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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 . )
THIS family is very well represented in Australian waters,
amongst the number being several food-fishes. Of the
"Grunters" I might mention; the little Trumpeter Perch
(Terapon quadrilineatus} , the Silver Perch (Terapon
ellipticus), and the Queensland Trumpeter (Pomadasis
hast a) } while of the four species of Boar-Fish the most
important are Richardson's Boar-Fish (Histiopterus recur-
virostris) and the Giant Boar-Fish (Histiopterus labiosus).
The Trumpeter Perch is a very widely distributed fish.
In addition to being found over the greater portion of the
New South Wales coastline, and probably the whole of that
of Queensland, it occurs in the waters of New Guinea, the
seas of India, the Malay Archipelago and China. Though
it is quite a small species, usually attaining a length of
about 8 inches, it may be quite properly classed as one of
our edible fishes, as it is excellent for table purposes. This
has been recognised more of late years, consequently more
of them are consumed.
The Trumpeter Perch is quite common in many parts
of Port Jackson, particularly on shallow, sandy bottoms
covered with sea-grass, against gently-sloping beaches.
In common with the real fish of that name, this little
species is often called "Made/' principally by juvenile
anglers ; but the fishermen usually recognise the difference
between these two, and apply to the Trumpeter Perch the
name of "Trumpeter." This is, however, misleading; as it
has no close affinity with the Trumpeters properly so-called.
The term is given to it because of its habit of making a
half-grunting half-buzzing sound after capture.
GRUNTERS AND BOAR-FISHES. 123
This fish has a very pretty appearance ; the body being
of a greyish-green tint and having a number of longitudinal
bands of, usually, a brownish tint, running along it.
The Silver Perch is one of the best known amongst
our fluviatile food-fishes. It occurs in the whole of the
waters of the Murray River system, even up into parts of
Queensland, and down to the limits of salt-water in South
Australia. It attains a weight of about 5 pounds, and is
highly prized wherever it is known, on account of its edibl?
value. Though occasionally obtained by means of hook and
line the usual way of capturing it is with the gill-net — as
in the case of the "Golden Perch."
The Silver Perch is really a most beautiful looking fish
both as regards colour and shape. It has a uniformly-
silvery appearance; the body, particularly the back, being
finely dotted over with a darker colour and each body-scale
having a very pretty dark outline. In many parts of western
New South Wales, this fish is familiarly-known as
"Grunter" : because of the grunting or snorting sound made
by it when captured. It is also known as "Black Bream''
in some parts and in others "Silver Bream." The native
Murrumbidgee name for it is said to be "Kooberry." On
the lower reaches of the Murray River in South Australia,
the aboriginal name of "Tcheri" or "Cheerey" is used.
The Queensland Trumpeter : The Australian home
of this magnificent food-fish is principally along the coast
of Queensland, where it is well and favourably known. It
also abounds to some extent on the northern portions of the
New South Wales coast, and is found in Western Australia.
In addition to its Australian habitat, it is known from the
Red Sea, the east coast of Africa and the Malay Archi-
pelago.
In addition to the name given above, it is also known
in Queensland as the "Javelin Fish."
The casual observer would pass this fish as "a kind of
Bream" ; and certainly it is rather Bream-like in shape.
The colours vary with age, but the body is usually
prettily ornamented along the upper parts with prominent
irregular dark spots.
In our waters this species grows to a length of at least
I24
FISHES OF AUSTRALIA.
2\y2 inches; that being the size of the largest example
handled by me ; the specimen being from the Macleay River,
N.S.W.
Richardson's Boar-Fish : This remarkable looking
fish has achieved fame because of its peculiar appear-
ance, rather than through its importance as an edible fish.
•Still, in the latter respect, it has already gained some renown,
as it attains a length of nearly 2 feet, and the flesh, is much
esteemed as food. It is found chiefly upon the coasts of
Victoria and Tasmania, also being occasionally obtained
Fig. 44. — Head of RICHARDSON'S BOAR-FISH
( Histiopterus recurvirostris ) .
upon the southern seaboard of New South Wales and
Western Australia. The most remarkable portion of this
fish is the head, in which the snout is greatly produced, the
small mouth being situated at the extremity of the snout.
Taking the front part of the head alone there is a quaint,
far-away suggestion of the head of a gigantic sea-horse —
without any of a sea-horse's trimmings.
The Giant Boar-Fish : If one is to go by actual
appearances, this fish is more deserving of the name of
"Boar" than any of the others, there being an undoubted
suggestion of a "Tamworth" Pig. It is distributed over the
greater portion of the coastline of New South Wales, Vic-
toria, South Australia and probably Tasmania. It is a fine
fish, growing to a large size (specimens of over 2 feet in
THE BREAM FAMILY. 125
length being not uncommon). Though there is really no
reason to think that this fish is uncommon, it is not brought
to market very often. The reason for this is not very far
to seek as the Giant Boar-fish dwells and obtains its food
upon sandy ground in deep water ; the same kind of ground
as that upon which the "Old-Man" Snapper is found.
Here it lives wholly upon marine organisms which live in
the sand. Very few people fish in these localities, except
those who fish for "outside" Flathead; in which case the
bait used would be too large for the comparatively small
mouth of the Giant Boar-Fish.
It will be observed that the snout in this fish, is admir-
ably adapted for "grubbing" in the sand for food; just as
in the previously-mentioned species, the long-drawn-out
snout is so wonderfully suited for poking about amongst
crevices and crannies in rocks, enabling the fish to pull small
marine animals out of places which it could never reach, if
it had a blunt muzzle.
The Giant Boar-Fish is of a greyish-colour; lighter
below; with wide, dark, brownish, longitudinal bands on
the upper part.
THE BREAM FAMILY.
(Family: Sparidce.)
HERE we come to another and still more important family
of Australian fishes which includes two, at least, of our most
important food-fishes — the Snapper* (Pagrosomus auratus)
and the Black Bream (Chrysophrys australis).
Amongst the other members of this family might be
mentioned the Tarwhine (Chrysophrys sarba) and the
Yellow-mouthed Perch (Lethrinus chrysostomus) .
The Snapper. What the Murray Cod is amongst
* There appears to me to be no sound etymological reason why the
name of this species should be spelled " Sr/mapper." The mere fact of its
having been spelled in that way by so many is not a sufficient justification.
i26 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA.
our fresh-water fishes, the Snapper is, in the fishes of
the sea; and it is generally looked upon as the principal
fish, both for sporting and food purposes, to be obtained in
our waters. The latter part of this statement of course does
not refer to comparative quantities obtained; for, undoubt-
edly the Mullets hold their own in that respect.
The Snapper is found on the coast of every State
in the Commonwealth (as well as New Zealand), but as
far as we know is most abundant in New South Wales.
Fig. 45. — SNAPPER (Paffrosomm auratus).
At one stage or other of its growth, it must be a familiar
object to most of my readers ; or at the very least those who
reside in coastal districts.
Though the adults frequent principally the "outside"
grounds in the vicinity of sunken reefs and bomboras, the
young — familiarly known as Red Bream — are quite common
in the lower waters of our harbours, where they are eagerly
sought after by many an angler, young and old.
Up to about 4 or 5 inches in length, the young fry of
the Snapper, which are then characterised by the posses-
sion of dark vertical bars on the body, are very often known
as "Cockneys." I should have mentioned that the prevail-
ing colour of the Snapper throughout life is a most de-
licious pink; which becomes, usually, richer and a little
deeper in tint with increased age.
Beyond the "Cockney" stage and up to a weight of
about a pound and a half, the Snapper is known as Red
Bream, that is in the restricted sense of the term. At the
beginning of this stage, the vertical bars gradually disap-
THE BREAM FAMILY. 127
pear and most beautiful pale-blue spots, which before were
quite noticeable, now become very prominent ; particularly
nn the upper surface of the body. Later on in life and up
to a fairly-large size, this species is known to the fishermen
first as "Squire" and then as "School Snapper"; while
beyond this stage, we get what is known as the "Old-Man
Snapper." At the last-mentioned stage, the fish is char-
acterised by a tremendous, bony protuberance at the top of
the head : and, at the same time, a flabby, fleshy nose, of
almost hitman appearance is formed. At this time, the like-
ness of the Old Man Snapper's countenance to a human
face, is often most remarkable; particularly when — as is so
often the case — the nose has the bloated appearance of an
inebriate's. The Old Man Snapper is sometimes caught
of a weight of over 30 pounds. It is found on sandy bot-
toms in fairly-deep water, where it subsists chiefly upon
starfishes, sand-worms, crustaceans, etc. One would think
that the condition of the teeth at this stage might have
something to do with this change of habitat, as they are
then worn and often decayed.
I'M-:. 4(>. — "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
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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 : —
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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