 16, 197, 264 F. far, Hemirhamphtts 64, 261 fariot Salmo 36 G. Gadida , Gadopsis marmoratus .... 20, 86 . . 210, 265 INDEX. 271 PACK. Galaxias coxii „ 50 Galaxias findlayi 50 Galaxias scriba 50 Galaxias truttaceus 50 Galaxiida 19, 49 galeatus, Heterodontus 232 Galeichthys australis 40, 42 Galcichthys thalassinus 40, 42 Galeocerdo rayneri 232 g al! us, Lo phoned cs 183 Garfish, Barred 64, 68, 261 Garfishes ' . . . . 64 Garfish, River . . . 64, 67, 259, 261 Garfish, Sea 64. 66' 261 Garfish, Short-beaked 64,' 68,' 261 Garfish, Skipper 15, 64, 70 geminatus, Lepidoblennius .... 210 Genypterus blacodes 215 Genyoroge futviflamma 262 Genyoroge scba 262 georgicnus, Arripis 117, 262 g corgi anus, Caranx . . 16, 149 264 georgii, Mugil .' 26i Geotria anstralis 240 Germo alalunga 162 GerridcK 20, 117 Ghost Shark 233 Giant Boar-Fish 122, 124, 263 Giant Herring 23, 24' 261 Giant Herrings 23 Giant Perch 96, 104,' 262 Girella cyanea 9!^ 262 Girella tricuspidata *5, 91,' 262 gloria-marts, Monocentris 89 glauca, Lamna 233 glauca; Prionace 232 Glaucosoma scapulare 96, 262 glesne, Regalecus 217 Glyptauchen panduratus 191 Gnat hypo ps jatksoniensis 108 Goatfish, Bar-tailed 131, 132 Goatfish, Blue-striped ... 131, 263 Goatfishes 130 Goatfish, Spotted I3i Gobicsocida 22, 209 Gobiida 21 ,' 183 Gobi aides purpurascens 184 Gobi us bifrenatus 184 Goblin-Fish 191 ? 195 Goby, Bridled 184 Goby, Eel-like 184 Goby Family 183 Golden Carp 38 Golden Perch 96, 97, 262 Goldfish 38 Gonorhynchida 19, 37 Gonorhynchus gonorhynchus 37 gouidii, Acheerodus 142, 265 Government Bream 262 gracilis, Centriscus 59 PAGE. Grayling, Australian 51, 261 Grayling Family 51 Grayling, New Zealand 51 Green Eel 44, 48 Grenadiers 85 Grey-Nurse 233, 235 gronc-vii, Nomeus 85 Groper 142, M3, 263 Groper, Blue 263 Groper, Blue-Spotted 263 Groper, Queensland . . 96, 103, 262 Groper, Red (Brown) .... 16, 263 Grunters 122 Gudgeon, Purple-striped 185 Gudgeons 184 Gudgeon, Striped 184, 185 guniheri , Monacanthus 223 Gurnard, Flying 202, 265 Gurnard, Kumu 200 Gurnard, Red 16, 200, 265 Gurnards 199 Gurnards, Flying 202 Gurnard, Sharp-beaked 200, 201, 265 Gurnet-Perch, Red 191, 264 Gurnets 199 gut talus, Scomberomorus . . 162, 204 pymnogenis, Pseudolabrus . . 10, juj Gymnosarda pelamis 162, 264 Gymnothorax pi eta 44 Gymnothorax prasina 44 H. Hag-Fishes 239 Hairtail, Australian 168 Hair-tailed Blenny 210, 213 Half-banded Sea-Perch 262 Halibut, Queensland 178, 181, 264 hamiltoni, Tetrodon 225 Hammer-headed Shark 232 Haplochitonida 51 Haflomi 19 Hardyhead 71 Hardyhead Family 71 hasta, Pomadasis 122, 265 haswelli, Creedia 20; hecateia, Latris 118^ 263 Hemirhamphus far 64, 261 Hemirkamphus intermedius 64, 261 Hemirhamphus regularis 64, 259, 261 Herring 27, 29, 261 Herring, Big-eyed 23, 261 Herring Family 27 Herring, Freshwater . . 27, 30, 261 Herring, Giant 23, 24 261 Herring-Kale 16, 142, 147, 264 Herrings, Giant 23 Heterodontus galeatus 232 Hetrrodontus phi lip pi 232 Heteromi 19 Hippocampus nova-hollandiee . . 6« 272 INDEX. PAGE. kippotrepis, Monacanthus 222, 265 hippos, Seriola 149, 264 hippurus, Coryphezna .... 173, 264 Histiophoridae 21, 169 Histiopterus labiosus 122, 263 Histiopterus recurvirostris 122, 263 HoplognathidcB 20, 109 Horned Box-Fish 224 Horse-Mackerel .... 163, 264 Hyperlophus spratellidts 27 Hypnos subnigrum 233 Hypoplectrodes annulatus .... 262 Jlypoplectrodes nigrorubrum 15, 262 Hyf.oplectrodes semicinctus . . . 262 hystrix, Diodon 227 I. , Luvarus 171 indicus, Noiorhynchus 232 indicus, Tetrapturus 170 inerme, Anema 206 insolens, Schizochirus 207 intermedius, Hemirhamphus 64, 261 irzdeus, Sahno 33 itaiara, Promicrops 96, 262 J- Jackass-Fish 119, 263 jacksonensis, Trachypterus .... 217 jackfoniensis, Gnathypops 108 jaculator, Toxotes 95 Japanese Butterfly-Fish 39 javus, Siganus 139 Jewfish 1 13, 262 jewfish Family 113 Joey 210, 211 John Dory, Australian ... 175, 264 John Dory Family 174 K. Kathetostoma lave. 206 Kelpfish 118, 263 Kipg-Fish 149, 151, 264 King-of-the-Herrings 217 Knife-jaw, Australian 109 Knife-jawed Fishes 109 Knight-Fishes 89 Knight-Fish, Australian 89 Kosciusko Minnow 50 Kre-fftius adspersus 185 Krcfltius australis 184 Kuhlia tceniura 91 kumu, Chelidonichthys 16, 200, 265 Kumu Gurnard 200 Kyphosida 20, 91 Kyphosus Sydney anus .... 91, 262 PAGE. labiatus, Leptocephalus 44 labiosus, Histiopterus .... 122, 263 Labrida 21, 141 Lactophrys concatenatus 224 lacunosa, Atherina 71 lave, Kathetostoma 206 lavigatus^ Platycephalus 197, 264 l&vigatus, Tetrodon 226 lalandi, Seriola i49? 264 Lamna glauca 233 Lamprey, Wide-mouthed 240 Lampreys 239 Lamprey, Short-headed 240 Lancet-Fish 56 Lancet-Fishes 55 Laneelets 240 Large-scaled Bull's-eye 90 Large-toothed Flounder .. 178, 264 Lates calcarifer 96, 261 Latndida 21 118 Latris ciliaris 118 Latris hecateia 118, 263 Leafy Sea-Horses 62 Leatherjacket, Orange-spotted 222, 265 Leather jackets 220 Leatherjacket, Yellow 222, 223, 265 leichhardti , Scleropages .... 25, 261 Lemon Sole 178, 264 Lenticular Box-Fish 224 lenticularis, Aracana 224 Lepidoblennius geminatus 210 leptdoptera. Ccesioperca 262 Le. pi do pus caudatus 167 Leptocephalus labiatus 44 Leptoscopidcz 21 204 Leptoscopoid Fishes .' 204 Leptoscopus macropygus 204 leptosomus, Decapterus 264 Lethrinus chrysostomus .... 125, 263 Leuciscus rutilus 39 lewini, Dinolestes 96, 262 Limnichthys fasciaius 207 lineolatus, Coris .... 16, 142, 263 Ling 86, 262 Linked Box-Fish 224 Little Bellows-Fish 59 Little Rock-Whiting .... 147, 264 Little Saw-Shark 233, 236 Little Shore-Eels 43 Loboies surinamensis 94, 261 Lobotidce 20, 94 Longfin 262 Longfin, Bastard 262 Long-finned Eel 44, 261 Long-finned Pike 96, 106, 262 longimanus, Caprodon 262 longipes, Bathypterois 55 longispinis, Platycephalus .... 265 INDEX. -'73 PAGE. Long-snouted Flounder . . 183, 264 Long-spined Flathead 197. 198, 265^ Long Sucking-Fish 191 Long-Toms 64 Long-Tom, Slender 64, 261 Long-Tom, Stout 64, 65, 261 lophodon, Aplodactylus .. 119, 263 Lothonectes gall us 183 Lot til a call arias 86, 262 Lung-Fish, Australian 229 Lung-Fishes , 228 Luraridce 21^ 171 Luvams-Fish 171 Liirarus imperialis 171 M. Mackerel 162, 264 Mackerel, Harred Spanish 264 Mackerel Family 160 Mackerel, Horse .... 162, 163, 264 Mackerel-Scad 264 Mackerel, Spanish 162, 165 Mackerel, Spotted Spanish 264 macleayana, Solea 183 macleayana, Tylosurus .... 64, 261 madeayi^ Cristiceps 210 Macquaria australasica .... 96, 262 macquariensis, Oligorus . . . 96, 262 Macquarie's Perch .... 96, 99, 262 macracanthus, Pri acanthus .... 262 Macrius a missus 204 macrochir^ Polynemus 82 macrolepis, Pempheris 90 macropterus, Dactylosparus 119, 263 macropygus, Leptoscopus 204 Macruridce 20, 85 Macrurus australis 85 maculata, Sillago 15, 109, 262 ^° .'. •• '33, 134 Malacopterygu 19 Mania alfredi 233 Maori 142, 143, 263 marcena, Protoiroctes 51 261 Marbled Morwong 1 18 marmoratus, Chironemus .. 118, 263 marmoratus, Gadopsis 210, 265 Marsipobranchii 239 maximus. Cetorhinus 233 IMegalops cvfifinoides 23, 261 megastotnus, Cnidoglanis 39 melanocercus, Cypsilurus . . 64, 70 melanopus, Amphiprion 141 microltpidotus, Prionurus ..... 138 rnilesii, Aploactis 191 Minnow. Kosciusko 50 Minnow. Mountain 50 Minnows, Australian 49 Minnow, Sydney 50 Minnow, Tasmanian 50, 51 MonacantJius ayraudi 221, 222, 265 Monacanthu* guntheri 223 Monacanthus hippocrepis . . 222, 265 Monacanthus trossulus 221 Mola mola 228 Molida 22, 227 Monkfish 233 Monocentrida 20, 89 I\Ionocentris gloria-mart's 89 Monodactylus argenteus 133 mono pus, Rhombosolea 178, 264 Moon-Fish 263 J/ 2&4 Notorhynchus indicus 232 Nototheniidce 22, 205 Notothenioid Fishes 205 novce-cambritipomatid 262 pumiulatus, Dicotylichthys . . . 226 Purple-striped Gudgeon 185 pur pur a seen s, Gobioides 184 purpurissatus, Aulopus 15, 53, 261 Q. quadrtlineatus, Terapon .. 122, 263 Queen-Fish 264 Queensland Groper . . 96, 103, 262 Queensland Halibut 178, 181, 264 Queensland Trumpeter 122, 123, 263 Raciiyccntrida 21, 1 59 Rachyccnlron canadus .... 1 59, 264 Raid 233 i aii, Bram,i 174 PAGE. Rainbow Trout 33 Rainbow-Fish 16, 142, 263 rayneri, Galeocerdo 232 Rays 231 rccurvirostris, Histiopterus 122, 263 Red Bull's-Eye 262 Red Bream I26 Red Cod 86, 87, 262 Red Fire-Fish I9l, J95 Red Gurnard 16, 200^ 265 Red Gurnet-Perch 191, 264 Red Groper 263 Red-Indian Fish 210, 212 Red Morwong 119, 263 Red Mullets 130 Red Rock-Cod 191, 193, 264 Regalecus glesne 217 regularis^ Ilemirhamphus 64, 259 261 reinhardtii, Anguilla 43, 261 Remora remora 191 Retropinna retropinna 32 Rhinobatus banksii 233 Rhombosolea mono pus .... 178, 264 Ribbon-Fishes 216 Ribbon-Fish, Southern 216 richardsonii) Odax 142, 263 Richardson's Boar-Fish .. 122, 124 Richmond Mullet 261 Rifle-Fish 95 Rifle-Fishes 95 River Blackfish 210, 265 River Garfish .... 64, 67, 259, 261 River Shark 232 Roach 39 robusta, Notesthes 191, 264 Rock-Cod, Black 96, 103, 262 Rock-Cod, Red .... 191, 193, 264 Rock Flathead 197, 198, 264 Rockling, Australian 215 Rock Whiting 142, 145, 263 rostrata, Ammotretis J^3j 2^4 Roughy 89 Roughy (of South Australia) 117, 262 rufus, Cheilobranchus 43 rutilus, Leuciscus 39 S. Salmo fario 36 Salmo irideus 33 Salmon 113, 1 16, 262 Salmon, Beaked 37 Salmon, Cooktown 81, 262 Salmon Catfishes 40, 41 Salmon Family 32 Salmon-Herring 27, 31, 261 Salmonida 19, 32 Salmon-Trout . ... 116 276 1NDHX. PAGE. saltatrix, Pomatomus 149, 264 Salielinus fontinalis 36 Samson-Fish 149, 153, -264 Sand-Eel 38 Sand Mullet 74, 79, 261 Sand Whiting .. 15, 109, 259, 262 Sandy 205, 265 Sandy Sprat 27, 30 sarba, Chrysophrys ...... 125, 263 Sarda chilensis 162 264 Sardinella castelnaui 27, 261 saurus, Elops 23, 261 Sawfish 233, 236 Saw-Shark, Little 233, 236 Scabbard-Fish 167, 168 scapulare, Glaucosoma .... 96, 262 Scaridce 21, 141 Schizochirus insolens 207 School Whiting in Scicena antarctica 113, 262 Sci&nida 20, 113 sclerolepis, Arrhamphus . . 64, 261 Sclero pages leichhardti .... 25, 261 scolopax, Centriscus 59 Scomber colias 162, 264 Scomberoides sancti-petri 264 Scomberomorus commersonii 162, 264 Scomberomorus guttatus ... 162, 264 ScombresocidcB 20, 64 Scombresox forsteri 64 Scombridce 21, 160 Scopelida 19, 53 Scopeloids 53 Scorp&nida 21, 191 Scorpaenoid Fishes 191 Scorp&na cruenta 191, 264 Scorpidida 21 , 133 S cor pis cequipinnis 133, 263 scriba^ Galaxias 50 Sea-Carp 1 19, 120, 263 Sea-Dragon, Australian 63 Sea-Dragons 62 Sea Garfish 64, 66, 261 Sea-Hedgehog 227 Sea-Horse, Common 61 Sea-Horses 59 Sea-Horses, Leafy 62 Sea Mullet ... 15, 74, 75, 259, 261 Sea-Perch, Banded 262 Sea-Perch, Black-spotted .... 262 Sea-Perch, Cuvier's 15, 262 Sea-Perch, Half-banded 262 Sea-Porcupines 226 Sea-Robins 202 Sea-Snipe 59 Sea-Snipes 58 sebce, Genyoroge 262 Sebastapistes percoides .... 191, 264 semicinctus, Hypoplectrodes .... 262 PACK. sephen, Das y at is 233 Sephen Stingray 233 Sergeant Baker 15, 53, 261 Sergeant-Fish 159, 264 Sergeant-Fishes 159 Serial a hippos I49J 264 Seriola lalandi I49, 2^4 Seriolella brama 84 serpens, Ophisurus 44 Serpent Eel 44, 48 Serranidce. 20, 96 serratus, Acanthi stius 96, 262 setifer, Xiphasia 210 Seven-gilled Shark 232, 233 sexsfiinis, Notacanthus 56 Shark, Angel 233 Shark, Basking 233, 235 Shark, Blue 232 Shark, Carpet 232 Shark, Crested Port Jackson . . 232 Shark, Fox 232, 235 Shark, Ghost 233 Shark, Hammer-headed 232 Shark, Port Jackson .... 232, 233 Shark, River 232 Sharks 231 Shark, Seven-gilled 232, 233 Shark, Tiger 232, 235 Sharp-beaked Gurnard 200, 201, 265 sheridani } Polynemus 81 Shore-Eel, Banded 43 Shore-Eels, Little 43 Short-beaked Garfish . . 04. 68, 261 Short- finned Eel 44 Short-finned Pike 82, 261 Short-headed Lamprey 240 Short Sucking-Fish 191 Shovelnose 233 Siganidee 21, 138 Siganus jarus 139 Siganus ntbulosus 139, 263 signatus, U peneus I31 signifer, Pseudomugil 71 Sillaginid'-c 20, 109 Sill ago bassensis 1 1 1 Sillago ciliata .. 15, 109, 259,' 262 Sill ago maculala .... 15, 109, 262 Sill ago punctala 109, 262 '.Uurida: 19^ 39 Silverbellies "7 Silverbelly 117, 263 Silver Dory 1 76, 264 Silver Eel" 44? 4& Silver Mullet 261 Silver Perch i^, 123, 263 Skate ^33 Skipjack Pike 107, 262 Skipper Garfish 15, 64, 70 Skulpins -°S INDEX. 277 1'AOB. Slender Long-Tom 64, 261 Slippery 2 10, 265 Small-scaled Bull's-eye ..... . 90 Small-toothed Flounder 178, 179, 264 Smelt, Australian 32 Snapper 15, 125, 263 Solea mad cay ana 183 Sole, Black 178, 181. 264 Sole, Lemon 178. 264 Sole, Narrow-banded 183 hole, Peacock 183, 264 Sc Idier-Fish 96, 107 Southern Flounder .. 178, 181, 264 Southern Ribbon-Fish 216 Spanish Mackerels 162, 165 Spanish Mackerel, Barred 264 Spanish Mackerel, Spotted ... 264 Sparida: 21 , 1 25 Spearfishes 169 Sphyrcena nov