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Colonial Museum and ecological Survey Department.

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BY

yeEOERION WOLLASTON HUTTON, F. GS,

ASSISTANT bc iaas

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JAMES HECTOR, M.D., F.RS.

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WITH TWELVE PLATES.

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NEW ZEALAND.
See JAMES HUGHES, PRINTER, LAMBTON QUAY, WELLINGTON.
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Colonial Museum and Geological Survey Department

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND

CATALOGUE WITH DIAGNOSES OF THE SPECIES

BY

FREDERICK WOLLASTON HUTTON, F.G.S.

ASSISTANT GEOLOGIST

NOTES ON THE EDIBLE FISHES
BY

JAMES HECTOR, M.D., F.RS.

DIRECTOR

"

WITH TWELVE PLATES |

NEW ZEALAND
JAMES HUGHES, PRINTER, LAMBTON QUAY, WELLINGTON.
1872

ee,

PREFACE.

Ix 1868 Commissioners were appointed by the Colonial Government to
enquire into the extent and value of the fisheries on the New Zealand
coasts, as a natural source of wealth.

From their reports, which were published in the two following years,*
it may be gathered that fishing was at that date pursued as a regular
employment only by very few persons in proportion to the population
and to the demand; and that the supply of fish, even for the local
markets in the chief towns on the coast, was very insufficient and
irregular, while little attention was directed to the preparation of fish,
either for sale in the interior or for export. Owing to various causes,
the statistics obtained were very imperfect, but, in a general way, it was
shown to be probable that, at the date mentioned, the total annual value
of fish brought to market in New Zealand did not exceed £15,000,
which may be estimated from the other data, contained in the report, as
equal to an average yearly consumption of about 35ibs. weight of fish
by each person, taking as consumers only those who reside within reach
of fishing stations. During the last two years more attention has been
devoted to this industry, and it is worthy of special notice that several
factories have been established for pickling, drying, and otherwise pre-
serving fish for sale, so that this estimate may now be under the mark.
At the same time the evidence obtained by the Commissioners sufli-
ciently indicates that wholesome fish are abundant on every part of the
coast, and that our seas afford choice varieties, suitable both for imme-
diate use in the fresh state, and for preserving as an article of commerce.
Tt was, however, found impossible to acquire any precise information
about the seasonal distribution and habits of the different species
from the want of an accepted nomenclature, and from the vague manner
in which the popular names of English fishes are applied in various
parts of the Colony.

The following work has therefore been prepared in this Department
with the view of establishing an uniform nomenclature, accompanied by
sufficient descriptive details to enable persons in different parts of the
Colony to follow the study of this most useful and attractive branch

* Parliamentary Papers, 1869-70.

iv. PREFACE,

of Natural History. As the basis of the work, an extensive collection
of our fishes was accumulated in the Museum, together with sketches
and other information bearing on the subject, and from this material
the systematic Catalogue has been prepared by Captain Hutton.

To his portion of the work I have added a few brief notes on the
Natural History of those species of fishes which are useful as food, a
subject on which as yet our information is very imperfect and frequently
contradictory. Nevertheless, I have thought it better to publish these
notes, as their defects may induce others, whahave better opportunities
for observation, to communicate information on the subject, and thus
help us to acquire a complete knowledge of the Ichthyology of New
Zealand at an early date.

In order to assist those who are not versed in the scientific terms of
zoologists in their attempts to recognise our fishes by the popular names
now proposed, forty-nine of the species, chiefly such as are most com-
monly met with in the market, have been lithographed in outline by
Mr. Buchanan. In most cases these drawings were from fresh specimens,
and may therefore be relied on as accurate. At the same time, begin-
ners who desire to study Ichthyology, and to enlarge our list by further
discoveries, must not rely in their comparisons on these or any other
drawings, but on the fullest descriptions they can obtain, combined with
personal observation of the fishes themselves.

Several changes will be observed in the nomenclature of our fishes
from the list given in the Catalogue of the Colonial Museum (1870),
which was prepared from Richardson’s list given in Dieffenbach’s work
on New Zealand. These changes are chiefly owing to the circumstance
that Dr. Giinther’s magnificent work on Ichthyology, which forms the
basis of the present classification, was not accessible until that Catalogue
was in type, and consequently only a few of the more prominent amend-
ments could be adopted.

The changes in the present Catalogue affect sixty species out of one
hundred and thirty-eight formerly enumerated ; of these thirty are
fishes that are not mentioned in the previous list, fifteen of them being
species which have been discovered since its publication. The other
thirty alterations are changes of name and do not affect the actual
number of known fishes.

JAMES HECTOR.
Colonial Museum,
Wellington, February, 1872.

CONTENTS.

Errata - : : - - vi.
Explanation of Catalogue : ; : ix.
Key to the Families - : : eel
Bibliography : ° : - XVi.
FisHes or New ZEALAND—
Acanthopterygii . : : : 1
Acanthopterygii Pharyngognathi ; . 41
Anacanthini : : “ : 44
Physostomi : : - 52
Lophobranchii : : : - 67
Plectognathi : : : 70
Chondropterygii. : : : 7:
Cyclostomata : 4 ; 86
Leptocardii . : ; : 88
FisHes IntRopuceD BY EvROPEAN SETTLERS—
Acanthopterygii - ‘ : 89
Physostomi : : - : 90
Notes ON THE EDIBLE FIsHEs 3 : : 95
List of Plates

Index

ERRATA.

Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12, in the Fin Formula.—For ‘‘S. Lat.” read
coy. Wat?

Page 3, line 7 from bottom.—For ‘‘ Squammipinnes ” read ‘‘ Squamipinnes.”

», 16, line 3 from top,—For ‘‘ Mackarel ” read ‘‘ Mackerel.”
», 21, line 10 from bottom.—For ‘‘ Mackarel”’ read ‘‘ Mackerel.”
», D4, line 9 from bottom.—For ‘‘ subpelluceus”’ read ‘* subpellucens.”

By an oversight the positions of the genera Galeus and Acanthias have got trans-
posed ; the former should be in the family Carchariide, No. 121, the latter
should be in the family Spinacide, No. 130.

Page 112, No. 28, line 2 from bottom.—For ‘‘ Histiopteris” read ‘‘ Histiopterus.”

», 116, No. 77, line 1.—For ‘‘blacoides” read ‘‘ blacodes.”

», 118, No. 85, line 2.—For ‘‘ Hemiramphus” read ‘‘ Hemirhamphus.”
», 120, No. 114, line 1.—For ‘‘ Monocanthus” read ‘‘ Monacanthus.”
», 120, in ‘‘Sharks,” line 2.—For ‘‘ Mustellus ” read ‘‘ Mustelus.”

», 121, line 15.—For ‘‘ Trigon” read ‘‘ Trygon.”

», 121, line 12 from bottom.—For ‘‘ Myliobates”” read ‘‘ Myliobatis.”
», 182, line 12 from bottom.—For ‘‘Congrus” read ‘‘ Conger.”

», 132, line 10 from bottom.—For ‘‘ Ngoio” read ‘‘ Ngoiro.”

“| 7 f
tls f Nee Pe -

ot

CATALOGUE WITH DIAGNOSES OF THE SPECIES

BY

FREDERICK WOLEASTON HUTTON, F.GS,

ASSISTANT GEOLOGIST,

EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUE.

THE arrangement of the Catalogue is that followed by Dr. Giinther in
the ‘“ Zoological Record,” and the characters of the orders, families, and
genera are taken, with slight modifications, from his invaluable Catalogue
of Fishes,* the fountain head of systematic Ichthyology. The characters
of the species, however, are original in all those cases in which I have
been able personally to examine specimens, and which amount to 95
species out of the 141 mentioned in the Catalogue. Of the remaining
46 species I have seen evidence in the Colonial Museum and elsewhere
of 16 more, leaving 30 species of which I know nothing whatever.
These will be all found mentioned in the text. The geographical
distribution, beyond New Zealand, of the genera and species has also been
almost entirely taken from Dr. Giinther’s work, but I have been able to
add a few other localities from later publications.

C.M. after the name of a species means that it is represented in the
Colonial Museum, either by complete specimens, or else by fragments, or
by drawings. When either of the latter is the case it is mentioned in
the text.

The first line of the description is the formula for the fin rays. In it
B. means branchiostegals, D. dorsal fin, A. anal fin, P. pectoral fins, V.
ventral fins, and C. caudal fin. When one number is placed above
another, with a horizontal line between them, the upper figure is the
number of spines, the lower the number of soft rays in the fin. When
two numbers are divided by a perpendicular line it means that the fin is
divided at the point ; the left hand figure then means the number of rays
or spines in the division next to the head, the right hand figure those in
the division next to the tail. In those fishes that have small finlets on
the tail, as the Barracoota, their number is indicated by Roman numerals.

L. lat. is the number of pierced scales that form the lateral line, from
the humeral arch to the end of the tail.

L. trans. is the number of series of scales between the dorsal fin and
the abdomen ; the oblique line dividing them shows the position of the
lateral line.

The height of the body is always its greatest depth.

The length of the head is from the end®f the snout to the posterior
margin of the bony operculum.

* Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum, by Albert Giinther, F.R.S.,
etc., 8 vols., 8vo. Printed by order of the Trustees, 1859-1870.
5)

~

x. EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUE.

The length of the snout is to the vertical from the anterior margin of
the eye.

The /ength is from the end of the snout to the end of the tail, ‘not
including the caudal fin. When the caudal fin is included it is always
called total length.

The diameter of the eye is the horizontal diameter. This character,
however, must be taken with caution, as the size of the eye often varies,
and is always greater in proportion in young individuals.

In the references given after the names of the species, Giinther means
his Catalogue of Fishes ; Jenyns means the Zoology of the Voyage of the
‘Beagle’; Richardson means the Zoology of the Voyage of the ‘ Erebus’
and ‘Terror,’ and Cat. Col. Mus. stands for the Catalogue of the Colonial
Museum, 1870.

The following outline of Ichthyology has been abridged and re-
arranged from Von der Hoven’s “ Hand-book of Zoology,” for the
assistance of the student :—

“ Fishes are vertebrate, cold-blooded animals, which live in water and
breathe by gills.

“ Bopy.—The body may be divided into the head, the trunk, and the
tail, for there is no proper neck, as the thoracic cavity succeeds
immediately to that of the mouth, or is even confluent with it. The
tail, which is that portion of the body lying behind the vent, must not
be confounded with the tail fin, which is always called the caudal fin.
In most fishes the body is compressed laterally, so that the section is an
oval, of which the back forms the broadest end. In some, however, as
in the Rays, it is depressed, or flat, while in others it is cylindrical, as in
the Eels. In general the body is covered with scales (which are called
cycloid when they are smooth edged, and céenotd when toothed like a
comb), but sometimes the scales are exceedingly minute, and the smooth
skin seems to be naked. In some fish, however, scales are really wanting.
On each side of the body lies a line of pores or apertures which form
the Jateral line, and it is from these pores that the slimy fluid, with
which the body of fishes is covered, is secreted. Generally this line is
continuous, but sometimes it is interrupted, that is, stops before reaching
the end of the tail, sometimes ceasing altogether (e.g. Stichariwm), or
sometimes beginning again lower down (e.g. Notothenia), and pursuing
a new direction on the tail® A few fishes have several lateral lines
(e.g. Acanthoclinus), and some none at all (e.g. Mug).

“GiLLs.—The gills have ordinarily a single opening on each side
behind the head (gill opening), through which the water is expelled on

EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUE. <i,

expiration, which is generally in the form of a semilunar fissure, convex

backwards. They are protected by a cover of bony plates, called the
operculum the posterior margin of which is free. Beneath this is a thin
membrane (gi/l-membrane), which is folded, and supported by bony rays,
called branchiostegals. The gills in most fishes consist of a series of small
triangular leaflets of equal breadth (pectinated or laminated gills),
attached by their bases to the branchial arches. These leaflets are nearly
always in two rows on each branchial arch, but if only one such row
alone be present (e.g. Zrachelochismus), then the name of half gill is
given tosuch an arch. In the bony fishes the branchial arches are free
on the outside, but in the Sharks and Rays there proceeds from each
branchial arch, between the branchial leaflets of the anterior and posterior
row, a membranous production as far as the skin, which entirely covers
the gills with the exception of about five apertures (gill openings) for
the expulsion of the water. Many fishes have false gills (pseudo
branchic) on the palate, above and outwards from the gills ; these must
not be confounded with the half gills.

“ Heap.—Below the orbits of the eye is placed a row of bony scales,
forming a half ring (swborbital ring), the anterior of which forms the
outer or inferior margin of the nasal cavity. The upper jaw bones
(maxillaries) are commonly without teeth, and lie in the upper lip ;
they run obliquely backwards and downwards without being connected
at the extremity with other bones. The intermawillary bones form the
central part of the mouth, and are usually armed with teeth, as are also
the palatine bones, which are situated on each side of the vomer or
central part of the roof of the mouth. Behind each of these palatine
bones lie two bones called the pterygoids. The lower jaw is divided into
a right and left portion (mandibule), united in the middle (symphysis)
by cartilage. The tongue bone lies under the head, and usually consists
of a series of unpaired bony pieces placed behind one another. To these
bony pieces five arches are attached, like ribs to a sternum; the
hindermost arch is incomplete and is simply laid on the under side of
the gullet ; it consists of two bones (inferior pharyngeal bones), one on
each side, which are sometimes united to form a single unpaired bone.
(Order IT.) .

“TEETH.—The teeth present much variety, and in some kinds are

- entirely absent. In others they exist in gfeat numbers in the jaws, and
on the vomer, palatine bones, tongue, branchial arches, and pharyngeal
bones. -[In form also they differ very much. Sometimes they are small,

xil. EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUE.

equal in size, and arranged in numerous rows like strips of velvet
(villiform) ; sometimes they are larger and in single or few rows, like
the teeth of a comb (cardiform). Some species have large compressed
Songs, some conical canines, while others have sharp cutting incisors
in front, or grinding molars behind, while a few have flat pavement-like
rows of teeth on the palate, or on the hinder parts of the jaws]. The
mode of attachment differs, they are seldom contained in sockes, but
are generally either united to the bones by ligament alone, or else are
coalescent with them by ossification. Usually they are constantly
renewed when broken.

“ Fins.—The fins are in part unpaired and situated in the plane that
divides the body into two halves, in part paired, and lying on each side.
The last may be four in number, two pectoral fins’ placed behind the
gills, and two ventral fins situated more below. In some fishes these
last are placed quite forward in front of the pectoral fins (ventrals
jugular) ; in others they lie almost directly below the pectorals (ventrals
thoracic), and sometimes they lie nearer to the tail, behind the pectorals
(ventrals abdominal). The unpaired fin at the end of the tail is called
the caudal fin; that which is attached to the body below the anal fin ;
and that which is situated above, upon the back, the dorsal fin. Any
of these fins may be divided into two or more portions. Adipose fin
is the name given to a small dorsal fin without rays, which les behind
the ordinary dorsal fin. The small bones which support the fins, and
between which the membrane is extended are named rays. These are
either composed of joints (articulated), and often split at the point into
different branches (soft rays), or simple, hard, and pointed (spinous rays).
When these last are present they are situated at the fore part of the
dorsal, anal, or ventral fins. The number of rays is used as a specific
character. The ventral fins are situated in front of the vent, while the
anal fin begins behind it, but in some fishes the vent is placed far forward,
close under the head.

“The lips, jaws, and head have often filamentous appendages
(tentacles); when under the chin they are called barbels.

“The number of vertebre, of which the spine is composed, varies
very much, from seventeen to more than one hundred. The ¢ad/ is formed
by nearly the half, and often by many more than the half, of these
vertebre.” 7

RW. HUTTON.

Colonial Museum,
December, 1871.

KY) TO THE. EAM Lbs Es,
[Adapted to the New Zealand Genera. ]

I. Gills free, with one opening on each side ; caudal symmetrical, or absent.
A. Gills comb-like ; part of the anal and ventral fins spinose ; body scaly or smooth, ¢
a. No adhesive dise between the ventrals.

* VENTRALS THORACIC.

+ Spinous dorsal greater than the soft.
1. Two dorsal fins.
Xiphiid. Upper jaw greatly produced ie pela
2. One dorsal fin.
Scorpenide (part). Scales none, or minute, dentition feeble

as
Ta)

Trichiuride. Strong teeth in the jaws oe
Labride (part). Edge of the jaw sharp, but no tooth ane ee
++Spinous dorsal equal to the soft.
1. Two dorsal fins.
Mullide. Barbels on the mouth ... me mips
2. One dorsal fin.
Percide (part). Teeth small, some on the palatine bones

~
—
to

Pristipomatide. Palatine bones toothless
Squamipinnes. Body elevated ; fins scaly
Sparide. .Trenchant teeth in the jaws a
Cirrhitide. Lower pectoral rays not branched ...
Scorpinide (part). Head armed

seep Pp
RPO OW Ww =

Pomacentride. Lateral line interrupted
+++ Spinous dorsal less than the soft.
1. Two dorsal fins.

Scomberide. Finlets ; ventrals moderate p. 21
Nomeide (part). Finlets ; ventrals long p. 20
Carangide. No finlets ; lateral line often sated p. 15
Gobiide. A papilla near the vent p. 28
2. One dorsal fin.
Percide (part). Ventrals 1/5 ; caudal forked 1
Berycide. Ventrals with more than five soft rays 12
Acronuride. Spines on each side of the tail 15

Cyttide. Body elevated ; caudal rounded
Nomeide (part). First dorsal very low

Cottide. Three free pectoral rays ; head sated
Trachypteride. No caudal fin if

Labride (part). A posterior canine tooth

surpasses
bo
Oo

{ ‘“‘Saccarius ” is covered with small spines.

Xiv. KEY TO THE FAMILIES.

** VENTRALS JUGULAR.
+ Spinous dorsal greater than the soft.
Blenniide. Spinous part of anal less than the soft aan (Dy ol
Acanthoclinide. Spinous part of anal greater than the soft ... p. 34
++Spinous dorsal less than the soft.
1. Two dorsal fins.

Pediculati. Body covered with minute spines ... Ree cll,

Trachinide (part). Body smooth, or scaly a so Dee
2. One dorsal fin.

Trachinide (part). Mouth vertical, or oblique ... soo (prea

Trichonotide. Body eel-like, upper jaw longer ... gn EPO.

*** VENTRALS ABDOMINAL.
1. Two dorsal fius.

Mugilide. Dentition feeble mae cap 32)
2. One dorsal fin.

Centriscide. Mouth produced into a tube, body elevated see Shab:

Fistularide. Mouth produced into a tube ; body elongated ... p. 38

Notacanthi. Dorsal a few small free spines Sa Doo

b. An adhesive dise between the venitrals.
Gobiesocide. No spinous portion to dorsal es .. p. 40
B. Gills comb-like ; anal and ventral without spinous rays ; body scaly or smooth.
* Bopy SYMMETRICAL, WITH AN EYE ON EACH SIDE OF THE HEAD.
+ Ventrals jugular.

Gadide. Two or three dorsal fins ... ee Soa pate

Oyhidiide. One dorsal, united to caudal ude om, Ate
++ Ventrals thoracic.

Macruride. ‘Tail tapering to a fine point — .- Dp. 48

+++ Ventrals abdominal or absent.
1. Second dorsal adipose.

Sternoptychide. Marine ; mouth very large a4 aes aD: BB
Haplochitonide. Fresh water ; first dorsal before the vent ... p. 57
Salmonide. Fresh water ; first dorsal over the vent .t.0ipse07)

2. No adipose fin.

Scomberesocide. Scaly ; mouth terminal ; dorsal opposite to anal p. 52
Clupeide. Scaly ; mouth terminal ; dorsal in front of anal ... p. 62
tonorhynchide. Scaly ; mouth inferior HAS es) Proll
Galaxide. Naked; dorsal short p. 58
Murenide. Naked; dorsal very long ; no iiielis p. 64

** Born EYES ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE HEAD.
Pleuronectide. Body flat, only one side colored.. . p. 50
C. Gills composed of rounded tufts, opening small ; body at with hoe rings,
never scaly.

Syngnathide. Tail long, tapering : sce eee) Palon
D. Gills comb-like, opening n¥rrow ; body with spines or scutes, never sealy.
Selerodermi. Jaws with em = "e Sena 0

Gymnodontes. Jaws formed into a beak st we Spee

KEY TO THE FAMILIES. XV.

II, Gills attached, generally with several openings; caudal unsymmetrical or absent.
A. One gill opening only.
Chimeride. Caudal unsymmetrical “oe Pai say
B. Gill openings five to seven.
* GILL OPENINGS LATERAL (SHARKS).
+ Eye with a nictitating membrane. ;

Carchariide. Two dorsals and an anal oe peor LO
++ Eye without nictitating membrane.

a. An anal fin.

1. Two dorsal fins.
Lamnide. First dorsal between pectorals and ventrals ; teeth

acute ... re tae “ae Serr ey?
Cestraciontide. First dorsal between pectorals and ventrals ;
teeth obtuse : 505 he p. 80
Scylliide. First dorsal above or behind the ventrals Bae (a fe
2. One dorsal fin.
Notidanide. Dorsal opposite to the anal =e 62) ope
b. No anal fin.
Spinacide. Two dorsal fins HS See Free eth
* * Grit OPENINGS VENTRAL (Rays).
+ Snout produced.
Rhinobatide. Two dorsals on the tail ; pectorals not extending
to the snout de aoe aS se OD Oe
Rajide. Two dorsals on the tail; pectorals extending to the
snout ... oe = Soe ... “p. 83
Trygonide. Spine on the tail ; pectorals confluent at extremity
of snout me ee a yee), (Date
Myliobatide. Spine on the tail ; snout with a detached pair of
cephalic fins one ae eee sss, 4pst50
++Snout not produced ; rounded.
Torpedinide, Caudal well developed re wee. SP So

TII. Gills fixed sacs, generally with seven openings ; body eel-like, mouth
circular, suctorial.

Petromyzontide. Head without barbels ; fresh water a3, POSe

Myzinide. Head with barbels ; marine ée «ss, spat

IV. Branchial clefts in great number ; mouth a longitudinal fissure with cirri on
each side.
Cirrostomi. Marine ; small ; eye rudimentary ... S. 2pues

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Bennett.—Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1859.
Cuvier.—La Regne Animal, 1829-30.
me Memoires des Museum, 1818.
Cuvier AND VALENCIENNES.—Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, 1828-49.
Forster, G.—Drawings in the British Museum, 1771.
Forster, J. R.—Descriptiones Animalium que in itinere ad maris australis
terras observavit. Ep. H. LicuTEnstern, 8vo., Berlin, 1844.

Gay .—Historia Fiscia y Politica de Chili. Zoology II., Paris, 8vo., 1847.
Girarp. —United States Pacific Expedition.
Gray, J. R.—Annals and Magazine of Natural History, I.

33 Zoological Miscellany, 1842.
Gray AnD Ricuarpson.—Dieffenbach’s New Zealand, IT., 1843.
GrirrirH.—Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom, 1834.
GuUNTHER.—Catalogue of Fishes, 8 vols., 1859-70.

5 Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 1867.

as Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1861-1870.
Hector.—Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, II. and IIT.
HomMBRON AND JAcQgummo?.—Voyage au Pole Sud, par Dumont D’URvILte.

Poissons, 1853-54.
JENYNS.— Voyage of the ‘ Beagle.’ Zoology, 1842.
Kner.—Voyage of the ‘ Novara.’ Zoology, 1869.
Kwox.—Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, IT. and III.
Lesson AND GARNOT.— Voyage de la ‘ Coquille,’ 1826-30.
M‘Coy.—Aunnals and Magazine of Natural History, 1865.
OwxEn.—Odontography, 1840-45.
a Osteological Catalogue of the British Museum, 1853.

PowrE.i.—Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, IT.
Quoy AND GAIMARD.—Voyage of the ‘ Astrolabe.’ Zoology, 1834.
RicHarpson.—Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1839-40-50.

i Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 1842-43-51.
- Transactions of the Zoological Society, III.
. Report of the British Association at Manchester, 1842.
. Voyage of the ‘Erebus’ and ‘Terror.’ Zoology, 1846.
5 Voyage of the ‘Samarang.’ Zoology, 1848.

Situ, Str A.—Zoology of South Africa, 1849.
SoLaANnDER.—Manuscript Notes in the British Museum, 1820.
Travers, W. T. L.—‘‘ Nelson Examiner,” Oct. 26th, 1860.
Acclimatisation Society of Auckland, Report for 1871.
a aS Canterbury, Reports for 1868-69-70.
5A Otago, Reports for 1868-69-70.
List of N ew Zealand Fishes in the Catalogue of the Colonial Museum, 1870.

Parliamentary Papers—
Papers relative to the Fisheries of the Colony, 1868.
Further Papers relative to the Fisheries of the Colony, 1869.
Report of the Fisheries Commission, 1870.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

SUS-CLASS I.—TELEOSTEL

FisHES with a bony skeleton, and completely separated vertebree ;
branchize free.

Order —ACANTHOPTERYGIL.

Some of the rays of the dorsal, anal, and ventral fins not articulated,
Jorming spines. The inferior pharyngeal bones separated.

PERCID Zs.

Body oblong ; eye lateral ; preoperculum serrated ; teeth pointed,
in villiform bands, on the jaws, vomer, and palatine bones ; tongue
smooth ; one dorsal, the spinous portion nearly equal to the soft; anal
rather smaller than soft dorsal; ventrals thoracic, with one spine and
five soft rays.

OLIGORUS.

Seven branchiostegals ; dorsal with eleven spines, anal with three ;
operculum with one point ; scales small.
Australia.

1. OLIGORUS GIGAS. Owen. C.M.
Hapuka.
O. gigas, Giinth., I. 251.
B.7; D. 5; A.&.
LENGTH equals three times that of the head ; height of body rather less
than the length of the head, which is three and one-third times that of
A

2 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

the snout ; spinous part of the dorsal lower than the soft part, but two
and a half times its length ; ventrals under the pectorals, which are
short ; preeoperculum obtusely serrated ; scales cycloid.

Dark greyish brown above, paler below.

This species is represented in the Museum by two skulls, one of
which was prepared by Dr. Knox, and by drawings. I have never seen
a complete specimen.

Not uncommon among rocks all round the coast.

Sometimes nearly six feet in length, and 120lbs. in weight.

ARRIPIS.

Seven branchiostegals ; dorsal with nine spines, anal with three ;
operculum with one or two points ; scales moderate.
Seas of the Australian regions.

2. ARRIPIS SALAR. Rich. C.M.
Kahawai.

Centropristes salar, Rich., Voy. Ereb. and Ter., p. 29, pl. 20. A. salar,
Giinth., I, 253. ves salar et mulloides, Cat. Col. Mus.

D. way; Ad; S. Lat, 48-52; L. trams. 6/12.

Length about four and a half times the height, or nearly four times the
length of the head, which is five to seven times the length of the hori-
zontal diameter of the eye; preoperculum serrated on the inferior, and
lower part of the posterior margins ; sub and inter-operculum with scales ;
fourth dorsal spine the longest ; last soft ray of dorsal and anal consider-
ably elongated ; a long soft double spinous process in the upper part of
the axil of the pectorals ; caudal forked.

Above greenish grey, spotted with lead-blue on the back ; belly
white ; a pale lead-colored streak from the pectorals to the caudal, and a
black spot in the axil of the pectorals; fins dusky ; lower margin of
caudal white ; iris bright yellow.

Specimen in spirits, and skeleton prepared by Dr. Knox.

Abundant all round the coasts, and in the mouths of rivers ; it some-
times ascends the Waikato for about thirty or forty miles. Grows to
about 2 or 2} feet in total length.

Tasmania, Australia, Raoul Island, Norfolk Island.

Two other species, Centropristes nuiloides, Banks, and Centropristes
sapidissimus, Solander, are mentioned by Sir J. Richardson (Dieffenbach’s

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 3

New Zealand, II., 206) as occurring in New Zealand, but there does not
appear to be any descriptions of them, and they are not mentioned by
Dr. Giinther.

PRISTIPOMATIDA.

Body oblong ; scales ctenoid ; eyes lateral ; no teeth on the vomer ;
anal either equal to, or smaller than the soft dorsal ; ventrals thoracic,
with one spine and five soft rays ; lower rays of the pectorals branched.

ErYTHRICHTHYS.

Rather elongate ; mouth protractile ; two dorsals, with several isolated
spines between ; caudal forked ; no teeth in the jaws nor on the palate ;
preoperculum entire ; scales rather small.

Molucea Sea, Sunda Sea, Australian Seas, Pacific.

8. ERYTHRICHTHYS NITIDUS. Rich. C.M.
Emmelichthys nitidus, Rich., p. 47, pl. 29. Lrythrichthys nitidus, Giinth,
I, p. 395.

B. 7; .D 9] 3jaa, ; A. 3; S Lat, 96; L. trans., 8/20.

Leneru rather more than three and a quarter times that of the head,
which is about equal to the height of the body.

Whole of the head, base of the pectorals outside, lower half of anal
and soft dorsal, and outside of the ventrals, covered with scales ; caudal
with small scales almost to the tip ; angle of preeoperculum rounded.

Mr. W. Travers informs me that when fresh this fish is of a bright
salmon color, rather darker on the back. A stuffed specimen is in the
Museum, which was caught at the mouth of the river Avon, in Canter-
bury, and presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq. Total length of the

specimen, fifteen inches.
SQUAMMIPINNES.

Body compressed and elevated, covered with scales ; eye lateral ; teeth
in villiform bands, without canines or incisors ; dorsal single, with
spinous and soft portions of nearly equal development ; anal with three
or four spines ; the vertical fins more or less densely covered with small
scales ; lower pectoral rays branched ; ventrals thoracic, with one spine

and five soft rays.

4 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

ScORPIS.

One dorsal, with nine or ten spines; jaws with an outer series of
stronger teeth ; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones ; seven branchios-
tegals.

Australian seas, Coast of Chili.

4. SCORPIS HECTORI. sp. nov. C.M.
Ww: ae A. ay V: = S. Lat., 60; L. trans., 3/22.

Lenetu about three and three-quarters the length of the head, or three
times the height of the body ; length of the head rather more than three
and a half times the diameter of the eye ; lower jaw longer ; operculum,
with two flat spines; preoperculum serrated, feebly on the posterior
margin, acutely on the lower ; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, with
a few stronger ones outside ; head scaly ; dorsal rather low, rounded,
and covered with scales, the spinous part for half its height, and the soft
part nearly to the margin; anal shorter than the soft dorsal, not very
scaly ; pectorals rather longer than the head, but not equal to the height
of the body, scaly outside ; caudal emarginate, the basal half covered
with scales ; scales sharply toothed ; lateral line continuous, following
the curve of the back.

Colors, (preserved in carbolic acid), reddish, brighter on the dorsal,
caudal, and pectorals, and paler below ; a large black spot on the side
over the commencement of the anal.

Obtained by Dr. Hector, in Milford Sound.

The small number of rays in the anal, the spinous portion of the
dorsal being covered with scales, and the small number of stronger teeth
in the jaws, appear to take this species out of Scorpis, but I do not know
a better place for it.

MULLID Zi.

Body elongate, slightly compressed, covered with large scales ; two
long barbels under the chin ; eyes lateral ; four branchiostegals ; dentition
feeble ; tevo dorsals, remote from each other; anal similar to second

dorsal ; ventrals with one spine and five rays.

UPENEOIDES.

Teeth in both the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones.
Red Sea, East Indian and Australian seas.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 5

5. UPENHOIDES VLAMINGII. C. and V.
Red Mullet.
U. Vlamingii, Giinth., I., 400.
Des (Geass:

Tue height of the body equals the length of the head, and is three and
two-thirds in the total; the barbels reach to the angle of the przeoper-
culum ; the vomerine teeth are divided into two lateral groups.

Red, each scale with a violet speck, forming together longitudinal
series ; snout and cheeks with oblique violet streaks ; the second dorsal
and anal fins with longitudinal series of violet specks (Giinth.)

Island of Motuaro, in Queen Charlotte’s Sound (Rich.)

I have seen no specimens.

UPENEICHTHYS.

Teeth in both the jaws and on the vomer, none on the palatine
bones.

Australian seas, entering rivers.

6. UPENEICHTHYS POROSUS. C. and V.
U. porosus, Giinth., I., 400.
D. 8|9; A. 7; 8. Lat. 28; L. trans. 2/6.
Tue barbels reach to the vertical from the extremity of the operculum ;
two silvery streaks between the eye and the mouth, the lower continued
below and behind the eye (Giinth. )
New Zealand, entering rivers’ (Rich.) ; Australia, Tasmania.

I have seen no specimens.
SPA RID Ai.

Body compressed and oblong, with scales ; eyes lateral ; trenchant
teeth in front of the jaws ; dorsal one or two, anal with three spines ;
ventrals thoracic, with one spine and five rays.

HAPLODACTYLUS.

In both jaws series of flat and generally tricuspid teeth, behind
which is a band of small cardiform teeth ; no molars; vomerine teeth ;
cheeks and opercles, scaly ; two elongate dorsal fins, the first with
fifteen to sixteen spines; anal short ; the lower pectoral rays simple ;
scales very small ; five or six branchiostegals (Giinth.)

6 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Western coasts of South America, Port Arthur (Australia).

Richardson (Dieff. N.Z. IT., p. 207) mentions a fish under the name
of Aplodactylus meandratus, as having been caught off Cape Kidnappers,
but there appears to be no description of it.

PAGRus.

Several pairs of strong conical teeth in the outer series of both jaws ;
molars in two series ; cheeks scaly ; dorsal with twelve spines, anal with
three ; scales moderate ; six branchiostegals.

Mediterranean, Africa, United States, East Indian and Australian

seas.

7. PAGRUS UNICOLOR. Quoy. and Gaim. OM.
Snapper.
P. guttulatus, C. and V. P. wunicolor, Giinth., I, 468. P. micropterus,
©. and V.
D. = ; A. 2; 58. Lat. 52; L. trans. 8/17.

LENGTH about three and three-quarters the length of the head, and two
and three-quarters the height of the body ; diameter of the eye equal to
the interorbital space ; fourth dorsal spine the longest, and goes two and
a half times in the length of the head.

Reddish, more or less tinted with brown, and with numerous blue
spots on the sides; below silvery grey ; upper part of caudal reddish,
lower part pale grey ; iris pale brown.

Common round the coasts of the North Island ; Australia, Tasmania.

A skeleton, prepared by Dr. Knox, is in the Museum.

This fish sometimes attains a total length of 31 inches.

CIRRHITID2®.

Body compressed and oblong; scales cycloid ; eyes lateral ; teeth
small ; one dorsal, with the spinal and soft portions nearly equal ; anal
with three spines, equal to or smaller than the soft dorsal ; lower rays of
pectorals simple, and generally stout ; ventrals thoracic, with one spine
and five rays.

CHIRONEMUS.

Villiform teeth in both jaws, and on the vomer, none on the palate ;
six branchiostegals ; preeoperculum entire ; operculum with points.

Australian seas,

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. i
8. CHIRONEMUS GEORGIANUS. C. and V.
C. georgianus, Giinth., IT., 76.
Dal4| 25 Ale O18) PBs: Vick

Tora length four times that of the head, or two and a half times the
height of the body ; body covered with small scales, none on the cheeks ;
dorsal continuous, with a deep notch between the two portions, the
spinous portion slightly, and the soft decidedly convex ; third and
fourth spines the longest, base of the soft part twice as long as that of
the spinous ; length of the pectorals not quite half the height of the
body ; lower rays simple, very soft and fleshy ; ventrals behind the
pectorals, under the fifth spine of the dorsal ; caudal emarginate.

Greyish white, marbled all over with brown ; back darker than the
belly.

The specimen from which this description is taken was caught in a
net in Whangarei Harbor, in March, 1869 ; unfortunately, it could not
be preserved. It was 14 inches in total length. The fisherman told me
that he had never seen it before.

Australia.

CHILODACTYLUS.

Teeth in villiform bands, none on the vomer or palate ; dorsal single,
with sixteen to nineteen spines; anal shorter than the soft dorsal ;
caudal forked ; one of the simple pectoral rays more or less elongated ;
scales cycloid ; cheeks scaly.

Tropical parts of the Pacific, Chinese seas, Cape of Good Hope.

9. CHILODACTYLUS CARPONEMUS. Parkinson. “’
C. carponemus, Ginth., IT., 78.

B.6;D.5;A. 2.

SEVEN rays of the pectorals simple, the longest reaching nearly to the
end of the anal, and one-third of the total length ; dorsal scarcely
notched.

Coloration uniform, the caudal with blackish tips (Giinth. )

Coasts of New Zealand and South Australia (Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.

8 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

10. CHILODACTYLUS MACROPTERUS. Forst. C.M.
Tarakihi.
C. macropterus, Giinth., IT., 78.

ie
- 96 »

3

D A. G3 8. Lat. 55; L. trans., 6/17.

Leneru about three and a half times that of the head; six simple pec-
toral rays, the uppermost reaching to the fourth soft ray of the anal ;
dorsal notched, seventh spine the longest, rather more than half the
length of the head ; second anal spine strong, and longer than the third.

Silvery grey, paler below, sometimes reddish purple on the back ; a

black patch over the base of the pectorals ; fins dusky ; iris purplish.
Australian seas.

Skeleton, prepared by Dr. Knox.

11. CHILODACTYLUS SPECTABILIS. sp. nov. OM.
D. 2; A.3; 8. Lat. 55; L. trans. 5/16.

Torat length about four and a quarter times the length of the head, and
rather more than three times the height of the body ; six simple pectoral
rays, the upper one the longest, not so long as the head, and not extend-
ing to the end of the ventrals, the others graduated ; dorsal deeply
notched, fourth, fifth, and sixth spines about equal and longest, rather
more than one-third of the length of the head.

Back and sides yellowish orange, with six transverse bands of red-
dish orange ; belly yellowish white ; dorsal blackish.

A single specimen, 15 inches in total length, which was taken in
Cook Straits, is in the Museum.

LATRIS.

Dorsal fin deeply notched, with seventeen spines ; anal fin nearly as
long as the soft part of the dorsal; teeth villiform in both jaws; pre-
operculum minutely ciliated ; scales small; cheeks scaly.

Coasts of Australia.

12. LATRIS HECATHIA. Rich. C.M.

Trumpeter.
L. lineata, Rich. L. salmonea, Cat. Col. Mus. Z. hecateia, Giinth., IT., 86.

B. 6; D.17| 43 A. g3 8 Lat, 110.

LENGTH equal to three and three-fifths that of the head, or three and a
quarter times the height of the body ; upper profile of head concave ;

q A
FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 9

teeth in the jaws rather strong, some on the vomer; the lower nine
pectoral rays simple.

Back and sides greenish bronze, with three whitish longitudinal
bands ; belly yellowish white; fins bright yellow, more or less marked
with black.

Tasmania,

13. LATRIS CILIARIS. Forst. C.M.
Moki.
L. ciliaris, Rich., p. 37, pl. 26. Giinth., IL, 86.
Bos Dali [ed 5 ckc a L. Lat., 84.

Leneru four times that of the head, or three times the height of the
body ; six simple pectoral rays, no vomerine teeth.

Above plumbous, with golden reflections ; below silvery white, with
small brown dots ; fins blackish.

Skeleton prepared by Dr. Knox.

Common from Wellington southwards.

SCORPAINID At.

Body compressed, oblong, covered with scales, sometimes rudimentary ;
eyes lateral ; dentition feeble ; swborbital ring articulated with the pre-
operculum ; one dorsal fin, the spinous equally or more developed than the
soft ; ventrals thoracic ; five to seven branchiostegals.

SEBASTES.

Head and body compressed to the orbits, without a groove on the
occiput ; preoperculum armed ; body and top of the head covered with
rather small scales ; dorsal deeply notched with twelve or thirteen spines ;
villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer, and generally on the palate ;
seven branchiostegals.

Almost all seas.

14. SEBASTES PERCOIDES. Solander. C.M.
S. percoides, Rich., p. 23, pl. 15. Giinth., IL, p- 101.
De bi a n° As e3 L. Lat., 60 — 65.

12-13

Torat length three and a quarter times that of the head, or three and a

half times the height of the body ; diameter of the eye rather more than
B

10 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

the length of the snout, and less than one-third of the head ; interorbital
space rather less than half the diameter of the eye ; vertex with promi-
nent spines ; a flat expanded and crenulated tentacle on the interior side
of the anterior nostril ; third and fourth dorsal spines the longest, rather
less than half the length of the head.

Head and fore part of the back olivaceous brown ; hinder part of the
back and sides reddish orange ; belly yellowish ; five transverse bands of
olivaceous brown on the sides and back, which are partly produced on to
the dorsal ; fins pale yellowish, marbled with olivaceous brown ; inside
of the mouth violet ; iris hazel.

Australia and Tasmania. Common.

ScoRPaNA.

Head slightly compressed, with a naked groove on the occiput, armed
with spines ; body with rather small scales ; dorsal more or less deeply
notched ; ventrals thoracic ; pectorals large and rounded ; villiform teeth
in the jaws, on the vomer, and generally on the palate ; seven branchios-

tegals.

All tropical seas, extending into the Mediterranean.

15. SCORPAINA CRUENTA. Solander. C.M,
S. militaris, Rich., p. 22, pl. 14. S. erwenta, Giinth., IT., p. 112.
D. 11) 3 Ac 23 Li Lat, 45.

LenetH about three and two-fifths that of the head ; height about equal
to the length of the head; the length of the snout is between one
quarter and one-fifth of the head, and the interorbital space is rather
less, or contained six times in the length of the head ; head with scarcely
any scales ; interorbital space concave, with two ridges, each of which
terminates posteriorly in a spine ; vertex with prominent spines ; third
dorsal spine nearly equal to second of anal, and about one eighth of the
length.

Bright orange to rose pink, marbled with purple; belly bright red ;
a black spot between the eighth and ninth dorsal spine.

Cook Straits.

Another species, called S. plebeia, is mentioned by Sir J. Richardson
(Dieff. N.Z. I1., p. 208) as obtained at Tolaga Bay, but there appears to
be no description of it, and it is not mentioned by Dr. Giinther.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. ig

AGRIOPUS.

Head and body compressed ; mouth small; snowt produced ; scales
none ; one dorsal deeply notched, beginning on the head ; anal short ;
villiform teeth in the jaws ; five branchiostegals.

Cape seas, Coast of Chili, South Australian seas.

16. AGRIOPUS LEHUCOPOECILUS. Rich. C.M.
A, leucopoecilus, Rich., p. 60, pl. 37. Giinth., IL, p. 137.
D. wai A. 10.

Lenetu three and a half times that of the head, or two and three-
quarters the height of the body ; length of the head two and a quarter
times that of the snout, or three and a half times the diameter of the
eye ; interorbital space contained one and a half times in the diameter
of the eye ; the fourth and fifth dorsal spines the longest, but less than
the length of the head ; body smooth.

Brown, marbled with black, and with irregular white blotches along
the lateral line ; a dark band across the caudal.

Two stuffed specimens ; Otago, presented by Mrs. Balfour, and
Wellington Harbor, presented by Mr. W. Travers.

South Australian seas.

PROSOPODASYS.

Head and body more or less compressed ; scales rudimentary ; pre-
orbital and preeoperculum armed ; the three anterior dorsal spines more
or less separated from the others, and forming a distinct division ;
remainder of the fin continuous, with nine to twelve spines; anal with
three ; teeth in the jaws and vomer.

East Indian seas.

17. PROSOPODASYS COTTOIDES. L.
P. cottoides, Giinth., II., p. 142.
B.7; D. 3|2; Az
Cuert of the mouth slightly oblique, wide, the upper maxillary reaching
to the vertical from the posterior margin of the eye.
Body and fins with small brown spots and rings (Giinth.)

China, Borneo, Java, and New Zealand (Giinth.)
I have seen no specimens,

12 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.
BERYCID.

Body oblong, compressed ; eyes lateral, large; cleft of the mouth
oblique ; villiform teeth in both jaws, and on the vomer; four to eight
branchiostegals ; opercular bones armed ; scales ctenoid ; ventrals thoracic,
with more than five soft rays.

TRACHICHTHYS.

Snout very short and rounded ; chin prominent; fine teeth in the
jaws, and on the vomer and palate ; eight branchiostegals ; a strong
spine on the shoulder, and at the angle of the preeoperculum ; suborbital
arch with radiating ridges ; scales rather small; abdomen serrated ; one
dorsal ; ventrals with six soft rays ; caudal forked,

Australian seas,

18, TRACHICHTHYS ELONGATUS. Gunth.
T. elongatus, Giinth., I., p. 10.
D. 5; A.§3 V- 1/6; L, Tat. 65.

Sca.zs rough, those of the lateral line not larger; the serrated ventral
keel composed of eleven to twelve scales ; height of the body one-third
of the length (Giinth.)

Australia and Great Barrier Island, N.Z. (Giinth,)

I have seen no specimen.

TRICHIURIDA.

Body elongate and compressed, naked, or with minute scales ; cleft
of the mouth wide, with several long and strong teeth in the jaws ;
dorsal and anal elongate, sometimes with finlets ; ventrals thoracic or
rudimentary ; seven or eight branchiostegals ; caudal distinct.

LEPIDOPUS.

Body very elongate and thin; one dorsal along the whole back ;
caudal well developed ; ventrals reduced to a pair of scales ; anal spines
numerous ; no finlets ; no scales ; eight branchiostegals.

Mediterranean and Atlantic.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 13

19. LEPIDOPUS CAUDATUS. Euphrasen. C.M.
Frost Fish.
L. caudatus, Giinth., IT., p. 344.
D. 100-104; A. 23-25. P, 12.

LenetH ten times that of the head, or fourteen and a half times the
height of the body; length of the head three and three-quarters the
diameter of the eye; snout more than half the length of the head;
lower jaw longer; the upper jaws with a row of about twenty-three
lancet-shaped teeth on each side, those in front much smaller; near the
front two pairs of long fangs, the hinder ones longer, and the left rather
in advance ; lower jaws with a pair of small fangs in front, and a series
of about eighteen smaller teeth on each side, the hinder ones the largest ;
operculum angular above, rounded below, the posterior margin fringed ;
the maxillary does not extend quite to the vertical from the anterior
margin of the eye; caudal deeply forked ; a short thick barbel at the
symphysis of the lower jaw.

Bluish silvery, rather darker above.

From England to the Cape of Good Hope.

A specimen in the Colonial Museum measures 45 inches in total
length ; there is also another mutilated specimen about the same length,
but much lower in the body, the length being twenty-eight times the
height, but as I can find no other difference I look upon it as a variety
only.

THYRSITES.

The greater portion of the body naked ; teeth on the palatine bones ;
two to six finlets behind the dorsal and anal ; no keel on the tail ; seven
branchiostegals.

Seas between the Tropics, extending into temperate regions.

20. THYRSITES ATUN. Euphrasen. C.M.
Barracoota.
T. atun, Giinth., IL, p. 350. TZ. atun et solandri, Cat. Col. Mus.
1 ! 1 ’ 1
D. 20/351 VI; A. 5] VL; V. .
Torat length four and a half times that of the head, or eight times
the height of the body ; three pairs of strong teeth in the upper jaw ;

14 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

the lateral line descends abruptly below the posterior part of the spinous
dorsal.
Above plumbous, whitish below.
Common all round the coasts ; South Africa, Tasmania, Australia.
This is, I believe, the fish called ‘‘ Snook” in Cape Colony.

XIPHIID AE. f

Body elongated ; teeth small or none; wpper jaw much produced ;
one or two dorsals without a distinct spinous portion ; ventrals absent,
or rudimentary and thoracic ; seven branchiostegals.

Seas near the Tropics,

HIsTIOPHORUS.

Two dorsals and two anals ; ventrals present ; no true scales ; small
teeth on the jaws and palatine bones ; none on the vomer.
Seas near the Tropics,

21. HISTIOPHORUS HERSCHELII. Gray. C.M.
Sword-fish.

HT, herschelii, Giinth., I1., 513. Sword-fish sp., Knox., Trans. N.Z. Inst.,
1869, IL, p. 13. H. indicus, Cat, Col. Mus,

D. 42) 7; A. 12) 63 Vi .

THE greater portion of the dorsal fin much lower than the body ; height
of the body more than one-half the length of the head ; and one-seventh
of the total; upper jaw rather depressed, rounded superiorly and
inferiorly ; its length from the nostrils is nearly three-fourths the length
of the head. Dermal productions numerous, bifurcate, hidden in the
skin (Giinth.)

Cape of Good Hope.

A head of a Sword-fish, which I refer to this species, is in the Museum.
It was obtained near Waikanae and presented by Dr. Knox, who
described it in the second volume of the Trans. N.Z. Institute. The
diameter of the eye is 2°75 inches, and the interorbital space 7 inches ;
both jaws are covered with minute teeth ; upper profile slightly concave ;
produced portion of upper jaw broader than high, rounded above and

below ; preoperculum entire.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 15

ACRONURID A.

Body compressed, elevated, covered with minute scales ; tail armed
with one or more bony plates or spines, sometimes absent in the young ;
mouth small, with a single series of compressed incisors in each jaw,
palate smooth ; one dorsal, the spinous portion less developed ; ventral
thoracic ; pseudobranchiz well developed.

ACANTHURUS.

A moveable spine in a groove on each side of the tail ; scales minute,
ctenoid.
Tropical seas.

22. ACANTHURUS TRIOSTEHGUS. L.

A. triostegus, Giinth., III., 327.
gee 3 1
D. Agee

23-25 ?

LENGTH equal to twice the height ; upper jaw with seven lobate incisors
on each side ; caudal spine small; upper profile of snout concave.

Reddish violet, with five blackish brown transverse bands, the anterior
of which passes through the orbit ; another streak of the same color
along the median line of the snout; two brown spots, one above the
other, on the end of the tail (Giinth.)

From Mauritius to Polynesia and New Zealand (Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.

CARANGIDAL.

Body more or less compressed, oblong or elevated, with small
scales or naked ; dentition variable; spinous dorsal rather less developed
than the soft ; no finlets ; ventral thoracic or absent ; vertebre 10/14 ;
lateral line often armed with plates ; two anal spines remote from the soft
portion ; seven branchiostegals.

TRACHURUS.

Body slightly compressed, covered with very small scales; /ateral
line with a band of high plates from origin to end ; each plate with a
curved spine. Two dorsals, with eight spines and a horizontal anterior
spine directed forwards ; two anal spines ; minute teeth in the jaws, on
the vomer, and on the palatines.

Coasts of Europe, Africa, India, and Australia.

16 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

23. TRACHURUS TRACHURUS. L. C.M.
Horse Mackarel.

T. nove zelandie, C.and V. 7. trachurus, Giinth., IT., 419. Caranex
declivis, Jenyns, Voy. Beagle, p. 68., pl. 14. C. sinus obseurt, Forst ?

ae Tra
D: 8)igtas A. 2) asle hate 0599:

Heiecut of the body is about one-fifth of the total length, which is
about four and a half times the length of the head ; the snout is longer
than the diameter of the eye, which is one quarter the height of
the body ; lower jaw longer ; the maxillary reaches to, or a little beyond,
the vertical from the anterior margin of the eye ; the lateral line becomes
straight under about the fifth ray of the soft dorsal; pectorals reach
beyond the commencement of the second dorsal.

Back shining bluish green, lighter on the sides ; belly silvery white ;
a black blotch on the posterior margin of the operculum, and a darkish
patch on the upper anterior edge of the pectorals ; iris purplish.

Common. Distribution same as the genus.

CARANX.

Body compressed ; scales very small; two dorsals ; a spine directed
forwards in front of the spinous dorsal; second dorsal and anal more
developed than the first ; lateral line with anterior curved and a posterior
straight portion, the latter with large plates, generally keeled and with a
spine ; dentition feeble.

Nearly all temperate and tropical seas.

24. CARANX GEHORGIANUS, C. and V. C.M.
Trevally.

Scomber lutescens, Soland.? C. georgianus, Jenyns, p. 61. Richardson,
p- 135, pl. 58. Giinth., I1., p. 440.

D: 8 | sy; Ab 2 hago L Lat, 20-25.
Terra very small in both jaws, on the vomer and palate ; total length
four or four and a half times the length of the head, or about three and
a half times the height of the body; upper jaw rather longer ; maxillary
does not quite reach to the anterior margin of the eye; breast scaly ;
lateral line follows the curve of the back and becomes straight below the

middle of the soft dorsal.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 17

Above pale green and purple, with golden and silvery reflections, below
silvery white ; a blackish spot on the operculum; top of spinous dorsal
blackish.

Common. Australia, Norfolk Island, Raoul Island.

Skeleton prepared by Dr. Knox.

Both this and the last species are called Yellow-tail in Auckland, but
as that name is applied to a very different fish in Otago, it would be
better, I think, to drop it altogether and use for this fish the name by
which it is known in all parts of the Colony but Auckland.

SERIOLA.

Body slightly compressed, abdomen rounded, with small or
rudimentary scales ; second dorsal and anal much more developed than
the first ; spines before anal sometimes absent ; lateral line not armed ;
teeth on jaws, vomer, and palate in villiform bands.

Nearly all temperate and tropical seas.

25. SHRIOLA LALANDII. C. and V. C.M.
King Fish.

S. lalandii, Giinth., I1., 463. 8. gigas et cultrata, Cat. Col. Mus., not
S. cultrata of Forst. and Rich., which is Plaiystethus cultratum, Giinth.

D. 6-8| gag; A. 0-2 | 5; V-5; P. 18-21.

32-36 ?

LenetH about four times that of the head, or four and a half times the
height of the body ; snout long, from two to two and a half times the
diameter of the eye ; ventrals moderate, the distance between their base
and that of the anal being from two and a half to two and three quarters
their length ; maxillary reaches rather beyond the anterior margin of
the eye.

Above steel blue, below white.

Sometimes four and a half feet or more in total length. Represented
in the Museum by drawings by Mr. Buchanan.

Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Japanese Seas, Australia.

NAUCRATES.

Body oblong, sub-cylindrical, with small scales ; a keel on each side
of the tail ; spinous dorsal reduced to a few Sree spines ; ventrals thoracic ;
villiform teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palatine bones.

All temperate and tropical seas.

G

18 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

26. NAUCRATES DUCTOR. § L.
Pilot Fish.
N. ductor, Giinth., I1., p. 374.

es 2
Dia 6) nee ee

BuvisH, with five to seven dark vertical bars (Giinth.)

Same distribution as the genus.

The Pilot Fish is commonly reported to be found on our coasts, and
Dr. Hector informs me that he obtained one in Dusky Bay.

I have seen no specimens.

CYTTID A.

Body much compressed and elevated, with small or rudimentary
scales, sometimes with bony protuberances ; spinous portion of dorsal less
developed than the soft ; caudal rounded ; ventrals thoracic ; minute
teeth in both jaws; seven or eight branchiostegals; vertebrae more
than 10/14.

ZEUS.

Mouth wide ; scales very small or absent ; a series of bony plates along
the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and another on the abdomen ;
branchiostegals seven.

Atlantic, Japanese, and Australian seas.

27. ZHUS FABER. L. C.M.
John Dory.
Z. australis, Rich., pp. 36, 138, pl. 25. Z. faber, Giinth., IL, 393.
D. 10|24; A. 4| 22.
E1eut double spined plates on each side of the soft dorsal, and seven ~
along that of the anal ; abdominal plates with very short blunt spines.
A round black spot on the middle of each side.

A skeleton is inthe Museum from Kapiti, at the west entry of Cook
Straits ; also at Tauranga. Distribution same as the genus.

CytTTUSsS.

Body with very small scales; mouth protractile; two contiguous
dorsal fins ; anal with two spines ; no bony plates along the base of the
dorsal and anal fins ; ventrals of one spine and six to eight soft rays.

Australian seas ; Madeira.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 19

28. CYTTUS AUSTRALIS. Rich. C.M.
Boar Fish.
Capros australis, Rich., p. 137, pl. 59. Cyttus australis, Giinth., IL, 396.
Besse. LO hod; A. aon save /as be ls.

LENGTH equal to two and four-fifths the length of the head, or one and three-
eighths the height of the body; length of the head three and two-thirds
the diameter of the eye ; profile of snout straight ; scales small, ctenoid ;
lateral line more or less sinuated, following the curve of the back ; dorsal
fins stout, produced into long filaments (generally broken off) ; ventral
rays not produced, one-fourth the length of the head, when closed
covering the vent ; anal spines very short and stout.

Silvery, pale purple above ; no lateral black spot.

Two specimens were picked up after the gale of November, 1871 ;
the largest was 19 inches in length.

Tasmania, and South parts of Australia.

29. CYTTUS TRAVERSI. sp. nov. C.M.
Caranz gallus var. Cat. Col. Mus.
DLO) obs A. 2 ar 5 Ve.

Lenetu two and a half times that of the head, about equal to the
height ; eye rather smaller than the length of the snout, about one half
times the interorbital distance ; first dorsal with the first spine short, the
others produced into long filiform rays, of which the fourth is the longest
and rather less than the height of the body ; second dorsal highest in
the middle ; anal with two short, apparently detached, spines ; the rest
as the soft dorsal; ventrals produced into long filaments, of which the
first is the longest, and equal to the height of the body ; pectorals short ;
caudal rounded ; the highest point of the back is at the origin of the first
dorsal, the upper profile sloping downwards from this in a nearly straight
line ; scales very minute, each prolonged backwards into a small tootb ;
lateral line strongly curved, following the outline of the back as far as the
end of the soft dorsal, thence straight, not armed; from the throat to the
anal fin serrated ; minute teeth on the lower jaw, and on the centre only of
the upper jaw ; palate smooth ; lower jaw prominent ; upper margin of

- orbits sharply denticulated ; preeperculum entire ; a short tentacle on the
middle of the forehead.

20 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Color (in spirits) Silvery, reddish brown on the back and tail, and
with spots of the same color on the sides; fins yellowish; rays of the
pectorals spotted with black, and two marks of the same color on the
caudal.

A specimen, 3 inches long, presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq.,
from Saltwater Creek, Canterbury.

NOMEID.

Body oblong, compressed, covered with cycloid scales of moderate
size ; dorsal with a distinct spinous portion separated from or continuous
with the soft, which is the more developed; teeth small; ventrals
thoracic.

GASTEROCHISMA.

Cleft of the mouth wide ; several finlets between the dorsal and anal
and the caudal ; no separate anal spines; ventrals very long and broad,
and can be completely concealed in a deep fissure on the abdomen ; teeth
conical, small, forming single series in the jaws ; teeth on the vomer and
palatine bones.

New Zealand only.

30. GASTEHROCHISMA MELAMPUS. Rich.
Butterfly Fish.
G. melampus, Rich., p. 60, pl. 37. Giinth., IT., p. 387.

D. 17 | so) sWals Ages Va

VeENTRALS black, one-third of the total length ; the maxillary reaches
somewhat beyond the vertical from the centre of the eye (Giinth).
Wellington Harbour (Rich.)
I have seen no specimens.

NEPTONEMUS.

Cleft of mouth moderate ; snout obtusely conical ; praeoperculum
obtusely crenulated ; first dorsal continuous with seven feeble spines ,
no finlets ; anal spines indistinct ; pectorals much longer than ventrals ;
a series of minute teeth in the jaws ; palate smooth.

New Zealand only.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

314iN EPTONEMUS BRAMA. Gunth. C.M.
Warehou.
NV. brama, Giinth., I1., 390.

D. 7|53 A. soy; L. Lat, 88; L. trans. 16/25.

21-24 ?

Lenora three and three-fourths that of the head, or four and three-
fourths that of the height ; diameter of eye equal to length of snout;
top of the head fleshy, upper profile convex ; preoperculum emarginate ;
operculum with an obtuse point over the shoulder ; pectorals pointed,
reaching to third ray of the anal; caudal forked ; lateral line curved to
the end of the dorsal, thence straight.

Back and sides greenish silvery ; belly white ; snout and top of the
head brownish ; pectorals blackish ; base of caudal reddish. °

Cook Straits.

SCOMBERIDA.

Body elongate, compressed, naked or with very small scales ; dorsal
fin with the spinous portion separate, and much less developed than the
soft ; finlets in front of the caudal ; ventrals thoracic ; tai/ keeled ; seven
branchiostegals. .

SCOMBER.

Dorsals separated by an interspace ; five or six finlets ; scales very
small ; teeth small on jaws, vomer, and palate ; two slight ridges on each
side of the root of the caudal.

Nearly all temperate and tropical seas.

32. SCOMBER AUSTRALASICUS. C. and V. C.M.
Mackarel.
S. australasicus, Giinth., I1., 359.

De 1025 epee Vs; ie Lat, 160.

LENGTH two and three-fourths that of the head, or four and three-fourths
the height of the body ; snout one-third of the length of the head, and
nearly one and a half times the diameter of the eye ; teeth distinct ;
caudal divided in the middle into an upper and lower lobe.

Back shining bluish green, with spots and oblique stripes of darker,
the stripes sloping downwards and forwards ; belly silvery.

Auckland, Wellington Harbour, Australia, and Amboyna.

bo
bo

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Dr. Hector informs me that this species has an air bladder. Total
length about 12 inches.

PELAMYS.

The first dorsal extending on to the second; seven to nine finlets ;
scales of the pectoral regions forming a corslet; teeth of moderate
strength ; none on the vomer ; a longitudinal keel on each side of the
tail.

Seas of temperate and tropical regions.

33. PELAMYS CHILENSIS. C. and V.? C.M.
Tunny. \
P. chilensis, Giinth., II., 368.

D. 18|2| VILL; A. 2| VIL.

TuE length of the pectoral is one-seventh of the total.

Back bluish ; belly silvery ; five or six slightly oblique longitudinal
streaks on the sides (Giinth.)

Pacific Ocean.

I refer, provisionally, a skull that is in the Museum to this species.
The head is 22} inches in length, and the snout 7 inches ; the diameter
of the eye is 24 inches, and the interorbital space 9 inches. There is a
single row of short rather strong conical teeth in each jaw, none on
the vomer ; the palatine bones are gone ; the maxillary extends to the
centre of the eye; preoperculum and operculum entire, both fringed
posteriorly.

Cook Straits.

TRACHINIDA.

Body elongate, low, naked or with scales ; teeth in villiform bands,
sometimes with pointed and conical canines ; the infraorbital ring does
not articulate with the preeoperculum ; one or two dorsal fins, the spinous
portion less developed than the soft; anal similar to the soft dorsal ;
ventrals with one spine and five rays ; head large and depressed ; eyes
often directed upward.

K ATHETOSTOMA.

Eyes on the upper surface of the head ; cleft of the mouth vertical ;
head cuirassed with bony plates ; body naked, or with very minute scales ;

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. OS

lateral line continuous; one dorsal; ventrals jugular; pectoral rays
branched ; villiform teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palate, without
canines.

Australian seas.

34. KATHETOSTOMA MONOPTERYGIUM. Bleeker. C.M.
Cat Fish.

Uranoseopus maculatus, Rich., p. 54, pl. 33. Anema monopterygiu,
Giinth., II., p. 230.

D. 18-20; A. 17-18.

Levert three and three-fourths that of the head, which is eight times
the diameter of the eye ; interorbital space twice the diameter of the
eye ; body naked, or with minute scales above the lateral line ; lateral
line curved to the origin of the dorsal, thence straight close to the base
of the fin to the commencement of the caudal, where it bends suddenly
down and enters in the middle of the fin; a filament in the mouth
below the tongue ; a short barbel in the middle of the chin; a line of
four pores on the inferior margin of the preoperculum ; two short spines
in front of the eye, and another on the shoulder. |

~ Above, with the pectorals and caudal, brown or brownish black, with
variously sized white spots ; below white.

Sometimes 16 inches in total length.

New Zealand only.

The Colonial Museum possesses two fine specimens, in both of which
J find the filament in the mouth as represented by Sir J. Richardson ;
I think, therefore, it should be removed from the genus Anema of
Giinther, and put into his genus Kathetostoma.

35. KATHETOSTOMA LA‘VE. Bleeker. C.M.
K, leve, Giinth., IT., 231.
D. 16-17; A. 17-18.
LenetH two and three-quarters that of the head, or three and three-
quarters the height of the body ; the length of the head is five times the
diameter of the eye, which is rather less than the interorbital space ;
scales none ; lateral line straight from the shoulder to the commencement
of the caudal, then slightly bent down ; top of the head and round the
eyes rugose; interorbital space excavated; three short spines on the
inferior margin of the preoperculum, two below the mandibula, and two

24 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

on the throat directed forward ; humeral spine long and slender, directed
upward and backward. a

Above pale reddish purple, with yellowish spots ; below and fins pale
yellowish (in spirits).

A single specimen from Wellington Harbor, presented by H.
Travers, Esq.

Australian seas.

36. KATHETOSTOMA FLUVIATILIS. sp. nov. O.M.
D. 16; A. 14; V. 1/5.

Leneru three and a quarter times that of the head, which is four and a
half times the diameter of the eye ; interorbital space not quite one and
a half times the diameter of the eye ; mouth very oblique, almost vertical ;
eyes sublateral ; rough bony plates on the top of the head ; interorbital
space excavated ; operculum and przoperculum entire ; a small obtuse
humeral spine ; maxillary produced to the posterior margin of the eye ;
no filament in lower jaw; scales none; lateral line from the shoulder
straight along the base of the dorsal to the caudal, where it turns sud-
denly down and enters at the centre of the fin.

Back light brown, with darker spots; sides and belly silvery, with
a few minute black dots ; cheeks silvery.

Total length of the specimen 1-7 inches.

Fresh water, Manawatu River, presented by Mr. Buller.

BovicuTHYs.

Body without scales ; cleft of the mouth horizontal, with the upper
jaw rather longer ; eyes lateral, more or less directed upwards; two
separate dorsals ; ventrals jugular ; lower pectoral rays simple ; villiform
teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palate, without canines; operculum with
a strong spine; preorbital and preoperculum not armed; seven bran-
chiostegals.

South Pacific, Antarctic Ocean.

387. BOVICHTHYS VARIEGATUS. Rich. ? C.M.
B. variegatus, Rich., p. 56, pl. 34. Giinth., IT., 250.
1D. 9) 1955.

LENGTH not quite three times that of the head, which is three and three
quarters the diameter of the eye ; interorbital space less than half the

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 25
diameter of the eye; soft dorsal not so high as the body beneath ; base
of the spinous dorsal very little more than half that of the soft.

Pale brown, with some black spots on the head, shoulders, and fins,
and with five faintly marked blackish bars on the back, which do not
extend below the lateral line.

Mouth of the Hutt River, presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq.

Australia.

PERCIs.

Body cylindrical, covered with ctenoid scales ; mouth oblique ; eye
lateral, directed upwards ; dorsal one ; ventrals a little before the pec
torals, the lower rays of which are branched ; villiform teeth in the jaws
and canines ; teeth on the vomer, none on the palate ; lips thick ; six
branchiostegals.

From the Red Sea to the coasts of Australia and Polynesia.

$
=

38. PERCIS COLIAS. Forst.
Rock Cod.

Percis colias et nycthemera, Giinth., I1., 242.

D. 53 A. 17; L. Lat, 62; L. Trans, 7/22
Leyetu about three and a half times that of the head, which is from
five to seven times the diameter of the eye, which is equal to the inter-
orbital space ; preeoperculum entire ; operculum with one or two small
compressed spines ; spinous portion of dorsal much lower than the soft F
tail square.

Colors variable ; back and sides dark green, marbled with brown ;
top of the head dark brown, with a patch of green over each eye ; belly
greyish white ; fins pale greyish, more or less spotted with brown,
especially the posterior part of the dorsal ; immature Specimens want
the green color, but have the back and sides ME own, more or less marbled
with greyish white, and with more spots on the sides and fins
(nycthemera ).

Abundant all round New Zealand, not found elsewhere.

I have examined a considerable number of specimens, but never have
found the fin rays to agree with the number given by Forster, although
some of them agreed exactly in color with the description given of colias
in the Histoire Naturelle des Poissons. The largest specimen that I have
seen was 21} inches in total length, and weighed 4}1bs.

Skeleton prepared by Dr. Knox.

D

26 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

NoOTOTHENIA.

Body rather compressed posteriorly, covered with scales ; head
depressed ; mouth oblique, lower jaw longer; eye directed upwards ;
lateral line interrupted, the posterior portion continued to the caudal ,
two dorsals, the spines flexible ; ventrals jugular ; lower pectoral rays
branched ; both jaws with cardiform or villiform teeth; six branchios-
tegals.

Falkland Islands, Auckland Islands, and Kerguelen’s Land.

39. NOTOTHENIA CORIICEPS. Rich.? C.M.
Flat-head.
N. coriiceps, Rich., p. 5., pl. 3. Giinth., IT., 261.
D; 5 | 29:s-Al 233 V6: Ly Lat, 06;

LENGTH three and one-fourth the length of the head, which is one and
one-fourth its breadth ; mouth wide, oblique, with rather strong teeth in
the jaws ; interorbital space rather hollowed, the top of the head rough
with papille ; operculum with a semicircular notch in the upper part ;
preoperculum entire ; pectorals situated rather far back ; caudal rounded ;
scales cycloid ; lateral line stops near the end of the second dorsal, but
commences again immediately below and continues on to the caudal.

Uniform black (preserved by carbolic acid).

This specimen was obtained by Dr. Hector in Milford Sound ; it is
about 18 inches in total length. It differs from coriiceps in the number of
rays as well as in the absence of pores on the head, snout, and preeoper-
culum, the only ones that I can make out being three on each side of
the lower jaw, and one near the upper posterior corner of the eye, but
as the specimen has been preserved in carbolic acid and dried, it may not
now be possible to distinguish them.

This species is found at Kerguelen’s Land and the Auckland Islands.

40. NOTOTHENIA CORNUCOLA. Rich.

NV. cornucola et marginata, Rich., pp. 8 and 18, pl. 11 and 12.
N. cornucola, Giinth., IL, 261.
D. 5131-33; A. 27-29; L. Lat., 52.

Heicut of the body is five and a half times in the total length ; the
length of the head four times.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 27

Brownish, marbled with darker ; an oblique light band, edged with
dark brown from below the eye to the lower limb of the preeoperculum
(Giinth. )

Cape Howe, Falkland Islands, New Zealand (Gunth.)

I have seen no specimens.

COTTIDA.

Head and anterior portion of the body large and broad, posterior
part compressed ; head cuirassed, the suborbital ring covering more or less
of the cheeks, and articulating with the preeoperculum ; spinous portion
of dorsal less developed than the soft and than the anal; body naked or
covered with scales, with free pectoral rays.

LEPIDOTRIGLA.

Head parallelopiped, with the upper surface and the sides entirely
bony ; body, with scales of moderate size, regularly arranged; three
free pectoral filaments ; villiform teeth in both the jaws and on the
vomer ; none on the palatine bones.

Mediterranean, East India, and Tasmania.

41. LEPIDOTRIGLA BRACHYOPTERA. sp. nov. C.M.
Dos los AS Tbs L. Lat,-63.

LENGTH is equal to three and one-fourth that of the head, or four times
the height of the body ; snout depressed, short, one-third the length of
the head, and equal to the diameter of the eye, upper profile concave ;
preorbital produced beyond the snout, and emarginate at the end;
interorbital space deeply concave ; operculum produced backwards into
a spine ; two spines above it, and one long one on the shoulder ; scales
moderately ciliated, those of the lateral lime not spined ; along the base
of the dorsal on each side a row of strongly spined scales ; pectorals
reach to the vertical from the third anal ray, filaments shorter ; ventrals
almost as long as the pectorals ; caudal emarginate.

Above pale red; below yellow ; throat and breast white; head silvery,
with the rugosities yellowish ; interior of pectorals black, margined with
yellowish.

Obtained in Wellington Harbour, and presented by W. T. L.

Travers, Esq.
a

28 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

TRIGLA.

Like the last, but with exceedingly small scales, those of the lateral
line being sometimes larger.

Nearly all parts of the world except America, where only one
European species is found at New York.

42. TRIGLA KUMU. Less. and Garn. O.M.
Gurnard.

T. kumu, Jenyns, p. 27. Giinth., I., 204. 7. papilionacea,
CL and “V., LV., Ou:
D. 9-10 |16—17 ; AU To,

LenerTH equals four times that of the head ; interorbital space concave,
less than the diameter of the eye ; snout elongate, with its upper profile
straight ; preorbital produced beyond the snout, denticulated anteriorly ;
operculum with two short flat spines, and a short flat humeral spine ;
scales very small, those of the lateral line not armed ; along the base of
the dorsal on each side a row of spined scales ; pectorals reach to the
vertical from the tenth dorsal ray, ventrals much shorter.

Above olive, largely mottled with reddish ; below reddish white ;
vertical fins, ventrals and pectoral filaments pale reddish ; caudal bright
red ; outside of pectorals blackish green, with the rays reddish, inside olive
green with the upper edge and tip light blue, and with the upper ray
and lower edge near the root reddish ; an irregularly shaped, but sharply
defined, black blotch near the lower margin, and several light blue spots
on its margin. |

Common. Australia, Cape of Good Hope, and China.

Skeleton prepared by Dr. Knox.

GOBITD A.

Body elongate, low, naked or scaly; two dorsals, the first less
developed and composed of flexible spines ; ventrals sometimes united
into a disc ; gill openings more or less narrow ; @ prominent papille near
the vent ; teeth generally small, sometimes with canines ; carnivorous.

GoBIUS.

Body scaly ; ventral fins united into a disc, which is not attached to

the belly ; teeth in several series in the upper jaw ; gill openings of

moderate width ; five branchiostegals.

All temperate and tropical regions.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 29

43. GOBIUS LENTIGINOSUS. Rich.
G. lentiginosus, Rich., p. 3, pl. 1. Giinth., IIT., 20.
D. 6/5; A.53 L. Lat, 26.

Heap about as high as broad; eyes very close together, of moderate
size; snout moderately long, with the lower jaw prominent; head
naked ; teeth small.

Honey yellow, marbled and spotted with blackish brown and dotted
with white ; a dark spot at the root of the caudal ; dorsal and caudal
dotted with black ; anal and ventrals immaculate (Giinth.)

Bay of Islands (Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.

44. GOBIUS AMICIENCIS. C. and V.
G. amiciencis, Giinth., ITI., 35.
aril 1
D6. [aq 5: Bo 5
Bopy thick, its height being equal to the length of the head, and one-
fourth of the total ; head convex, as high as long; canine teeth ; caudal
rounded ; ventral subcircular ; scales of moderate size.
Brownish (Giinth.)
Tongatabou ; Carteret Harbour, New Zealand (Giinth.)
I have seen no specimens, and doubt its occurrence here, as there is

no such place as Carteret Harbour in New Zealand.
ELEOTRIS.

Body subcylindrical, scaly ; head rather large ; eyes lateral ; teeth
small; ventrals not united.

Fresh water fishes of the Tropics.

45. ELEOTRIS GOBIOIDES. C. and V. C.M.
Bull-head.
E. gobioides, Rich., p. 4, pl. 2. Giinth., TIL, p. 114. #. basalis, Gray.
D. 6[45; A. gay; L. Lat., 36-40; L. Trans, 9-11.

9-10 ?
Leneru three and a quarter or three and a half times that of the head,
or four and a half or five times the height of the body ; interorbital
space flat or concave ; scales minutely ciliated.
Blackish brown, with a light colored vertical band across the root of

the pectoral fins.

30 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Common in rivers and lakes.

This species is exceedingly variable in the size of the eye, the size
and shape of the interorbital space, and in the colors, being sometimes
washed with yellow and sometimes entirely black. At first sight it
would appear that at least three species could-be made out, but after a
careful examination of a large number of specimens from many parts of
the country, I can find no constant distinction between them, some
specimens exhibiting intermediate characters, connecting others which
appear to be quite distinct. The proportion between the diameter of
the eye to the interorbital space varies from one to one-half. Of Hleotris
radiata there appears to be no description ; it is said to have been taken
at the mouth of the river Thames.

PEDICULATI.

Head and anterior part of the body very large, without scales ; teeth
in cardiform or villiform bands ; spinous dorsal composed of a few more
or less isolated spines or absent ; ventrals jugular ; carpal bones pro-
longed, forming a sort of arm for the pectorals ; gill opening reduced to
a small foramen situated in or near the axil ; carnivorous.

SACCARIUS,

Head very large, high, compressed ; cleft of the mouth subvertical ;
jaws and palate with cardiform teeth ; body covered with minute spines ;
stomach very wide.

New Zealand only.

46. SACCARIUS LINEATUS. Gunth.
S. lineatus, Giinth., III., 183.
D.2| 1125 AT 2eao >. B10 ave,

Heicut of the body is contained two and two fifths in the total length ;
dorsal spines broadly webbed posteriorly, the two anterior ones united.
Ground color olive yellowish ; head and body with numerous brown
stripes, oblique on the head and trunk, vertical along the base of the
dorsal and anal fins, longitudinal on the tail; vertical fins with two or
three series of black ocellated spots (Giinth.)
Sea of New Zealand (Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 31

BLENNIID.

Body elongate, more or less cylindrical, naked or with small scales ;
one, two, or three dorsal fins occupying nearly the whole back, as much or
more developed than the soft; anal long, ventrals jugular or absent ;
carnivorous.

TRYPTERYGIUM.

Not very elongate, covered with small scales ; jaws with a band of
villiform teeth ; teeth on the palate ; three dorsal fins, the two anterior
of which are spinous ; ventrals jugular, with two soft rays.

Mediterranean.

I have always found this genus to be marine.

47. TRYPTERYGIUM NIGRIPENNE. C. and V. C.M.
f. capito, Jenyns, p. 94, pl. 19. 7. nigripenne, Giinth., EM 277.
D. 5-6|18-19|13-14; A. 26.

A TENTACLE over the eye, which is sometimes simple, sometimes divided
into two or four lobes ; teeth on the vomer ; length three and four fifths
that of the head, which is three and three-eighth times the diameter of
the eye ; length of snout equal to the diameter of the eye; interorbital
space less than half the diameter of the eye ; lateral line follows the
curvature of the back, and stops before the end of the second dorsal,
not descending to the middle of the depth of the body ; nasal tentacle

simple.

White ; orbital tentacle black ; body reddish brown, mottled with
darker, lighter below ; first dorsal blackish, the others greyish, spotted
with black.

Wellington Harbour.

48. TRYPTERYGIUM FORSTERI. C. and V.
T. forsteri, Giinth., ITI., 278.
B..6'> Du S16 A1bs Ages V, 2:
A FRINGED tentacle above the orbit and at the nostril.
Brown, spotted with reddish ; a semicircular blackish-blue golden-

edged spot at the base of the pectoral (Forst.)
New Zealand ?

I have seen no specimens.

ae FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

49. TRYPTERYGIUM FENESTRATUM. Forst.
T. fenestratum, Giinth., IIT., 278.
Br 6s Ded. WhO Ps As dea Meas

A SIMPLE truncated tentacle above the orbit ; another small one, fringed,
at the nostril.

Brown, fins with transparent spots (Forst.)

New Zealand, mouths of the rivers. :

I have seen no specimens.

50. TRYPTERYGIUM MEDIUM. Gunth. C.M.
T. medium, Gimth., ITI., 278.
D. 4| 15-16|12-13; A. 20-23; V. 2.

ORBITAL tentacle none, a small one at the nostril ; length four times that
of the head, which is three and a half times the diameter of the eye ;
length of snout equal to the diameter of the eye; interorbital space
more than half the diameter of the eye ; lateral line sloping obliquely
downwards from the shoulder to the middle of the depth of the body,
ceasing under the end of the second dorsal.

Back and sides olivaceous brown, marbled with darker ; belly white ;
throat yellow ; dorsals and caudal yellow, spotted with black on the rays;
pectorals white, the lower rays olivaceous brown, the upper ones spotted
with the same color.

Wellington Harbour.

51. TRYPTERYGIUM COMPRESSUM. sp. nov. C.M.
B. 6; D. 4]10|10; A. 20; V.2; L. Lat. 38; L. Trans., 4/7.

LENGTH equal to three and four-fifths that of the head, which is equal to
the height of the body, or three and three-fourths the diameter
of the eye; body oval, compressed, covered with rather large scales ;
lateral line nearly straight, ceases below the end of the second dorsal ;
snout rounded, less than the diameter of the eye; pectorals equal in
length to the caudal, which is equal to the length of the head.

Reddish orange, darker on the vertex ; fins yellowish, more or less
marked with black.

Wellington Harbour.

One specimen only, presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 33

52. TRYPTERYGIUM VARIUM. Forst. ‘a Lhe
T. variwm, Giinth., ITI., 277.
Bee DRS [aes Ba 26 Ne 2,
TRANSVERSE streaks across the opercles and breast; body dotted with
brown ; the first dorsal with a black spot, the second with a series of
white spots along the base (Forst.)

Coast of the Southern Island of New Zealand.
I have seen no specimens.

STICHARIUM.

Body elongate, compressed, naked ; anterior part of the lateral line
distinct ; small teeth in jaws and palate, no canines; dorsal long, single,
almost entirely spinous ; ventrals jugular, with two or three rays; caudal
distinct, rounded; gill openings rather wide, the gill membranes
broadly united below the throat, and quite free from the isthmus.

Australia.

53. STICHARIUM RUBRUM. sp. nov. C.M,
D. ; A. aE Wik

LenerH equal to five times that of the head, which is equal to the height
of the body, or to one and four-fifths the breadth of the head ; snout
pointed, two-fifths of the length of the head ; a simple truncated tentacle
over the eye, and a small nasal one ; upper profile of head straight and
nearly horizontal, lower profile ascending ; one dorsal, slightly notched
about the fourth spine, joined by a membrane to the base of the caudal ;
anal free from the caudal ; ventrals formed of two flexible rays ; lateral
line straight from the shoulder as far as the end of the pectorals, then sud-
denly bent down until it reaches the middle of the body, from whence it
continues in an interrupted line half way to the caudal, where it ceases ;
dorsal commences immediately at the back of the head.

Rose color, sometimes m re or less spotted or banded with black on
the sides of the head, body, and caudal ; fins yellowish.

Several specimens from Wellington Harbour.

54. STICHARIUM FLAVESCENS. sp. nov. C.M.
B65 DIS 5: AL 805 Map 1250512:
Leneru four and three-fifths that of the head, or five and a quarter

times the height of the body ; length of the head one and two-fifths its
" E

34 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

breadth, or four and one-third times the diameter of the eye; snout
rounded, slightly shorter than the diameter of the eye ; dorsal commences
at a very short distance behind the head ; lateral line sloping gently down-
wards, ceasing under the tenth dorsal spine ; dorsal joined to the base of
the caudal by a membrane.

Pale yellow, with two oblique reddish streaks on the preoperculum
from the eye backwards.

Cook Straits, a single specimen, presented by Mr. Liardet.

ACANTHOCLINUS.

Body elongate, compressed, with small scales ; bands of small teeth
on the jaws, vomer, palatine bones, and tongue; dorsal and anal long,
the greater part of both composed of spines ; caudal rounded ; ventrals
jugular, composed of one spine and three rays ; several lateral lines ; gill
membranes united below the throat.

55. ACANTHOCLINUS LITTOREUS. Forst. C.M.

A. fuscus, Jenyns, p. 92, pl. 18. A. littoreus, Giinth., III., 298.
Gadopsis marmoratus, Cat. Col. Mus.
B.6; D.2; A. Se; V.4
Lenetu three and a half times that of the head, or four and a quarter
times the height of the body ; four lateral lines, the lowest joining the
one next above it at the commencement of the anal; preoperculum
rounded, with a line of pores round the margin.

Brownish olive, more or less marbled with black ; a white band from
the vertex to the snout, and a dark spot on the operculum ; vertical fins
edged with black; immature specimens are sometimes spotted with
white.

Wellington Harbour.

TRACHYPTERID..

Body much elongated and strongly compressed ; mouth small, and
dentition feeble ; one dorsal fin, occupying the whole length of the back,
with a detached anterior portion, and composed of flexible rays ; caudal
rudimentary ; ventrals thoracic ; gill openings wide ; bones soft.

Deep sea fishes.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 35

REGALECUS.

Each ventral fin reduced to a long filament, dilated at the extremity ;
caudal rudimentary or absent.

Europe, Cape of Good Hope, India.

56. REGALECUS GLADIUS. Walb.?
Oar Fish.
&. gladius, Giinth., ITI., 308.

DETACHED anterior portion of dorsal with few spines.

Light grey, purplish on the back; dorsal fin margined with red;
head bluish grey.

Cast on shore at Nelson, and described by W. T. L. Travers, Esq.

The following is Dr. Giinther’s description of R. gladius :—

Bros Desaes Aer 14 V1,

The length of the head equals the height of the body, which is con-
tained five times and two-thirds in the distance of the vent from the
snout ; the snout is truncated, the cleft of the mouth vertical, and the
upper jaw very protractile ; a series of minute teeth in each of the jaws ;
the single ventral ray very long, terminating in a broad lobe, and another
cutaneous flap on the second third of its length; the anterior twelve
dorsal rays are produced, the first five forming a separate division over
the eye ; skin covered with small tubercles.

Mediterranean, Bermuda, Cape of Good Hope.

MUGILID,

Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales ; no lateral line; mouth
small or moderate, without or with feeble teeth ; two short dorsal Jins,
the first with four stiff spines; anal rather longer than the second
dorsal ; ventrals abdominal.

Feed on soft organic substances or small animals,

MuGIL.

Cleft of mouth short, no teeth in the jaws; anterior margin of
mandible sharp.

All temperate and tropical regions, passing part of the year in fresh
water.

36 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

57. MUGIL PERUSII. C. and V.? C.M.
Mullet.
M. argenteus, Cat. Col. Mus. J. perusii, Giinth., IIT., 422.
D. 4|4; A. #; L. Lat., 40; L. Trans., 13.

Lenertu four and two-fifths that of the head, or three and three-fifths
the height of the body ; interorbital space slightly convex, twice the
diameter of the eye, which goes four and a quarter times into the length
of the head ; snout rather longer than the diameter of the eye; mouth
.broader than deep, angle formed by mandibles rather obtuse (100°) ;
upper profile slightly arched ; preeorbital emarginate ; upper lip not very
thick ; maxillz not covered by przorbital ; free space at the chin,
between the mandibles, lanceolate ; an adipose membrane covers one-half
of the iris anteriorly and posteriorly; spinous dorsal half way
between the snout and the tail, higher than the soft, which commences
over the fourth ray of the anal; pectorals are about two-thirds
of the length of the head, and when closed do not reach to the
spinous dorsal, they are placed very slightly above the middle of the
body ; fins scaleless ; a long pointed scale in the axil of the pectorals ;
second dorsal and anal of about equal heights, much less than the caudal,
which is deeply emarginate, and uniform in color; about twenty-six
scales between the snout and the dorsal.

Above plumbous blue, below silvery.

Abundant north of Auckland, and occasionally got as far south as
Cook Straits. In the Waikato they go down to the sea to spawn in
November, and return again in March. Our grey mullet seems to differ
very little from the description given of J/. perusti, except in the fins
not being scaly, but the specimens I have examined were not fresh, and
the scales may have been rubbed off. If it is not perwsii, it will, I
think, have to be made into a new species.

Two skeletons are in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

AGONOSTOMA.

Cleft of the mouth extending nearly to the eye; small teeth in one
or both of the jaws, and sometimes on the palate ; the lower lip with
the margin rounded, not sharp,

Fresh waters of the West Indies, Central America, Australia,
Celebes, Mauritius, and the Comora Islands.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 37

58. AGONOSTOMA FORSTERI. Bl. C.M.
Sea Mullet.

Mugil forsteri, Rich., p. 77, pl. 44. Dajaus diemensis, Rich., p. 37,
pl. 26. Jenyns, p. 82. A. forsteri et diemensis, Cat. Col. Mus.
A, forsteri, Giinth., ITT., 465.

D, 4|33 A. 3; L. Lat., 55.
Leneru four and two-third times that of the head, or five and a half
times the height of the body; interorbital space flat, one-third the
length of the head ; snout produced, one and a half times the diameter
of the eye; preorbital serrated ; dorsal half way between the snout and
the tail ; teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palate.

Back shining ‘blue and green, below silvery white ; fins yellowish
brown, finely dotted with black ; caudal blackish at the tip ; iris yellow.

A skeleton is in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

Australia.

This fish never attains to so large a size as the last ; it spawns in
November. It is commonly called the Herring by fishermen, but it is
better to reserve that name for a true Herring which is found on the
coasts, and will probably be brought into the market as soon as deep sea
trawling is introduced.

TRICHONOTIDA.

Body elongate, subcylindrical, scales moderate, cycloid ; eyes directed
upwards ; teeth in villiform bands ; one long dorsal fin with articulated
not branched rays, and without a distinct spinous portion ; anal long ;
ventrals jugular, with one spine and five rays ; gill openings very wide ;

seven branchiostegals ; carnivorous.

HEMEROC@TES.

Head depressed, pointed; tail slightly compressed ; mouth wide,
upper jaw longer; teeth on the vomer, none on the palate ; nostrils
produced into tubes.

New Zealand only.

59. HEMEROCGTES ACANTHORHYNCHUS. Forst. C.M.
H. acanthorhynchus, Rich., p. 123, pl. 54. Giinth., IIL, 485.
D. 39-41; A. 36-37; L. Lat., 47.

Leneru three and three-fourths that of the head, or eight and three-

fourths the height of the body ; space between the eyes very narrow,

38 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

only one-fifth of the diameter of the eye ; vent under the fourth dorsal
ray ; maxillary bone terminating anteriorly in a spine.

Reddish olive, or reddish purple, sometimes with six or seven darker
bands on the back ; ventrals, fore part of anal, and lower margin of
pectorals reddish.

Wellington Harbour.

CENTRISCID Ai.

Body compressed, oblong, or elevated ; the anterior bones of the skull
much produced, forming a tube, which terminates in a narrow mouth ;
teeth none ; body with dermal ossifications ; two dorsal fins, the spinous
short, and with one of the spines strong; ventrals abdominal, small, or
rudimentary.

CENTRISCUS.

Body covered with small rough scales ; some bony strips on the side
of the back, and on the margin of the thorax and abdomen; four
branchiostegals.

England, Africa, Japan, and Australia,

60. CENTRISCUS HUMEROSUS. Rich. C.M.
Snipe Fish.
C. humerosus, Rich., p. 56, pl. 34. Giinth., IIT., 522.
Dell 1635, Ae 1%

LENGTH equal to two and two-fifths that of the head, or two and one-
fourth times the height of the body ; second dorsal spine very strong, -
nearly as long as the head, and with two rows of teeth on its posterior
edge ; suboperculum rough, with small spines on its inferior margin.

A dried specimen is in the Museum, from Cook Straits.

Australia.

FISTULARIDZ.

Greatly elongated, anterior bones of the skull produced into a tube,
which is terminated by a narrow mouth ; scales none, or small ; ventrals
abdominal.

FISTULARIA.

Body sealeless ; caudal forked, with the two middle rays produced
into a filament ; no free dorsal spines ; teeth small.
Tropical parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 39

61. FISTULARIA SERRATA. Cuv. C.M.
Ff, serrata, Giinth., IIT., 533.
Dig Slay As 1s Te SPS 5. Ve. G5°@. 812 18:

LENGTH two and three-fifths that of the head ; length of the head more
than ten times its greatest breadth ; snout equals three-fourths of the
length of the head; eye oval, its horizontal diameter being two and
a half times the vertical ; outer edge of the tube serrated; operculum
striated, rounded below.

Brownish, paler below (dried).

Two dried specimens are in the Museum ; they belonged to the New
Zealand Society’s collection.

China, Australia, and Andaman Islands.

NOTACANTHI.

Body elongate, with small scales ; snout produced beyond the mouth ;
eyes lateral, of moderate size ; dentition feeble ; dorsal jin composed of
short free spines ; anal very long, anteriorly with many spines ; ventrals
abdominal, composed of more than five soft rays.

Seas of the arctic and temperate regions of both hemispheres.

NovTacANTHUS.

Characters the same as of the family.
Arctic Seas, Mediterranean, and Australia.

62. NOTACANTHUS SEXSPINIS. Rich. C.M.
NV. sexspinis, Rich., p. 54, pl. 32. Giinth., TIL, 545.
D. 6-8/1; A. 3; P12; V. 2

120 ?

LeEneTH seven times that of the head, or ten times the height of the body
at the ventrals ; snout soft, about one-fourth of the length of the head ;
eye very variable in size ; tail pointed; no caudal ; ventrals completely
united, placed in front of the first dorsal spine ; pectorals small, pointed,
less than half the length of the head ; vent under the third and fourth
dorsal spines ; a single series of small cardiform teeth on each jaw, and
on the vomer ; gill membranes united under the throat.

Pale pink above, whitish below ; inside of the mouth black; anal fin
black.

Thrown up on the shore in considerable numbers after heavy gales.

Australia.

40 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

GOBIESOCID AA.

Body depressed anteriorly, naked; a single dorsal on the tail
without spines ; anal short ; ventrals wide apart, with one spine hidden
in the skin, and four or five rays, a large adhesive apparatus between
them ; carnivorous.

DIPLOcREPIS.

Snout somewhat pointed; posterior portion of adhesive disc, with
the anterior margin free ; both jaws with incisors, and other smaller
teeth behind ; gills three.

New Zealand only.

63. DIPLOCREPIS PUNICEUS. Rich. C.M.
Sucker.
Lepidogaster puniceus, Rich., p. 71, pl. 43. D. puniceus, Giinth., IT., 506.
D. 10-11; A. 4-5-.

Lenetu two and two-fifths that of the head; length of the head
rather more than its breadth ; interorbital space equal to the diameter
of the eye ; anterior nostril with a tentacle on the posterior edge ; lower
posterior angle of operculum produced backwards into a point covered
with skin ; mouth inferior.

Bright rose color, yellowish below.
Cook Straits, Wellington Harbour.

TRACHELOCHISMUS.

Snout rounded ; posterior portion of the adhesive disc suspended at
the coracoid bones, with the anterior margin free ; jaws with a patch of
small teeth in front, and with a series on the sides, no incisors; gills
three and a half.

Fiji Islands.

64. TRACHELOCHISMUS PINNULATUS. Forst. C.M.
7. pinnulatus, Giinth., IIT., 509.
D: 8.3 AM

Lenors rather more than two and a half times that of the head ; length
of the head nearly one and a half times its breadth ; interorbital space
nearly twice the diameter of the eye ; both nostrils with short tentacles,
the anterior ones being the longest.

-

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 41

Red or pink, marbled and longitudinally streaked on the back with
olivaceous brown, occasionally spotted or banded with pale yellowish ;
throat and disc yellow ; fins pink, spotted with yellowish.

Wellington Harbour.

65. TRACHELOCHISMUS GUTTULATUS. sp. nov. C.M.
D. % 5 As 83°C..12.

Lenetu rather more than two and a half times that of the head ; length
of the head about one and two-fifths its breadth ; interorbital space twice
the diameter of the eye ; no tentacles on the nostrils.

Dark olive brown, with irregular spots of pale brownish yellow,
below yellowish ; iris red when alive, yellow when dead.

Wellington Harbour.

The ventrals overlap the pectorals, but are not connected with them ;
disc between them broader than long ; the coracoids extend upwards
beyond the middle of the base of the pectorals ; dorsal and anal opposite ;
caudal free, rounded.

Order IJ].—ACANTHOPTERYGIL PHARYNGOG-
NATHI.

Part of the rays of the dorsal, anal, and ventral fins not articulated,
Jorming spines. The inferior pharyngeal bones coalesced, with or without
a median longitudinal suture.

POMACENTRID Ai.

Bopy compressed, more or less short, covered with ctenoid scales; dentition
feeble ; palate smooth ; one dorsal, with the spinous portion as well
developed as the soft ; ventrals thoracic, with one spine and five rays.

DASCYLLUS.

Preoperculum serrated ; teeth in a narrow band, with an outer series
of somewhat larger ones ; anal with two spines ; the lateral line ceases
below the soft dorsal ; branchiostegals five.

From the eastern coasts of Africa to Polynesia.

F

49, FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

66. DASCYLLUS ARUANUS. L.
D. aruanus, Giinth., TV., 12.
D. 3; A. 2; L, Lat., 26-27; L. Trans, 3/9.

12?

THreE black cross bands, the first descending obliquely from the origin
of the spinous dorsal through the orbit to the chin, leaving a greyish
patch on the forehead; the second slightly curved, from the sixth to
ninth dorsal spines to the ventral fins, which are black ; the third from
the soft dorsal to the anal. Dorsal and anal fins black ; caudal whitish
(Giinth.)

From the eastern coasts of Africa to Polynesia and New Zealand

(Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.
LABRID Zi.

Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; one dorsal, with the
spinous portion as well developed as the soft ; ventrals thoracic, with one
spine and five soft rays ; palate without teeth.

LABRICHTHYS.

Body covered with large scales ; snout more or less pointed ; opercles
scaly; lateral line continuous ; teeth in the jaws in a single series, with
a posterior canine tooth (absent in young specimens) ; formula of the

9, 3
fins, 1. iW? A. jo *
Pacific, East Indian Archipelago.

67. LABRICHTHYS CELIDOTA. Forst. C.M.
Sea Perch.

Labrus celidotus, Rich., p. 53, pl. 31. Labrichthys celidota, Giinth., IV.,
113. Labrus pecilopleura, C. and V.

D. a3 A. a L. Lat., 27; L. Trans., 3/9.
GREENISH grey, many of the scales tipped with brown; belly white,
marked with pink or orange ; a dusky band from behind the eye to the
shoulder, and a black spot on the lateral line below the commencement
of the soft dorsal ; vertical fins more or less marked with orange ; iris
brown. Caudal rounded.

Common. Australia.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 43

68. LABRICHTHYS BOTHRYOCOSMUS. Rich. C.M.
Wrasse. .

Labrus bothryocosmus, Rich., p. 53, pl. 31. Labrickilitae bothryocosnus,
Giinth., IV. 114.

1), a WA 3 ; L. Lat. 27; L. Trans., 3/9.
SomMETIMES with a pair of anterior canine teeth in the upper jaw; the
three front teeth of the lower jaw longer than the others.

Reddish olive (in spirits); a cluster of blackish spots between the
lateral line and the hind part of the spinous dorsal ; dorsal and anal fins
with a dusky longitudinal band. Caudal rounded.

Wellington Harbour ; South Australia and Tasmania.

69. LABRICHTHYS PSITTACULA. Rich. C.M.
Parrot Fish.

Tautoga psittacula, Rich., p. 129, pl. 56. L. psittacula, Giinth., IV., 114.
L. rubiginosus, Cat. Col. Mus.

| BE = A. = ; L. Lat., 27; “L. Trans., 3/9:
Two anterior canine teeth in each of the jaws.

Head rose pink ; throat, chin, and above the shoulders, whitish ;
body sometimes uniform red, sometimes pale pinkish yellow, each scale
tipped with deep pink ; dorsal and anal yellowish, edged with pale purple
and with four or five rows of orange spots ; caudal yellowish, margined
with grey, and red at the base ; iris pale rose ; caudal lunulate.

Cook Straits, not uncommon ; Tasmania.

Of Julis? prasiophthalmus, Solander, there appears to be no
description.

ODAX.

Cheeks and opercles scaly ; scales of the body small ; snout conical ;
dorsal spines flexible.
Coasts of Australia.

70. ODAX VITTATUS. Soland.
O. vittatus, Giinth., TV., 242.
D. 34; A. 14.

ENTIRELY brown, with a silver band from the mouth to the caudal,
occasionally with small violet spots on the back and sides,

44 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Dorsal fin lower in the middle.
Inhabits the sea at Mataruhow (?), New Zealand (Giinth,)
I have seen no specimens.

CorRIDODAX.

Head naked; afew scales behind the orbit; scales of the body small;
lateral line continuous; snout of moderate extent; dorsal spines
numerous, flexible.

New Zealand only.

71. CORIDODAX PULLUS. Forst. C.M,
Butter Fish.
C. pullus, Giinth., IV., 243,

D.#; A. 32; L. Lat. 80-90; L. Trans, 10/25.

one <= atic?

THREE series of small scales behind the orbit; preoperculum entire ;
caudal square; dorsal and anal getting larger posteriorly ; ventrals a
little behind the pectorals ; mouth small, maxillary not reaching to the
anterior margin of the eye.

Above dark brown, with greyish streaks; belly grey, marbled with
brown ; fins dark brown, spotted with greenish grey ; iris orange.

Cook Straits.

Order III.—ANACANTHINI.

Vertical and ventral fins without spinous rays; ventrals, if present,
jugular or thoracic.

GADIDA.

Bopy more or less elongate, covered with small smooth scales ; one, two,
or three dorsal fins ; one or two anal fins, with or without a barbel ;
caudal separate ; ventrals jugular.

GADUS. -

Moderately elongate; three dorsal and two anal fins; ventrals
narrow, composed of six or more rays; teeth in the upper jaw in a
narrow band; teeth on the vomer, none on the palate; seven
branchiostegals.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 45

‘72. GADUS AUSTRALIS. sp. nov. C.M.

Haddock.
D.11 =12:|19 |}225 A, PO Pee st Vat

Leneru equal to four and one-third times that of the head, or seven and a
half times the height of the body ; length of the head two and four-fifths
that of the snout; diameter of the eye not much more than half the length
of the snout ; lower jaw longer ; no barbel ; strong teeth in both jaws,
the outer series being shorter and fixed, the inner longer and capable
of being folded back ; strong teeth in a double series on the vomer, none
on the palatine bones ; upper profile of head straight, snout conical ;
head higher than broad ; maxillary extending to beyond the middle of
the eye ; scales very small ; vent rather nearer to the snout than to the
end of the tail, below the commencement of the second dorsal ; a space
between the first and second dorsal, the second and third subcontinuous ;
a short space between the anals ; proportions of the fins—
1a). 2D. 3D. LA. 2A,
i 2:7 13 2°4 2°]
Above purplish, sides, and belly silvery ; inside of the mouth white.
Thrown up on the coast by heavy storms.
It is said sometimes to attain a length of 4 feet.
Cook Straits.

HALARGYREUS.

Moderately elongate, covered with small scales ; two dorsal and two
anal fins, the latter subcontinuous ; ventrals composed of several rays ;
jaws with a band of minute villiform teeth of equal size ; palate smooth ;
no barbel ; seven branchiostegals ; gill rakers of the outer branchial arch
long.

Atlantic.

73. HALARGYREUS JOHNSONII. Gunth. C.M.
LH. johnsonii, Giinth., IV., 343.
D. 8| 54; A. 24| 20; V. 5.

Lenera equals four and three-fifths that of the head, or six and a quarter
times the height of the body; length of the head three and three-
fourths that of the snout; upper profile straight ; head higher than

46 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

broad ; maxillary reaching to about the middle of the eye; a small
bony tubercle at the symphysis of the lower jaw ; diameter of the eye
equal to length of the snout ; vent rather nearer the snout than the
end of the tail.

Pale reddish silvery, lighter below ; interior of the mouth purplish
black.

Total length about 10 inches.

Thrown up on the coasts during heavy gales.

Cook Straits ; Madeira.

LovTeLLA.

Body of moderate length ; two dorsal fins and one anal ; ventral fins
with a flat base, and composed of several rays ; teeth in the upper jaw
in a band, with an outer series of larger ones ; palate smooth ; chin
with a barbel ; seven branchiostegals.

Japan.

74. LOTELLA RHACINUS. Forst. C.M.

Hake.
L. rhacinus, Giinth., TV., 347.

D. 5|68; A. 62; V.6.

Lenetu four times that of the head; upper jaw longer; ventrals
pointed ; dorsal and anal when laid flat overlap the commencement of
the caudal ; distance of the end of the dorsal from the end of the tail
equal to one anda half times the depth of the body at the end of the
dorsal.

Uniform blackish ?

I have seen no fresh specimens.

Cook Straits.

75. LOTELLA BACCHUS. Forst. C.M.
Red Cod.
L. bacchus, Giinth., TV., 347.

D: 10 4) SATA Woe:
Lenern four and a quarter times that of the head, or four and a half
times the height of the body ; upper jaw rather longer ; ventrals pointed ;

dorsal and anal when laid flat do not overlap the commencement of the

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 47

caudal ; distance of the end of the dorsal from the end of the tail equal
to two and a half times the depth of the body at the end of the dorsal.
Reddish or greyish silvery, with fine brown reticulated markings on
the back and sides ; below and ventrals whitish ; dorsal like the back ;
lower lip and barbel red; a black spot in the upper part of the axil of
the pectorals ; iris greyish white.
Wellington Harbour.

PSEUDOPHYCIS.

Body of moderate length, with rather small scales ; two dorsal fins
and one anal; ventral fins with a very narrow styliform base, but
composed of several rays; teeth in the jaws in a band, of equal size ;
palate smooth ; chin with a barbel ; seven branchiostegals.

New Zealand only.

76. PSHEUDOPHYCIS BREVIUSCULUS. Rich. C.M.
Lota breviuscula, Rich., p. 61, pl. 38. P. breviusculus, Giinth., IV., 350.
DSS [4Oyi4ks 50a V— 8 Lat, 85.

THE ventral fin does not extend to the vent ; seven or eight series of
scales between the anterior dorsal and the lateral line.

This species is represented in the Museum by a sketch by Mr.
Buchanan, Dr. Hector informs me that it is very common in Dusky
Bay.

I have seen no specimens.

OPHIDIID.
e

Body elongate, naked or scaly ; vertical fins generally united into
one; dorsal occupying the greater portion of the back; ventrals
rudimentary, jugular ; gill openings wide, the gill membranes not attached
to the isthmus.

GENYPTERUS.

Body elongate, compressed, covered with minute scales ; ventral fins
replaced by a pair of bifid filaments; teeth on the jaws, vomer, and
palatine bones, the outer series in the jaws, and the single series of the
palatines contain strong teeth ; lower jaw received within the upper ;
vent situated at some distance behind the pectorals ; seven or eight
branchiostegals.

South Africa and South Pacific.

48 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

77. GENYPTERUS BLACODHES. Forst. C.M.
Ling.
G. blacodes, Giinth., IV., 379.

LENGTH equal to seven times that of the head, or nearly ten times the
height of the body ; length of the head eight times the diameter of the
eye ; barbels (ventrals) with the outer filament longer, about one half
the length of the head; head covered with a thick soft skin.

Back purplish, the rest reddish white marbled on the sides with
reddish purple; silvery ; vertical fins margined with white.

Common in the southern parts of the country, and attains a very
large size.

The specimen from which this description was taken measured 3} feet
in length, and was considered a small one.

Coasts of Chili and Peru.

FIERASFER.

Body produced into a very long and tapering tail, naked ; vertical
fins continuous, very low ; no ventrals nor barbels ; cardiform teeth on
the jaws, vomer, and palatine bones, sometimes with canines ; vent at
the throat ; gill openings wide ; seven branchiostegals.

Europe, Indian Archipelago, Australia, New Zealand (Giinth.)

No particular species of this genus is mentioned in Dr, Giinther’s
Catalogue as coming from New Zealand.

MACRURID AL.

Body terminating in along compressed tapering tail, covered with
spiny, keeled, or striated scales ; one short anterior dorsal, the second
very long and continued to the end of the tail; anal similar to the
second dorsal ; ventrals thoracic or jugular, composed of several rays ;

six or seven branchiostegals.

MACcCRURUS.

Seales of moderate size, keeled or spiny ; snout produced, conical ;
mouth inferior ; teeth in a band, villiform or cardiform, without larger
ones in the outer series; palate smooth ; ventrals nearly below the
pectorals ; a barbel.

Mediterranean and North Atlantic, Japan, Australia.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 49

78. MACRURUS AUSTRALIS. Rich. O.M.
M. australis, Giinth., TV.. 391.

D. 12/88; A. 87; V. 75 L: Lat. ca, 130; L. Trans, 4/15.
Leneru equal to four and a half times that of the head, which is equal
to two and three-fourths that of the snout ; diameter of the eye rather
less than the length of the snout; an obtuse ridge from the snout to the
angle of the preoperculum ; vent situated below the end of the first dorsal.

Uniform pale brownish grey, rather paler below ; throat reddish ;
anal white in front, dusky with small black dots behind, as also are the
dorsals and pectorals ; iris silvery.

Wellington Harbour, one specimen only, November, 1871; Australia.

CorRYPH ENOIDES.

Scales moderate, spiny or smooth ; snout short, with the cleft of the
mouth lateral ; teeth in the upper jaw in a narrow band, those of the
outer series larger than the others; palate smooth; ventrals below
pectorals ; a barbel.

From Scandinavia to Madeira ; Australia.

79. CORYPHASNOIDES NOVA ZELANDIAN. Hect. C.M.

Hoki.
C. nove zelandic, Hect., Trans. N.Z. Inst., III., 136.
Pe 12102 eA 92 3 VC 8.

LENGTH equal to five and a half times that of the head, which is equal
to three and one-fourth times the length of the snout, which is about
equal to the diameter of the eye ; snout conical ; vent nearer the snout
than the tail by twice the diameter of the eye, situated under about
the fifteenth ray of the second dorsal ; scales spiny.

Above purplish with green reflexions, below white ; a pale brown.
patch from the eye to the pectoral fin.

Thrown up in large quantites on the shores of Cook Straits after
heavy gales ; occasionally caught in Wellington Harbour.

80. CORYPHAINOIDES DENTICULATUS. Rich. CM.
Macrorus denticulatus, Rich., p.53, pl. 32. C. denticulatas, Giinth., IV., 396.
D,. TE LOO Ao 80 SN ads Cy 6):

Leneru five and three-fourths that of the head, which is four and three-
fourths that of the snout; diameter of the eye one and three-fourths

G

50 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

the length of the snout; snout short, flat in front, with three ridges on
its upper surface, the centre one «f which is highest ; preoperculum
with a sinuated ridge; scales spiny; lateral line arched, becoming
straight below the commencement of the second dorsal.
Back pale grey ; sides and belly silvery white ; iris tinted with yellow.
Cook Straits, thrown up in immense quantities after heavy gales ;
South Australia.

PLEURONECTID A.

Body strongly compressed, flat, with one of the two sides colored ;
both eyes on the colored side ; dorsal and anal fins long, without division ;
gills four ; carnivorous.

BRACHYPLEURA.

Mouth wide, the length of the maxillary being one-half that of the
head ; teeth pointed, curved, nearly equally developed on both sides ;
the anterior of the upper jaw enlarged and in two series, those of the
lower jaw in a single series ; vomerine teeth ; eyes on the right side ;
dorsal commencing on the snout ; scales moderate ; lateral line straight.

New Zealand only.

81. BRACHYPLEHURA NOVA ZELANDIA. Gunth.
B. nove zelandie, Giinth., IV., 419.
B. 65 D0 Ace Fe Tas. 30.

Heicut of the body contained twice and a half in the length, the
length of the head thrice and a quarter ; snout with the lower jaw very
prominent ; vomer very prominent ; eyes separated by a mere ridge,
the upper in advance of the lower.

Coloration uniform (Giinth. )

New Zealand.

I have seen no specimens.

PSEUDORHOMBUS.

Mouth wide, the length of the maxillary being more than one-third
that of the head ; teeth in both jaws in a single series, of unequal
size ; vomer and palate smooth ; eyes on the left side ; dorsal commencing
on the snout ; lateral line with a strong curve anteriorly ; gill membranes
united below the throat.

From the eastern coasts of Africa to the Pacific coasts of Central and
South America ; New York, Brazil.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 51

82. PSEUDORHOMBUS SCAPHUS. Forst. CM.
Brill.
D. 110; A. 93; L. Lat, 85.

LENGTH equal to four and three fourths the length of the head, or two
and three-fourths the height of the body ; lower jaw prominent; teeth
rather large, conical, pointed, the lateral ones of the upper jaw the
shortest ; interorbital ridge very narrow, naked ; left or lower eye rather
in advance of the upper; dorsal commences before the eye; scales
ctenoid, those on the cheeks smaller ; curve of the lateral line flat above ;
the greatest depth between the anal fin and the lateral line is rather less
than the length of the head.

Coloration uniform, brownish above, white below.

Wellington Harbour.

Ihave never seen Forster’s drawing or description, but from the
remarks made by Gray and Richardson, when describing Rhombus
plebeius (Dieff., N.Z., II, p. 222), I think there is very little doubt but
that this is the fish that Forster described.

RHOMBOSOLEA.

Eyes on the right side, the lower in advance of the upper ; mouth
unsymmetrical ; the length of the left maxillary less than one-third of that
of the head ; teeth on the blind side only, where they form villiform
bands ; dorsal commencing on the foremost part of the snout ; only one
ventral, which is continuous with the anal; scales small, cycloid ;

lateral line stright ; gill membranes broadly united below the throat.
Australia, Tasmania.

83. RHOMBOSOLEA MONOPUS. Gunth. C.M.
Flounder. Patiki.

Rhombus plebeius, Rich., Dieff., N.Z., II., 222. Rhombosolea monopus,
Giinth., IV., 459. &. monopus et tapirina, Cat. Col. Mus.

B.5; D. 59-61; A. 42-44; V. 6.
Lenetu three and two-thirds that of the head, or one and four-fifths
the height of the body.
Olivaceous brown, with reddish tints on the head and fins ; below
greyish white.
Very common all round the coasts ; Australia,

324 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

A small flat-fish, also called Patiki by the Maoris, is found in some
of the rivers ; it is brown, with red blotches on the upper side. I do
not know whether it is identical with this species or not.

PELTORHAMPHUS.

Eyes on the right side ; mouth small, twisted towards the left side,
toothless on the other; teeth minute, in two distant series on the left
branches of the jaws ; snout dilated, flat, sharp, bent downwards, hook-
like ; dorsal commencing on the foremost part of the snout; ventrals
two, the right continuous with the anal, the left small; scales small,
ctenoid ; lateral line straight ; gill membranes broadly united below the
throat.

New Zealand and Norfolk Island.

84. PELTORHAMPHUS NOVA ZELANDIA. Gunth. C.M.

Sole.
P. nove zelandie, Giinth., 1V., 461.

B.5; D. 92-100; A. 57-64; V. dextr. 6; sin. 5; L. Lat., 78.

Levers three and one-fourth times that of the head, or two and four-
fifths the height of the body ; lower eye slightly in advance ; anterior
rays of the dorsal protrude beyond the membrane.

Olivaceous grey, dotted with black, and with two dark spots on the
lateral line ; caudal reddish.

Wellington Harbour, Norfolk Island.

Order IV.—PHYSOSTOMI.

All the fin rays articulated, only the first of the dorsal and pectoral fins
is sometimes more or less ossified; ventrals, if present, abdominal,

without a spine ; air-bladder, if present, without a pneumatic duct.

SCOMBRESOCID Ai.

Body covered with scales ; a series of keeled scales along each side
of the belly; dorsa! jin opposite the anal; no adipose fin; lower
pharyngeals united into a single bone.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 53

SCOMBRESOX.

Both jaws prolonged into a long slender beak, each with a series of
extremely minute teeth ; body elongate, compressed, slender ; scales
deciduous ; a number of detached finlets behind the anal and dorsal fins ;
gill openings very wide.

Atlantic, Chili, Japan.

The jaws are not produced in very young fishes, and during growth
the lower jaw is much in advance of the upper.

85. SCOMBRESOX FORSTERI. C. and V. C.M.
Skipper.
S. forsteri, Giinth., VI., 258. Belone, Sp. Cat. Col. Mus.
DEST OSV ogacd se PINCH Py Bi" V7.6,

LeneTH equal to four and a half times that of the head, or ten
times the height of the body ; length of the head about one and two-
fifths that of the snout; lower jaw longer; base of ventrals half way
between the root of the caudal and the anterior margin of the eye;
upper pectoral ray very broad.

Above shining plumbous blue, below silvery white.

A single specimen, 12 inches long, is in the Museum, presented by
H. Travers, Esq.

HEMIRAMPHUS.

The lower jaw prolonged into a long slender beak, the upper
short, both with a narrow band of minute teeth ; body elongate,
slender ; no finlets ; gill openings very wide.

Seas in and near the Tropics.

Very young specimens have not the lower jaw prolonged.

86. HEMIRAMPHUS INTERMEDIUS. Cant. . C.M.
Gar Fish.
H. intermedius, Giinth., VI., 260.
Di dd —VE 5 A. 16 — 205 P. 11,
Lrenetu three times that of the head, or five and three-fifths the
projection of the lower jaw beyond the upper ; upper jaw rather longer
than broad ; base of the ventral fin situated half way between the base
of the caudal and that of the pectoral; pectoral short; caudal

emarginate.

54 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Back dark greenish blue ; sides with a silvery band; pectorals
blackish.

Wellington and Auckland, abundant ; Australia, China.

A skeleton in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

ARRHAMPHUS.

Like Hemiramphus, but the lower jaw is not produced into a beak ;
scales rather large ; pectorals moderate.
Habitat —?

87. ARRHAMPHUS SCLEROLEPIS. Gunth.
A, sclerolepis, Giinth., VI., 277.
D. 13; A. 15; L. Lat., 43.

Bopy compressed, its greatest depth being contained six and a half
times in the total ; the length of the head is a little less than one-fourth
of the same; dorsal and anal scaly at the base; sides with a well
defined silvery band (Giinth.)

Two examples of this fish, in the British Museum, are supposed to
come from New Zealand, but their locality is uncertain.

I have seen no specimens.

Exocetus.

Jaws short ; teeth minute ; body oblong, with rather large scales ;
pectorals very long, an organ of flying; no finlets ; gill openings very
wide.

Tropics and temperate zones.

ss. EXOCCTUS MICROPTERUS. C. and V.?
Esou subpelluceus, Soland.? £. micropterus, Giinth., VI., 279.
D. 15; A. 14-16.

Two short barbels at the symphysis of the lower jaw ; ventral fins short,
not extending to the anal; pectorals short, only two-sevenths of the
length ; insertion of the ventral midway between the root of the caudal
and the axil of the pectoral (Giinth.)

Indian and Australian seas.

This, probably, is the bearded species of Flying Fish drawn by

Solander, but I have seen no specimens.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. DO

89. EXOCC@ITUS SPECULIGER. C. and V. C.M.
Flying Fish.
E. evolitas, Cat. Col. Mus. Z. speculiger, Giinth., VI., 287.
W012 Al 12 279s 0, Wak, BO:

LENGTH one and one-seventh times the length of the head, which is
nearly three and three-fourths the length of the snout ; diameter of the
eye one and one-third times the length of the snout, and rather less than
the interorbital space ; depth of the head equal to the distance from the
end of the snout to the hind margin of the orbit ; interorbital space
concave ; no barbels ; the pectoral fin extends beyond the dorsal and
anal, nearly to the rudimentary rays of the caudal ; ventrals nearly
midway between the eye and the root of the caudal, extending to the
end of the base of the anal.

Above purplish, below silvery white ; an oblique white band across
the lower half of the pectorals, and with a broad whitish edge.

A specimen, 10 inches long, from the Bay of Islands.

Indian Ocean and Australia.

Very large Flying Fish are seen off the Great Barrier Island and the
north coast of New Zealand.

STERNOPTYCHID 2.

Body naked, or with very thin deciduous scales 3 no barbels ; adipose
fin present ; margin of the upper jaw formed by the maxillary and inter-
maxillary, both of which are toothed ; opercular apparatus not completely
developed ; gill opening very wide; a series of phosphorescent bodies
along the lower parts.

Deep sea fishes. Mediterranean and Atlantic.

PHOSICHTHYS. GEN. NOV.

Body rather elongated, compressed, without scales, but covered with
a silvery pigment ; a series of phosphorescent spots along the lower side
of the body and tail; head compressed, with the bones thin ; cleft of
the mouth wide, obliquely descending ; maxillary large, produced
backward, and receiving the intermaxillary in the upper concave part of
its margin ; some large teeth in both jaws, and a single row of curved

56 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

teeth on the palatine bones ; pectorals small ; dorsal in the centre of the
body ; adipose fin small ; anal long ; caudal divided into three portions,
the central one short and pointed ; branchiostegals numerous ; pseudo-
branchiz none.

New Zealand.

90. PHOSICHTHYS ARGENTEUS. sp. nov. CM.
B. 20-21; D.13; A. 25; V.8;P. 9.

LenerH equal to four and two-fifths that of the head, or five and two-
fifths the height of the body ; length of the head three and three-fifths
its breadth ; mouth very wide, the distance from the snout to the end of
the maxillary being nearly as great as the height of the body ; eye in
advance of the centre of the cleft, and its diameter rather less than the
length of the snout ; teeth in the upper jaw small, cardiform, in a single
series, with two long fangs in front on each side ; mandibulze with seven
long teeth on each side, some of which have a smaller moveable tooth
just behind, and the hinder ones with small cardiform teeth between, in
front there is an outside row of curved teeth ; teeth on the palatine bones,
longer in front ; operculum weak, formed by three thin bony scale-like
plates ; gill openings very wide ; pectorals placed very low down, in
length about half the height of the body ; dorsal commencing about half
way between the snout and the commencemefit of the caudal ; adipose
fin half way between the end of the dorsal and the base of the caudal,
in length about one-sixth the height of the body ; ventrals rather in
front of the dorsal, and longer than the pectorals; anal tapering off
posteriorly and ending at a distance from the end of the tail rather less
than twice the smallest depth of the body.

Back brownish grey ; sides silvery ; abdomen black, with numerous
(40-45 on each side) silvery bands, above each of which is placed a
phosphorescent organ slightly prominent on a black globular body ; fins
white, transparent ; inside of the mouth black ; iris white.

Cook Straits, thrown on shore after heavy gales.

About 12 inches in total length. *

Dr. Hector obtained a small fish in Milford Sound, which he thinks
was a species of Scopelus. The drawing that he made at the time
shows that it was a very different fish from the one here described, but
IT am unable to offer an opinion as to whether it belonged to this family

or to the Scopelide.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 57

HAPLOCHITONID A.

Body naked or scaly ; adipose fin present ; margin of the upper jaw
formed by the intermaxillary ; opercular apparatus complete ; barbels
none ; gill openings rather wide ; pseudobranchi well developed.

Fresh water fishes from South America and South Australia.

PROTOTROCTES.

Body oval, slightly compressed; dorsal rather behind the ventrals,
which are in the middle of the body, and composed of seven rays ;
adipose fin small ; caudal emarginate ; teeth minute, in a single series on
the jaws, vomer, and palatine bones ; gill openings rather wide ; bran-
chiostegals six.

Southern Australia.

91. PROTOTROCTES OXYRHYNCHUS. Gunth. C.M.
Grayling.

P. oxyrhynchus, Giinth, P.Z.S., 1870. Retropinna at Heet.,
Trans. NZ. Inst... TEL, 134. .

D. 11-12; A. 18-19; L. Lat., 100; L. Trans., 19.

LencrTH six and three-fifths that of the head, or five times the height of
the body ; snout conical ; lower jaw shorter.

Reddish brown, ee below, sometimes speckled with grey on the
back ; variable in color.

Waikato, Hutt, Maitai, Waimakariri, and Clutha.

‘A skeleton is in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

SALMONID.

Body covered with scales ; head naked ; margin of the upper jaw
formed by the intermaxillaries mesially, and by the maxillaries laterally ;
belly rounded ; a small adipose fin behind the dorsal.

Fresh waters of the temperate and arctic northern regions.

RETROPINNA.

Body covered with scales of moderate size : ; cleft of the mouth
moderate or wide ; teeth in a single series on the j Jaws, vomer, palatines,
and pterygoids ; tongue with a double series of hooked teeth ; dorsal
situated far backwards, above the vent : ; anal rather long ; caudal forked.

Fresh waters of New Zealand only.

H

58 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

92. RETROPINNA RICHARDSONI. Gill. C.M.

Smelt.

Argentina retropinna, Rich., p. 121, pl. 52, (Young.) &. richardson,
Giinth, VI, p. 171. Retropinna osmeroides, Hect., Trans. N.Z.
Inst., TIT., 134.

B. 6; D. 11-125 AclY =203 Polls Vib; E. Late, 60 — 7:
Lenetu four and a half times that of the head, or five and one-third
times the height of the body ; snout longer than the diameter of the eye
in the adult, but shorter in immature specimens ; mouth moderate,
maxillary extending to behind the centre of the eye; posterior end
enlarged and curved downwards ; lower jaw longer; ventrals situated
rather before the middle of the body.

Above pale grey, below white ; a silvery band along the sides.

Common in rivers and lakes. In the Waikato they go down to the
sea to spawn in April, and the young fish return in October, when,
together with the young of Galaxias attenuatus, they are called White-
bait. After comparing a large series of specimens of this fish from
various parts of the country, I find that the form described by Dr.

Hector as 2. osmeroides is connected by so many intermediate links with

Rk. richardsoni, that I have no doubt but that they are the same species.

In the figure of 2. osmeroides in the “Transactions of the New Zealand

Institute,” Vol. IIL. p. 134, the maxillary bone is not correctly drawn.

The figure also in Vol. IL, p. 84, of Argentina retropimna is the adult of

Retropinna richardsoni.

GALAXIDA.

Body naked ; belly rounded ; no adipose fin ; dorsal situated far back,
opposite to the anal.

GALAXIAS.

A series of conical teeth in the jaws, on each palatine bone, and on
each side of the tongue ; those on the tongue hook-like.
Fresh waters of Australia, and the southern parts of South America.

93. GALAXIAS ALEPIDOTUS. Forst, C.M.
G. alepidotus, Rich., p. 77, Giinth., VI., 208.
B. 105° De 135A. ES ar ee ents

LenGTH equal to four times that of the head, which is equal to the height
of the body; diameter of the eye one-fifth of the length of the head,

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 59

and shorter than the snout ; length of the pectoral more than one-half
the distance of its root from the ventral, and the ventral terminates at
a short distance from the vent ; the least depth of the tail is more than
the distance between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Blackish brown, with scattered, small, round, light colored spots or
streaks. Attains a length of from 7 to 8 inches (Giinth.)

J have seen no specimens.

94. GALAXIAS FASCIATUS. Gray. C.M.
Kokopu.

G. fasciatus, Rich., p. 77 ; Giinth., VI., 209. G@. brocchus, Rich., p. 76,
pl. 43. G. rétiewlatus, Rich., p. 42.

BAO Se 12 192 As 1 13 V7.

Leneru four and a half times that of the head, which is rather more than
the height of the body ; diameter of the eye about one-fifth of the length
of the head, and shorter than the snout; length of the pectoral more
than one half the distance of its root from the ventrals, and the ventral
terminates at a short distance from the vent; the least depth of the tail
equal to, or less than, the distance between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Blackish or reddish brown, with undulated, more or less irregular,
light colored cross bars.

River Thames, River Hutt, Lake Rotorua, Porirua, Chatham
Islands, Auckland Islands.

Attains a length of 73 inches.

A skeleton is in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

The figure of Galaxias fasciatus in the “Transactions of the New
Zealand Institute,” Vol. IL, p. 84, is not that species, but Galaxias

attenuatus.

95. GALAXIAS BREVIPINNIS. Gunth. C.M.
Gudgeon.
G. brevipinnis, Giinth., VI., 213.
1 er ae 2 red i Te is area 0 [Es hal er

Lenertu five times that of the head, or seven and a half times the height
of the body ; diameter of the eye one-sixth of the length of the head,
and much shorter than the snout ; length of the pectoral less than one-

60 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

half the distance of its root from the ventral, and of the ventral more
than one-half of its distance from the vent ; the least depth of the tail is
two-thirds of the distance between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Back dark brownish grey; sides and belly much paler, with irregular
transverse markings of brownish grey on the sides ; the whole body
covered with minute black dots, the darker parts and bands being formed
by their closer juxtaposition ; sometimes yellowish ; young yellowish
olive, with numerous small round blackish spots on the body and fins.

Lake Coleridge, Lake Guyon.

Presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq.

Attains a length of 5 to 6 inches.

96. GALAXIAS ATTENUATUS. Jenyns. C.M.
Minnow.

Mesites attenuatus, Jenyns, p. 121, pl. 22; MW. seriba, Rich., p. 76. I.
maculatus, Rich., p. 75, pl. 43. G. attenuatus, Giinth., VI., 210.

Bey) Od): A, We = iy eee Wren

LenetH five to five and a half times that of the head, or eight to ten
times the height of the body ; diameter of the eye one-fifth of the length
of the head, equal, or nearly equal, to the snout ; length of the pectoral
one-third of the distance of its root from the ventral, and the ventral only
one-third of its distance from the anal ; the least depth of the tail is not
quite one-half the distance between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Greenish yellow, more or less spotted with brown, each spot being
composed of minute dots ; top of the head generally darker than the
rest of the body; operculum silvery.

Very variable, especially in the shape of the snout, the prominence
of the eyes, and in the color, being sometimes almost without spots, and
sometimes largely blotched on the back and sides with dark brown.

Abundant ; Waikato, Lake Taupo, River Avon, Chatham Islands.

Attains a total length of 44 to 5 inches.

In the Waikato these fish go down to the sea to spawn in April or
May, and the young return in September, October, and November,
when, together with the young of Retropinna richardsoni, they are

called Whitebait.

Tasmania, Falkland Islands, and southern parts of South America

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 61

NEOCHANNA.

Like Galaxias, but with no ventral fins ; snout rounded, each jaw
with a series of equal, very small compressed teeth ; palate toothless 5.8
series of hook-like teeth on each side of the tongue.

New Zealand only.

97. NEOCHANNA APODA. Gunth. C.M.
Mud Fish.
NV. apoda, Giinth., Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist., 1867.
Bid sed Gi; Awl T,

LenerH nearly four and a half times thatof the head, or seven and a
half times the length of the body ; snout broad ; eye small, about one-
seventh of the length of the head; anterior nostrils produced into minute
tubes ; between the eye and the snout three pores, below the eye a line
of three pores, from the gape to the end of the preoperculum three or
four pores, and on the posterior margin of the preoperculum two pores ;
caudal rounded.

Darkish brown, with irregular transverse bands of yellowish white :
below yellowish white; pectorals white; caudal, dorsal, and anal,
white, with dark brown spots.

West coast of North and South Island.
A skeleton is in the Museum, prepared by Dr. Knox.

GONORHYNCHID &.

Head and body entirely covered with spiny scales; mouth with
barbels ; margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillary ; no
adipose fin ; dorsal opposite the ventrals, and short like the anal ; gill
openings narrow.

GONORHYNCHUS,

Body elongate, subcylindrical ; head pointed; snout conical, pro-
jecting beyond the mouth, which is inferior ; a single barbel behind the
end of the snout ; two patches of obtuse teeth behind the palate, none
in the jaws.

Cape of Good Hope, Australia, Japan.

62 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

98. GONORHYNCHUS GREYI. Rich. C.M.
Sand Hel.

Rhynchana greyi, Rich., pl. 29. G. brevis, Kner. Novara., Fisch., p. tee
taf. 16. G. greyi, Giinth., VIL., 373.

Bias Dilla An 8 vied:

Lenetu five and one-seventh times that of the head, or ten and four-
fifths the height of the body.

Back greyish brown, with minute black dots; a dark grey patch over
each eye ; scales on the sides pale purplish blue, edged with brown, and
minutely dotted with black ; belly reddish white ; iris purplish brown.

Wellington Harbour, not uncommon; Cape of Good Hope,
Australia, Japan, St. Paul’s Island.

CLUPEID AL.

Body with scales; head naked; no barbels ; abdomen frequently
compressed into a serrated edge ; margin of the upper jaw formed by
the intermaxillaries mesially, and by the maxillaries laterally; no
adipose fin; anal sometimes very long; gill openings wide ; pseudo-

branchie large.
ENGRAULIS.

Body oblong, compressed ; snout more or less conical, projecting
beyond the lower jaw; small teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palatine
bones ; intermaxillaries very small, hidden ; anal fin long ; mouth wide.

Temperate and tropical seas.

99. ENGRAULIS EHNCRASICHOLUS. L.
Anchovy.

E. encrasicholus, var. antipodum, Giinth., VIT., 385.
B. 12=13; D. 16 —1%3, Aci S820; 1. Lak, 46—50:

Leneru four times that of the head, or seven times the height of the
body ; snout pointed, projecting much beyond the lower jaw ; maxillary
very finely toothed ; origin of the dorsal fin midway between the end of
the snout and the root of the caudal ; anal commencing at some distance

behind the dorsal.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 63

_ Sides and abdomen silvery, separated from the dark coloration of
the back by a blackish stripe (Giinth).
Coasts of Europe, Tasmania, New Zealand.

I have seen no specimens.

CLUPEA.

Body compressed, abdominal serrature extending forwards into the
thoracic region ; upper jaw not projecting beyond the lower ; cleft of
the mouth moderate ; teeth none, or rudimentary ; dorsal opposite the
ventrals ; caudal forked.

All parts of the globe.

100. CLUPHA SAGAX. Jenyns.

Pilchard or Sardine.

a
4

C. sagax, Jenyns, p. 134, Giinth., VII., 443.
Baise Lee Ants 10-) Ly Lats 50 —54-: I. Trans., 13,

LenetH rather less than four times that of the head, or five times the
height of the body ; lower jaw slightly prominent ; maxillary extending
nearly to the middle of the eye ; ventrals below the posterior half of the
base of the first dorsal ; abdominal serrature very indistinct ; operculum
with conspicuous radiating strize decending towards the suboperculum ;
scales finely striated ; a series of more or less distinct round blackish
spots along the side (Giinth.)
Pacific coasts of America, Japan, New Zealand.

I have seen no specimens.

CHANOS.

Body oblong, compressed ; abdomen flat ; scales small, striated ;
lateral line distinct ; snout depressed ; mouth small, lower jaw with a
small symphysial tubercle ; no teeth ; dorsal opposite the ventral ; anal
small, shorter than the dorsal; caudal deeply forked ; gill membranes
entirely united below ; branchiostegals four; pseudobranchie well
developed.

Indian and Pacific Oceans.

64 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

101. CHANOS SALMONEUS. Forst.
Herring.

Mugil salmoneus, Forst. Lutodiera salmonea, Rich., p. 58, pl. 36.
Chanos chloropterus, Kner. Novara. Fisch., 341. C. salmoneus,
Giinth., VIT., 473.

B. 4; D. 13-17; A. 9-10; L. Lat, 85-88; L. Trans. 13/16.

UnrForm silvery (Giinth.)
Tolaga Bay (Forst.)
I have seen no specimens.
Indian and Pacific Oceans.

MURANID A.

Body elongate, cylindrical or band shaped, naked, or with
rudimentary scales ; no ventral fins ; vertical fins confluent, or separated
by the tip of the tail; sides of the upper jaw formed by the toothed
maxillary at the sides, and the intermaxillary at the centre.

ANGUILLA.

Nostrils lateral; upper jaw not projecting; teeth small, forming
bands ; gill ae narrow at the base of the pectoral fins, the dorsal
fin commencing at a considerable distance from the occiput.

Cosmopolitan.

102. ANGUILLA AUCKLANDII. Rich. C.M.

Fel. Tuna.
Anguilla aucklandii, Rich., p. 113, pl. 45, Giinth., VIIL., 33.

Tue length of the head is contained one and three-fifths in the distance
between the gill openings and the origin of the dorsal fin, and rather
more than twice in distance between the gill openings and the vent ;
dorsal commences at a distance before the vent, which is contained one
and two-fifths in the length of the head; lower jaw longer ; angle
of the mouth behind the hind margin of the eye, which is much smaller
than the snout ; tail longer than the body in the proportion of eight to
seven ; vomerine band of teeth tapering backwards, and extending as

far, or nearly as far back as the maxillary teeth.
Above dark greenish or greyish black, below light grey, paler on the
chin and throat ; iris yellow.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 65

Abundant all over New Zealand, sometimes attaining to a length of
6 feet. In the Waikato large numbers of eels go down to the sea in
February and March to breed, although many remain in fresh water
all the year round. The young eels come up the river at the end of
November, just after the Whitebait.

Auckland Islands.

Two skeletons, prepared by Dr. Knox, are in the Museum.

103. ANGUILLA LATIROSTRIS. Risso.
A. dieffenbachii, Gray. A. latirostris, Giinth., VIIL., 32.

THE length of the head is contained once and a half or once and three-
fourths in the distance of the gill openings from the origin of the dorsal
fin, and twice and a half in its distance from the vent ; distance between
the commencement of the dorsal and anal fins shorter than the head 5
lips broad and fleshy ; lower jaw prominent ; angle of the mouth below
the hind margin of the eye, which is rather small, much shorter than
the snout ; tail considerably longer than the body ; mandibulary teeth
in a single band, without longitudinal groove (Giinth.)

New Zealand (British Museum) ; Europe, Nile, China, West Indies,
I have seen no specimens.

104. ANGUILLA AUSTRALIS. Rich. O.M.
A. australis, Rich., p. 112, pl. 45. J enyns, p. 142. Giinth., VIIL, 36.

THE length of the head is contained two and a half times in the distance
between the gill openings and the vent ; dorsal commences at a distance
before the vent, which is contained five times in the length of the head ;
lower jaw rather longer ; angle of the mouth rather behind the posterior
angle of the eye ; tail longer than the body in the proportion of eight
to five and four-fifths ; vomerine band of teeth short, not quite reaching to
the anterior margin of the eye.

Olivaceous brown, white below ; dorsal and anal whitish.

Hutt River, Whanganui River, Auckland Islands, Tasmania, Timor.

CoNnGER.

Nostrils lateral ; cleft of mouth wide, extending at least to below the
middle of the eye; some of the teeth set so close as to form a cutting
edge ; no canines ; vomerine band of teeth short ; dorsal commencing
near the head, but behind the root of the pectoral ; gill openings large,
near to the abdomen.

Seas of temperate and tropical regions.

I

66 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

105. CONGER VULGARIS. Cuv. C.M.

Conger Eel.
C. vulgaris, Giinth., VIIL., 38.

Tue dorsal fin begins a little behind the extremity of the pectorals ;
posterior nostril on a level with the upper margin of the eye ; jaws

nearly even in front ; tail longer than the body in the proportion of
three to two.

Sometimes dark grey above and paler below, sometimes pale brown
above, largely mottled with white, below white; fins dark grey,
immaculate.

Sometimes attains a weight of 35 lbs., and a length of 6 feet.

Common. Europe, St. Helena, South America, Indian Archipelago,
Japan, Tasmania.

CoNGROMURENA,
Nostrils lateral ; cleft of the mouth narrow, not extending beyond
the middle of the eye ; all the teeth small and fine, not forming a cutting
edge ; vomerine band narrow, long ; dorsal commencing nearly above the

gill openings ; posterior nostril opposite to the middle of the eye.
Tropical and subtropical seas.

106. CONGROMURAINA HABENTATA. Rich. C.M.

Silver Eel.

Congrus habentatus, Rich., p. 109, pl. 50. Giinth., VIIL, 42.
Upper jaw much projecting beyond the lower; dorsal commencing
immediately behind the base of the pectoral; tail longer than the body
in the proportion of three to two.

Above pale greyish, below silvery white; vertical fins narrowly
margined with black ; iris white.
St. Paul’s Island.
OPHICHTHYS.

Nostrils labial ; tongue not free ; extremity of the tail free ; teeth on
the vomer as well as in the jaws.

107. OPHICHTHYS SERPENS. L. C.M.

Ophisurus nove xelandie, Hect. Ophiswrus serpens, Rich., p. 106.
Ophichthys serpens, Giinth., VITI., 65.

Leneru of the head contained four times in the distance between the

gill openings and the vent ; snout produced ; cleft of mouth wide, half

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 67

as long as the head ; eye about one-third of the length of the snout ; the
teeth on the intermaxillaries and on the vomer, and the anterior pair on
the mandibles are canine ; dorsal commences behind the pectoral, which
is about one-sixth of the length of the head ; body rather more than
one half the length of the tail, or in the proportion of thirteen to
twenty-one.

Greyish above, silvery below.

Mediterranean, Atlantic, Japan, Australia.

The skeleton of the specimen described by Dr. Hector, prepared by

Dr. Knox, is in the Museum.

Order V.—LOPHOBRANCHII.

Gills not laminated, but composed of small rounded lobes attached to the
branchial arches ; gill cover reduced to a large simple plate; a dermal
skeleton composed of numerous pieces arranged in segments; snout
produced ; mouth terminal, small, toothless.

SYNGNATHID A.

Gill openings reduced to a very small opening near the upper
posterior angle of the gill cover ; one soft dorsal fin ; no ventrals.

SYNGNATHUS.

Tail not prehensile ; body with the ridges more or less distinct, the
dorsal edge of the trunk not continuous with that of the tail ; caudal and
pectoral fins present ; dorsal opposite to or near the vent ; males with
an egg pouch on the tail.

Tropical and temperate regions.

108. SYNGNATHUS PELAGICUS. L.
S. pelagicus, Giinth., VIII, 165.
D. 29 — 31 ; Osseous rings, 17 + 32-35.

THE depth of the snout equals the distance of the front margin of the
orbit from the root of the pectoral fin ; shields without spines ; lateral
line interrupted ; tail longer than the body , caudal pouch short, about

half as long as the body.
“

68 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Sides with white or silvery bands or spots, between which are brown
bands ; a brown band through the eye and along the snout (Giinth).
New Zealand; Mediterranean, tropical parts of the Atlantic,

Mauritius, China, Falkland Islands, South Australia.
I have seen no specimens.

IcHTHYOCAMPUS.
Tail not prehensile, furnished with a caudal fin; pectoral fins
present ; dorsal edges of trunk and tail continuous, but sometimes very

indistinct ; dorsal fin opposite or near to the vent; males with an egg
pouch on the tail.
Indian and Australian seas.

109. ICHTHYOCAMPUS FILUM. Gunth. C.M.
Pipe Fish.
I. flum, Giinth., VIII., 178.
D. 14; Osseous rings, 16 + 47 — 48.
Heap and snout very short, the length of the former beingfrom one-third
to two-fifths of its distance from the vent ; snout turned upwards, one-
third the length of the head ; head and body compressed, without ridges ;
length of the tail from two and two-fifths to two and two-thirds that of

the head and body ; pouch as long as the trunk ; vent opposite to the
middle of the dorsal fin.

Pale brown, with blackish cross-bars on the sutures of the trunk,
reduced to spots on the tail, and sometimes also on the body ; sometimes
entirely brownish black.

Common, Australia.

DoryicHTHys.

Tail not prehensile ; body with the ridges well developed ; pectoral
and caudal fins present ; dorsal fin opposite to the vent ; males with an
egg pouch on the abdomen.

Tropical seas.

110. DORYICHTHYS ELEVATUS. sp. nov. C.M.

D. 32; Osseous rings, 18 + 44.

Snout not quite half as long as the head ; head and trunk together
rather more than half the length of the tail ; the lateral line passes into
the upper edge of the tail; no spines; operculum with an oblique ridge
slanting backward and upward ; dorsal fin standing on two abdominal

and seven caudal rings ; pouch the whole length of the trunk.
-

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 69

Brown, marbled with lighter, darker on the snout ; head spotted
with white.

A single male specimen, 3} inches long, dredged in Wellington
Harbour.

STIGMATOPHORA.

Tail not prehensile ; no caudal fin ; body depressed, with the ridges
obsolete, those of the trunk being continuous with those of the tail :
shields covered with soft skin ; pectoral fins ; tail tapering to a very fine
point ; males with an ege pouch on the tail.

Australian seas.

lll. STIGMATOPHORA LONGIROSTRIS. sp. nov. (.M.
D. 66-67 ; Osseous rings, 21+ 72.

SnouT nearly two and a half times as long as the remaining part of
the head ; operculum with a distinct median longitudinal ridge, but
slightly developed in the yonng ; tail more than twice as long as the
trunk alone, but not twice as long as the trunk and head together ; egg
pouch shorter than the trunk, extending over twenty rings.

Above brown, with a single row on each side of black spots at the
sutures of the rings of the trunk, not extending on to the tail ; in the
young the back is uniform light brown.

Wellington Harbour, common, attaining a length of 14 inches.

SOLENOGNATHUS.

Tail prehensile ; body compressed, deeper than broad ; shields hard
rugose; pectoral fins ; tail shorter than the body ; no caudal fin.
Chinese and Australian seas,

112. SOLENOGNATHUS SPINOSISSIMUS. Gunth. C.M.
S. spinosissimus, Giinth., VIII., 195.
P. 23-24; D. 38; Osseous rings, 25 + 53.

Dorsat surface slightly convex ; shields rough, with small spines, the
centre of each with a cluster of larger ones ; the whole of the head and
snout spiny, larger on the margins of the orbits ; snout about one and
a half times as long as the rest of the head ; dorsal situated on the tail,
commencing one ring behind the vent.

A single dried and bleached specimen, 14 inches long.

Tasmania.

70 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

HIpPocaMPvus.

Tail prehensile ; no caudal fin ; trunk compressed, composed of from
ten to twelve rings; shields with more or less prominent tubercles;
occiput compressed into a crest ; pectoral fins ; males with an egg sack
at the base of the tail.

All temperate and tropical seas.

113. HIPPOCAMPUS ABDOMINALIS. Less. C.M.
Sea Horse.
H. abdominalis, Giinth., VIIL, 199.

D. 28-31.

TuBERCLES not much developed and very obtuse ; length of the snout
equal to, or rather more than the distance between the posterior margin
of the orbit and gill openings (shorter in young specimens) ; dorsal fin
extends over six or seven rings.

Uniform blackish brown, or with lighter rings on the tail ; small
black spots on the head.

Australian seas.

Order VI.—PLECTOGNATHI.

Teleosteous fishes, with ossifications of the skin in the form of scutes or
spines ; sometimes naked ; gills pectinate, a narrow gill opening in front
of the pectoral fins ; skeleton incompletely ossified, with the vertebree in
small number ; mouth narrow ; the bones of the upper jaw generally
firmly united ; a soft dorsal opposite to the anal, and sometimes elements
of a spinous dorsal ; ventrals absent or reduced to spines.

SCLERODERMI.

Snout somewhat produced ; jaws armed with distinct teeth in small
number ; skin with scutes, or rough ; the elements of a spinous dorsal

and ventral generally present.
MonacanNTHUs.

Body compressed, covered with very small rough scales ; upper jaw

with a double series of incisor-like teeth, six in the outer, and four in

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND, 71

the inner series ; lower jaw with six similar teeth in a single series ;
the first dorsal fin reduced to a single strong spine, behind which is
Sometimes another rudimentary spine ; ventrals reduced to an osseous
appendage ; no barbel.

Tropical and subtropical seas.

114. MONACANTHUS CONVEXIROSTRIS. Gunth, C.M.
Leather Jacket.
M. rudis, Cat. Col. Mus. convexirostris, Giinth., VIII., 248.
DoD) 01,5 As ee 3b.

Bopy covered with small spiny but very distinct scales ; length two
and one-fifth times the height ; snout rather produced, more than one-
half of the height of the body, the upper profile straight, or slightly
convex ; gill openings under the centre of the eye, extending almost as
Jar as its anterior margin; pectoral Jin below the eye; dorsal spine
placed over the hinder half of the eye, strong, much shorter than the
head, armed both behind and in front with a double series of barbs,
those in front being smaller and more irregular ; ventral spine barbed,
no spines on the tail.

Back reddish brown ; below pale yellowish brown.

Common in Wellington Harbour ; Tasmania.

Balister scaber, Forster, from Queen Charlotte Sound was most likely
this species, but Dr. Giinther says that the drawing is more like JZ,
peronit, in which the males have a band of spines on each side of the
tail, between the dorsal and anal fins, and the pectoral fin placed further
back.

OSTRACION.

The integuments of the body are modified into a carapace composed
of juxtaposed hexagonal osseous scutes, the snout, bases of the fins, and
hind part of the tail being covered by soft skin ; mouth small, each jaw
with a single series of small slender teeth; one short dorsal, without
spine, opposite to the short anal ; no ventrals,

Seas of tropical and subtropical regions.

115. OSTRACION FORNASINI. Bianc.? C.M.
Trunk Fish.
O. quadricornis, Cat. Col. Mus. 0. Jornasini, Giinth., VITI., 264.
Carapace four ridged, the lower surface being considerably broader
than the upper ; a pair of long conical spines, as long as the snout, in

V2 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

front of the orbits, pointing forward and slightly upward, and very
slightly divergent ; a large oblique triangular compressed spine in the
middle of the back ; no spine on the lateral dorsal ridge ; ventral ridge
terminating behind in a strong straight spine pointing backward and
slightly outward; interorbital space deeply concave ; breadth of the
upper part of the carapace is to the lower as one to one and three-
quarters.

Brown, with irregular metallic slate blue spots and streaks.

Two dried specimens are in the Colonial Museum—one from Dunedin
Harbour, presented by Mrs. Balfour, the other from Wellington Har-
bour, presented by Mr. Masters. They are about 34 inches in length.

Indian Ocean and Archipelago.

GYMNODONTES.

Body more or less shortened ; the bones of the upper and lower jaw
confluent, forming a beak with a trenchant edge, without teeth, with or
without a median suture ; a soft dorsal and anal near the caudal ; no
spinous dorsal ; pectorals, no ventrals.

TETRODON.

Both jaws divided by a median suture ; body with or without small
dermal ossifications ; dorsal and anal fins short ; abdomen dilatable into
a large sac.

Tropical and subtropical seas ; some species in rivers.

ie. TETRODON RICHEI. Freminv. C.M.
Globe Fish.
T. hamiltoni, Cat. Col. Mus. 7. richei, Giinth., VIII, 285.

Bopy from the lips densely covered with minute spines; caudal
peduncle, smooth; snout obtuse, rather shorter than the interorbital
space, which is convex; eye about half way between snout and gill
opening ; nasal cavity large.

Above light brown, with large rounded spots of black ; top of the
head more or less transversely banded with black ; below whitish ; fins
yellowish white ; the upper basal corner of the caudal, and the base of
the pectorals, blackish.

Two dried specimens are in the Colonial Museum, from Dunedin
Harbour, presented by Mrs. Balfour.

South Australia.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 73

CHILOMYCTERUS.

Jaws without median suture ; body covered with dermal ossifications,
all, or most of which, consist of three borizontal roots and a stiff, erect,
immovable spine; nasal tentacle either simple and with a pair of
lateral openings, or the upper part divided into two flattened portions ;
abdomen dilatable into a large sac.

Tropical and subtropical seas.

117. CHILOMYCTERUS JACULIFERUS. Cuv. C.M.
Porcupine Fish.
Diodon, Sp. Cat. Col. Mus. C. jaculiferus, Giinth., VIII, 313.
Do VGs;, Ac aS.

Two spines above the orbit, none in the middle of the forehead ; five
spines from the parietal spine to the side of the dorsal fin ; supraorbital,
dorsal, post-dorsal, and post-pectoral spines very long; those on the
lower parts small; interorbital space flat; the roots of four spines
surround the tail.

Above olivaceous brown, with fine curved anastomosing lines of
white ; chin the same, but paler; belly and sides white; fins pale
olivaceous brown; in front of the pectorals one large or two smaller
black blotches, with two or three small spots of bright yellow; behind
the pectorals several undefined black blotches, more or less marked
with bright yellow ; iris yellow. Common.

ORTHAGORISCUS.

Jaws without median suture; tail extremely short, truncate ;
vertical fins more or less confluent ; body compressed, short, covered
with a rough or tessellated skin not capable of being expanded by air ;
no ventral fins ; an accessory opercular gill.

Tropical and temperate regions.

118. ORTHAGORISCUS TRUNCATUS. Lacep.
Sun Fish.
O. truncatus, Giinth., VIIT., 319.
Delis As To: Coie. te,
THE height of the body is rather more (stuffed specimen) than half the
length ; skin divided into minute hexagonal scutelle, finely granulated,

and with a central point.
K

74 ‘FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Atlantic, Pacific.
A fine specimen of this fish, caught in Auckland Harbour, is in the |
Auckland Museum ; it has also been obtained off the coasts of Otago.

SUB-CLASS IV.—CHONDROPTERYGIL*

SKELETON cartilaginous ; skull without sutures; caudal fin with a
produced upper lobe; generally several gill openings; males with
prehensile organs attached to the ventral fins.

Order I.—HOLOCEPHALA.

One external gill opening only, covered by a fold of the skin; four
branchial clefts within the gill cawity ; jaws coalescent with the skull.

CHIMAIRIDAK.

Body elongate ; pectoral fins free ; anterior dorsal above the pectorals ;
mouth inferior ; dental organs confluent into two pairs of laminz in the
upper jaw, and into one pair in the lower ; no spiracles ; males with a
peculiar prehensile organ on the upper part of the snout.

CALLORHYNCHUS.

Snout with a cartilaginous prominence, terminating in a cutaneous
flap ; two dorsals, the anterior with a strong and long spine ; extremity
of the tail distinctly turned upwards, with a fin along its lower edge,
but without one above ; anal fin close to the caudal, short and deep.

Southern Pacific, Cape of Good Hope.

119, CALLORHYNCHUS ANTARCTICUS, Lacep. OM,
Hlephant Fish.
C. antarcticus, Giinth., VIII, 351.

Srconp dorsal fin elevated in front; pectorals very large.

Adult with an obscure blackish lateral band ; young with the upper
parts black, and with whitish bands and spots.

Range same as that of the genus.

* Sub-classes II. and III. are not found in New Zealand.

~]
or

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Order I].—PLAGIOSTOMATA.

From five to seven gill openings ; jaws distinct from the skull.

Sub-order.—SELACHOIDEI.—Sharks.

Body more or less cylindrical, gradually passing tuto the tail; gill
openings lateral.

CARCHARITDA.
Hye with a nictitating membrane ; mouth crescent-shaped, inferior ,
two dorsals, the first opposite to the space between the pectoral and
ventral fins, without a spine ; an anal fin.

CARCHARIAS,

A pit at the root of the caudal ; no spiracles ; the labial fold does not
extend much beyond the angle of the mouth; snout produced ; teeth
with a single sharp cusp, more or less dilated, and triangular.

Seas of the temperate and tropical regions.

120. CARCHARIAS BRACHYURUS. Gunth.
j Blue Shark.
C. melanopterus, Cat. Col. Mus.? C. brachyurus, Giinth., VIIT., 369.

Snout rather pointed, the distance between the end and the mouth being
more than the length of the mouth, and about two-thirds its width ,
teeth in the upper jaw oblique, serrated on both margins, and with a
deep notch on the outer margin ; teeth of the lower jaw narrow, erect,
lanceolate, serrated, on a broad two-rooted base; pectorals narrow,
pointed, falciform; dorsal rather nearer to the pectorals than the
ventrals ; second dorsal very small ; origin of the anal opposite to that
of the second dorsal, and midway between the ventral and caudal.

Color uniform (Giinth.)

New Zealand (British Museum), Australia.

I have seen no specimens.

ACANTHIAS.

Two dorsals, each with a spine ; teeth equal in both jaws, rather
small, their point is so much turned aside that the inner margin of the
tooth forms the cutting edge ; spiracles rather wide, immediately behind
the eye; gill openings narrow.

Temperate seas of both hemispheres.

76 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

121. ACANTHIAS VULGARIS. Risso. C.M.
Spined Dog Fish.
Squalus maculatus, Park. A. vulgaris, Giinth., VIII, 418.

Oriein of the dorsal opposite to or behind the posterior angle of the
pectoral ; dorsal spines not grooved laterally ; snout produced.

Grey, with large white spots that fade after death.

Common ; female about 3 feet in length, males 2 feet.

Temperate seas of both hemispheres.

ZYGENA.

Caudal with a single notch, a pit at its commencement ; anterior
part of the head broad, flattened, and laterally elongated ; eyes at the
extremities of the lobes ; teeth of both jaws similar, oblique, with notch.

Temperate and tropical seas.

122. ZYGAINA MALLEUS. Risso.
Hammer-headed Shark.
Z. malleus, Giinth., VIII., 381.

Tue length of the hinder margin of one side of the hammer is nearly
equal to its width near the eye ; nostril close to the eye, prolonged into
a groove running along nearly the entire front margin of the head.

Tropical and subtropical seas.

The descriptions of the Maoris leave no doubt but that a Hammer-
headed Shark (Mangopare) is found off the coasts of New Zealand, and
it will, probably, be found to be this species which has been obtained in
South Australia and the Fiji Islands.

MUSTELUS.

Second dorsal fin not much smaller than the first ; no pit at the root
of the caudal; spiracles small behind the eyes; mouth with well
developed labial folds ; teeth small, numerous, similar in both jaws,
arranged like pavement, obtuse, or with very indistinct cusps.

Temperate and tropical seas.

123. MUSTELUS ANTARCTICUS. Gunth. C.M.
Smooth Hound.
M. antarcticus, Giinth., VIII., 387.

Sout rather obtuse, the length of its preoral portion about equal
to the distance between the angles of the mouth; upper teeth with a

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. ri

rather cutting edge, but without prominent cusp; origin of dorsal
‘behind the inner posterior angle of the pectoral ; posterior portions of
both dorsals and anal produced, deeper than the central portion ;
lower lobe of caudal sinuated, central portion the lowest ; second dorsal
nearly equal to the first, and terminating over the centre of the anal

Above ash grey, usually more or less spotted with white, below
pale greyish white.

Common, much eaten by the Maoris ; South Pacific.

LAMNIDA.

Two dorsals, the first opposite to the space between the pectorals and
ventrals ; without spine ; an anal fin ; no nictitating membrane ; mouth
crescent-shaped, inferior ; nostrils not confluent with the mouth ; gill
openings generally wide ; spiracles none, or minute.

LAMNA.

Second dorsal and anal very small ; a pit at the root of the caudal,
which has the lower lobe much developed ; side of the tail with a keel ;
no spiracles ; mouth wide ; teeth large, lanceolate, not serrated, some-
times with additional basal cusps ; gill openings very wide.

Temperate and tropical seas.

124. LAMNA GLAUCA. Mull. and Henle. C.M.
Tiger Shark. Mako.
Scymnus, Sp. Cat. Col. Mus. LZ. glauca, Giinth., VIII., 391.

PRZORAL portion of snout as long as the longitudinal axis of the cleft
of the mouth, pointed ; angle of the mouth midway between the gill
opening and nostril ; teeth pe on each side, long, lanceolate, with sharp
lateral edges, without basal cusps ; the third tooth on each side of the
upper jaw is much smaller than those next to it ; dorsal fin opposite to
the middle of the interspace between pectoral and ventral ; pectorals
falciform (Giinth.)

Cape of Good Hope, Japan.

The shark from which the Maoris obtain the teeth with which they
decorate their ears, is, probably, this species, but I have seen teeth only.

78 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

CARCHARODON.
Second dorsal and anal very small; a pit at the root of the caudal,
which has the lower lobe well developed ; side of the tail with a keel ;
spiracles minute ; teeth large, flat, erect, triangular, serrated.

Temperate and tropical seas.

125. CARCHARODON RONDELETII. Mull. U.M.
White Shark.
Carcharias Maoo, Cat. Col. Mus. C. rondeletii, Giinth., VIII., 392.

Tue third tooth on each side of the upper jaw is conspicuously smaller
than the second and fourth ; teeth = on each side; the second dorsal fin
in advance of the anal (Giinth.)

A pair of jaws, 20 inches in the gape, of this species is in the
Colonial Museum; the teeth in the upper jaw are 1:3 inch in length
and 1:1 inch in breadth at the base, not including the root.

From the Mediterranean to Australia.

ALOPECIAS.

Caudal of extraordinary length, with a pit at its root ; the second
dorsal and anal very small; spiracles minute, behind the eye ; teeth
equal in both jaws, of moderate size, flat, triangular, not serrated.

Temperate and tropical seas.

126. ALOPECIAS VULPES. Gml. C.M.
Thresher.
A. vulpes, Giinth., VITI., 393.

Tue third tooth on each side of the upper jaw much smaller than the
others ; pectorals large, falciform.

This species is represented in the Colonial Museum by two
photographs of a specimen obtained in Blind Bay.

Mediterranean, Atlantic, Cape of Good Hope.

NOTIDANID.

Characters of the single genus.
NortipANUus.

One dorsal fin only, without spine, opposite to the anal ; no pit at
the root of the caudal fin ; no nictitating membrane ; spiracles small, on
the side of the neck ; no labial fold ; mouth crescent-shaped ; dentition

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 79

unequal in the jaws; in the upper jaw one or two pairs of awl-
shaped teeth, the following six being broader and provided with cusps,
one of which is much the strongest ; lower jaw with six large comb-
like teeth on each side, beside the smaller posterior teeth ; six or seven
wide gill openings.

Temperate and tropical seas.

127. NOTIDANUS INDICUS. Cuv. C.M.
Perlon.
NV. indicus, Giinth., VIII., 398.

Snovut short and rounded ; cleft of the mouth broader than long; a
single median pointed tooth in the upper jaw, both it and the tooth on
each side of it single ; the lower median tooth with lateral cusps, but
without central cusps ; the first cusp of the lower teeth is much stronger
than the others, and serrated on its outer margin.

This species is represented in the Colonial Museum by a pair of
jaws presented by Mr. King.

From the Cape of Good Hope to Australia and California.

SCYLLIIDA.

The first dorsal fin above or behind the ventrals, without spine ; an
anal fin; no nictitating membrane; spiracle always distinct ; mouth
inferior ; teeth small, several series being generally in function.

é ScYLLIUM.

The origin of the anal fin is always in advance of that of the
second dorsal ; spiracle behind the eye ; nasal cavity separate from the
mouth ; teeth small, with a middle longer cusp, and generally one or
two small lateral cusps, arranged in numerous series ; upper edge of
the caudal fin not serrated.

Temperate and tropical seas.

128. SCYLLIUM LATICEPS. Dumeril. C.M.
Dog Fish.
S. laticeps, Giinth., VIII, 404.

THE nasal valves are not confluent, and separated from each other by a
very broad interspace, without prominent cirrus; no labial fold ; teeth
very small, tricuspid ; head very broad, depressed ; end of the anal fin

80 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

nearly opposite to the end of the dorsal ; anal a little longer than the
dorsal, the length of its base being nearly equal to its distance from the
caudal.

Brownish, marbled with darker (Giinth.)

Tasmania.

I refer to this species a fish caught by Dr. Hector in Dusky Bay, a
sketch of which is in the Colonial Museum.

CESTRACIONTIDAL.

Characters of the single genus.

CESTRACION.

Two dorsals with spines, the first opposite to the space between the
pectorals and ventrals, the second in advance of the anal ; nostrils and
buccal cavity confluent ; mouth rather narrow, the upper lip divided
into seven lobes, the lower with a fold; spiracles small, below the
posterior part of the eye ; gill openings rather narrow ; dentition similar
in both jaws, viz. small obtuse teeth in front, which, in young
individuals, are pointed, and provided with from three to five cusps ;
lateral teeth large, pad-like, twice as broad as long, arranged in oblique
series, one series being formed by much larger teeth than those in the

other series.
Pacific and East Indian Archipelago.

129. CESTRACION PHILIPPI. Lacep.
Port Jackson Shark.
C. Philippi, Giinth., VIII., 415.

ANAL fin terminating at a considerable distance from the root of the
caudal ; origin of the first dorsal immediately behind the root of the
pectorals ; supraorbital ridges low, gradually disappearing on the side of

the occiput.
Body with more or less distinct dark cross bands, the first of which

crosses the interorbital space and orbit (Giinth.)
New Zealand (British Museum), Australia, Indian Archipelago, Japan.
I have seen no specimens.

SPIN ACID At.

Two dorsal fins, sometimes with spines ; no anal ; mouth but slightly
arched ; a long deep straight oblique groove on each side of the mouth ;
spiracles present ; gill openings narrow ; pectoral fins not notched at
their origin.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 81

GALEUS.

Caudal fin with a single notch ; no pit at the commencement of the
caudal fin ; spiracles small; mouth crescent-shaped ; teeth equal in
both jaws, oblique, with notch and serrature.

Temperate and tropical seas.

130. GALEUS CANIS. L. C.M.
Tope.
G. canis, Giinth., VIII., 379.

A sHorT labial fold on both jaws; teeth = ; the second’ dorsal fin
only one-third the size of the first, and somewhat in advance of the anal ;
length of the tail nearly equal to the distance between the two dorsals.
Uniform greyish, lighter below.
Common ; grows to about 8 feet in length.

Temperate and tropical seas,

EvPROTOMICRUS.

Dorsals without spines, the first very small at a short distance from
the ventrals, the second much longer ; skin uniformly granular ;
nostrils near to the extremity of the snout, which is not depressed,
obtusely conical ; upper teeth small, conical, the lower much larger,
triangular, slightly oblique, not serrated, in moderate number 3 Spiracles
wide ; gill openings very narrow.

Indian Ocean.

131. EUPROTOMICRUS. gp. C.M.

A Parr of jaws are in the Colonial Museum which appear to belong to
this genus, but the teeth of the lower jaw are sometimes finely serrated ;

14 : 2 Z
the teeth are 7, On each side, and in about five series,

Sub-order.—BA TOIDEI.—Rays.

Gill openings ventral ; body depressed, Jorming a flat dise ; spiracles
present ; no anal fin.
L

82 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND,

RHINOBATID At.

Tail strong and long, with two well developed dorsal fins ; a caudal
and a longitudinal fold on each side ; disc not excessively dilated, the
rayed portion of the pectoral fins not being continued to the snout ; no
electrical organ.

RHINOBATUS.

Body gradually passing into the tail ; cranial cartilage produced into
a long rostral process, the space between the process and the pectoral
fin being filled by a membrane ; spiracles wide, behind the eye ; nostrils
oblique, wide ; anterior nasal valves not confluent ; teeth obtuse, with
an indistinct transverse ridge ; dorsal fins without spine, both at a great
distance behind the ventral fins ; caudal without lower lobe.

Tropical and subtropical seas.

1382. RHINOBATUS BANKSII. Mull. and Henle.
R. banksti, Giinth., VIII., 446.

THe anterior nasal valve is continued towards the median line by a
short fold, which, however, is far from reaching that of the other side ;
the distance between the inner angles of the nostrils is more than the
length of a nostril ; snout produced; mouth arched ; the median teeth
of the lower jaw larger and more prominent than the lateral ; a series
of small tubercles along the middle of the back, and two short rows on
each shoulder (Giinth.)

New Zealand (Rich.), Australia (Giinth.)

I have seen no specimens.

TRYGONORHINA.

Like Rhinobatus, but the anterior nasal valves are broad, and
confluent into a broad quadrangular flap, with a free margin overhanging
the mouth.

Australia.

183. TRYGONORHINA FASCIATA. Mull. and Henle.
T. fasciata, Ginth., VIII. 448.

Snout rather short, the distance between its extremity and the mouth
being not much more than the distance between the outer angles of the

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 83

nostrils ; a series of distinct obtuse tubercles along the median line of the
back ; some similar tubercles above the eye and on the shoulder (Giinth.)
New Zealand (Rich.), South Australia.
I have seen no specimens.

TORPEDINIDA.

Trunk broad, smooth ; tail with rayed dorsal and anal fins, and a
longitudinal fold along each side ; anterior nasal valves confluent into a
quadrangular lobe ; an electrical organ between the pectoral fins and
the head.

TORPEDO.

Dise subcireular ; tail distinct ; two dorsal fins on the tail, without
spine ; caudal well developed ; ventrals separate ; teeth pointed ; spiracles
at a short distance behind the eyes.

Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

1384. TORPEDO FAIRCHILDI. sp. nov. C.M.
Torpedo.
Torpedo marmorata, Cat. Col. Mus.

SPIRACLES not fringed, situated at about their own diameter behind the
eyes ; first dorsal over the ventrals, with the posterior edges of both in
a line, about one and a half times the size of the second ; mandibulary
teeth not quite reaching to the angles of the mouth ; tail shorter than
the body.

Uniform greyish black above, whitish beneath.

This specimen, which was 34 inches in length, and 24 inches in
breadth across the head, was caught by Captain Fairchild, of the colonial
steamer ‘Luna,’ stranded on the mud inside Napier Harbour, in
February, 1868. I was fortunate enough to see it, and to take the
foregoing description of it while it was alive. The skin is now in the
Colonial Museum ; the natives called it Whai-ngenge ; it differs from both
hebetans and narce in the position of the first dorsal, as well as in other
minor points, and from all the other species by not having the spiracles
fringed.

RAJIDA.
Disc broad, rhombic, generally with asperities or spines ; tail with a

longitudinal fold on each side ; the pectorals extend to the snout; no
serrated caudal spine. .

84 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Rasa.

Tail very distinct from the dise ; two dorsal fins on the tail ; caudal
small or rudimentary ; each ventral fin divided into two by a deep notch ;
nasal valves separated in the middle, where they are without a free
margin ; teeth obtuse or pointed; pectorals not extending to the
extremity of the snout ; the sexes differ in the form of the teeth, and in
the dermal spines.

Seas of both hemispheres.

135.. RAJA NASUTA. Soland. C.M.
Skate.

R. nasuta, Giinth., VIIT., 469.
Mate.—Back nearly smooth, with a few scattered asperities ; a patch
of sharp hooked spines near the centre, and another at the anterior basal
corner of the pectorals ; anterior edge of the pectorals with small hooked
spines ; tail with a single row of blunt ribbed spines, with smaller ones
between them ; snout produced, acute; anterior lateral profile deeply
emarginate ; interorbital space concave, about one-third of the length of
the snout; mouth crescent-shaped ; teeth long, curved, and pointed,
except the posterior ones, which are blunt; dorsals nearly equal,
distance between them equal to the base of the first.

FemaLe.—Back rough, belly smooth ; five to six spines over each
eye, one to three on the back over the shoulders ; no hooked spines on
the pectorals, except some small ones on the anterior edge ; tail with
three rows of spines, one on the top and one on each side, those on the
top continuing up the back as far as the end of the ventrals ; teeth
smaller than in the male. ;

Above brown, marbled or spotted with darker, below white ; edges
of pectorals tinged with reddish ; small round black dots before the
mouth.

Common. The female here described is undoubtedly R. nasuta ; I
am not sure that the male belongs to the same species, but as the only
specimen that I have seen of it was a small dried individual, picked
up on the shore, I consider it safer for the present to refer it to R.
nasuta also. i

TRYGONIDA.

Pectoral fins continued uninterruptedly to, and confluent at the
extremity of the snout ; tail long and slender, without vertical fins, but
Senerally armed with a strong serrated spine.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 85

TRYGON.

Body smooth or with tubercles ; tail armed with a long arrow-shaped
Spine, serrated on each side ; pectorals united in front; nasal valves
coalescent into a quadrangular flap ; teeth flattened.

Seas of temperate and tropical regions.

136. TRYGON THALASSIA Columna.? C.M.
Stingaree.
Teniura lymma, Cat. Col. Mus. 7. thalassia, Giinth., VIII., 477.

Tart with a cutaneous fold along the lower side, the depth of the fold
being nearly as high as the tail; tail much longer than the body ;
anterior profile obtuse ; large conical thorns, in greater or less number,
inserted on a round radiated base, are distributed along the middle of
the back, on the scapulary and other regions, and especially on the tail,
where they occupy the sides as well as the upper surface ; even the
cutaneous fold is covered with smaller stellate ossifications (Giinth. )

Adriatic, Atlantic? Pacific.

A dried tail, 22 inches in length, is in the Colonial Museum, which
answers exactly to the foregoing description, except that in front of
the larger spine there is a second smaller one, also serrated, and not
quite one-third of the length of the larger, and in front of this a large
blunt obtuse spine on a round radiated base like the smaller ones on the
sides ; the upper and lower surfaces of the tail, except near the end,
are smooth. It will, probably, turn out to be a distinct species.

137. TRYGON KUHLII. Mull and Henle.
T. kuhlii, Giinth., VIIL., 479.

Tait with a distinct cutaneous fold above and below, about one-half
longer than the disc ; the margins of the snout form an obtuse angle ;
body entirely smooth, or with a series of spines, pointing backwards,
along the median line of the back to the caudal spine; only two
appendages at the bottom of the mouth, behind the teeth ; upper parts
with some scattered bluish black-edged ocelli (Giinth.)

Auckland (Kner. Novara. Expd.) ; Indian Ocean and Archipelago.

I have seen no specimens.

86 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

MYLIOBATID.

Disc very broad in consequence of the great development of the
pectoral fins, which, however, leave the sides of the head free, and
reappear at the extremity of the snout as a pair of detached (cephalic)
fins.

MYLIOBATIS.

Nasal valves coalescent into a quadrangular flap ; teeth hexagonal,
large, flat, tessellated, those in the middle much broader than long ;
several narrower series on each side ; tail very long and thin, with a
dorsal fin near its root ; generally a serrated spine behind the fin.

Temperate and tropical seas.

188. MYLIOBATIS AQUILA. L.
Whip Ray.
M. nieuhofii, Cat. Col. Mus. MW. aquila, Giinth., VIII., 489.

Bopy entirely smooth ; the skinny prolongation of the snout is obtuse,
and but moderately produced ; median teeth of the upper jaw from four
to six times as broad as long ; the insertion of the dorsal fin is behind or
opposite the extremity of the ventral fins ; orbit with scarcely a trace
of a projection above.

Coloration uniform (Giinth.)

New Zealand (Banks) ; Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Australian seas.

I have seen no specimens.

SUB-CLASS V.—CYCLOSTOMATA,

SKELETON cartilaginous, without ribs or real jaws ; skull not separate
from the vertebral column; six or seven gills on each side ; mouth

surrounded by a circular or subcircular lip, suctorial.

PETROMYZONTID.

Body eel-shaped, naked ; mouth with teeth ; nasal aperture in the
middle of the upper side of the head.
Temperate regions of both hemispheres.

FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND. 87

GEOTRIA.
Dorsal fins two, the posterior separate from the caudal ; maxillary
lamina with four sharp flat lobes ; a pair of long pointed lingual teeth.
South Australia and Chile.

139. GHOTRIA CHILENSIS. Gray.
Lamprey.
Hiptatrema dombeyii, Cat. Col. Mus. — G. chilensis, Giinth., VIIT., 509.

SKIN on the throat not much dilated ; the outer lobes of the maxillary
dental lamina are broad, with a sharp convex edge, the inner narrow
and pointed; mandibulary lamina crescent-shaped, with numerous
obtuse points ; Suctorial teeth in numerous series, so close together that
the teeth have the appearance of imbricated scales ; a series of larger
broad scale-like teeth round the mandibulary lamina ; suctorial disc not
dilated, circular ; first and second dorsal fins widely separate from each
other.

Back greenish ; sides and abdomen silvery (Giinth.)

New Zealand ; Chili, Swan River.

A specimen is in the Auckland Museum, from the Whanganui River;
it is 22-8 inches in length, and has slight indications of a gular pouch.
This species is also found in the Waikato.

MYXINIDA.

Body eel-shaped, naked ; nasal aperture above the mouth, quite at
the extremity of the head, which is provided with four pairs of barbels ;
mouth without lips ; one median tooth on the palate, and two comb-like
series of teeth on the tongue ; branchial apertures at a great distance

from the head ; marine.
BDELLOSTOMA.

Six or more external branchial apertures on each side, each leading
by a separate duct to a branchial sac.
Southern coasts of the southern hemisphere.

140. BDELLOSTOMA CIRRHATUM. Forst. C.M.
, Hag.

Myxine glutinosa, Cat. Col. Mus. 8B. cirrhatwm, Giinth., VITI., 511.
Srx or seven gill openings on each side ; twelve or thirteen teeth in the
anterior series, the three foremost confluent at their base ; eleven teeth
in the posterior series.

88 FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND.

Reddish brown, white round the mouth.
Common. South Africa, Australia (Krettt.)

SUB-CLASS VI.—LEPTOCARDII.

No brain.; pulsating sinuses instead of a heart; no jaws ; respiratory
cavity confluent with the abdominal cavity; branchial clefts in great
number, the water being expelled by an opening in front of the vent.

CIRROSTOMI.
Characters of the single genus.
BRANCHIOSTOMA.

Body elongate, scaleless, compressed, limbless ; mouth a longitudinal
fissure, with subrigid cirri on each side, inferior ; vent at a short distance
from the extremity of the tail; a low rayless fin-like fold runs along
the back, round the tail, past the vent, to the respiratory aperture ;
eye rudimentary.

Temperate regions of the northern and southern hemispheres.

141. BRANCHIOSTOMA LANCHOLATUM. Yarrell. C.M.
Lancelet.

Amphioxus lanceolatus, Cat. Col. Mus. 2B. Jlanceolatwm, Giinth.,
Vib S13,

Lenectu nine and a half times the height, tapering both ways, but
more rapidly towards the head ; body nearly three times as long as tail
(vent to end).

Opaque, black (in spirits), with chevroned lines on the sides sloping
backward, and upward or downward from a line that runs nearer the
dorsal than the ventral surface ; fins translucent, olivaceous brown.

Two specimens, both 1:9 inches long, and 0-2 inch high, are in the
Museum, obtained at Poverty Bay.

FISHES INTRODUCED

BY

EUROPEAN SETTLERS.

Order I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII.

PERCID.
For characters see ante, p. 1.
PERCA.

All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the palatine
bones; tongue smooth ; two dorsals ; anal with two spines ; operculum
spiniferous ; preoperculum and preorbital serrated; scales small,
ctenoid ; head naked above ; seven branchiostegals.

1 PERCA FLUVIATILIS. L.
Perch,
P, fluviatilis, Giinth., L., 58,

D, 14-15] gan A. wy

Tora length equal to three and three-fourths the height of the body ;
inferior edge of the operculum entire, or very weakly denticulated ;
inferior edge of preeoperculum with a few strong spinous teeth, directed
forwards ; operculum smooth; more than seventy transverse rows of
scales ; transverse line ‘ ;

A large black mark on the posterior part of the first dorsal fin
(Giinth,)

Canterbury, Otago, Nelson, Wellington. Introduced from Tasmania ;

originally from England.

M

90 INTRODUCED FISHES,

Order LV.—PHYSOSTOMI.

SALMONIDZE.

For characters, see ante, p. 57.

SALMO.

Body covered with small scales; cleft of the mouth wide ; teeth
well developed, conical in the jaw bones, on the vomer, and palatines,
and on the tongue, none on the pterygoid bones ; anal short, with less
than fourteen rays ; dorsal above, or rather in advance of the ventrals.

The caudal fin changes with age, and sexual development of the
fish, the young having it more deeply emarginate. In males the lower
jaw is more developed than in females, and sometimes curved upwards
into a hook.

2. SALMO SALAR. L.
Salmon.

S. salar, Ginth., VI., 11.
B. 11-12; D.14; A. 11; P.14; V.9; L Lat. 120; L, Trans. 2-2,
Tue hind part of the body elongate, and covered with relatively large
scales, there being constantly eleven, or sometimes twelve in a transverse
series ; maxillary as long as, or shorter than the snout in specimens
above 20 inches in length.

Attaining to alength of from 4 to 5 feet ; female mature at a length
of about 15 inches.

Young with about eleven dusky cross-bars; half-grown and old
specimens silvery, with small black spots in small number ; spawning
males with numerous large red and black spots, some of the red spots
confluent into more or less extensive patches, especially on the belly
(Giinth.)

The young of the first and second year are called Parr or Smolt ; on
their first return from the sea they are called Grilse or Salmon-peal.

Southland and Otago. Introduced from Scotland.

INTRODUCED FISHES. 9}

3. SALMO TRUTTA. Flem.

Sea Trout or Salmon ‘Trout.

S. trutta, Giinth., VI., 22.

24 - 24

Boils De 1S Ae Ths Pies) Weoe dk. Gatti: 120s: 1. Trans, er

MaxiLtary longer than the snout, extending to below the posterior
margin of the orbit in adult examples, and to behind the middle of the
eye in specimens 6 inches long (Parr state), always rather slender and
feeble ; tail not elongate, covered with thin, short, rounded scales, like
the body ; there are fourteen or fifteen scales in a transverse series,
running from behind the adipose fin obliquely forwards to the lateral
line.

Attaining to a length of about 3 feet ; female mature at a length of
from 10 to 12 inches.

Young with nine or ten dusky cross-bars, half-grown ones (Grilse
state) with the top of the dorsal and pectoral, and with the hind margin
of the caudal black; silvery, sometimes immaculate, generally with
more or less numerous x-like spots ; spots on the head and dorsal fin
round, and readily disappearing (Giinth.)

Otago and Southland. Introduced from Scotland.

4. SALMO FARIO. L.
Trout.
S. fario, Giinth., VI., 59.
Deets Ae IO 11 Polo Vv. 2 9. Lat., 1204 Prann:, 26/30.

Maxiniary much longer than the snout, extending already to below
the hinder margin of the orbit in specimens of 8 or 9 inches in length,
very strong and dilated ; the hind part of the body is short and rather
high ; there are about sixteen scales in a transverse series descending
from behind the adipose fin obliquely backwards to the lateral line.

Attaining to a length of 30 inches ; female mature at a length of
8 inches.

Body, head, and dorsal fin generally with numerous red and black
spots ; a part of the latter have generally a light edge ; these black spots
are either round or more irregular in shape, composed of x-shaped
marks ; anterior margin of the dorsal and anal, and the outer one of the

ventrals, generally yellowish (Giinth.)

92 INTRODUCED FISHES.

Young with about eight dusky cross-bars.

All the Provinces. Introduced from Tasmania; originally from
England. I believe that it is the variety ansonii, of Dr. Giinther, that
has been introduced into this country.

A specimen, caught in the Maitai river, is in the Colonial Museum ;
it is three years old, 23 inches in length, and weighed 6 Ibs.

CYPRINIDA,

Body with scales; head naked ; margin of the upper jaw formed by
the intermaxillaries ; belly rounded ; no adipose fin ; mouth toothless ;
lower pharyngeal bones well developed, provided with teeth ; air-bladder

constricted.
CARASSIUS:,

Scales large; dorsal long; anal short, with a serrated osseous ray ;
snout rounded, obtuse ; dorsal commencing above ventrals ; no barbels ;
pharyngeal teeth compressed in a single series, 4 — 4.

5. CARASSIUS VULGARIS. Nordman.
Prussian Carp.
C. vulgaris, Giinth., VIL. 29.
3 3 ea. Me
D. aps A ges P. 13-14; L. Lat. 31-35; L. Trans, =.

Dorsat and anal fins with the stiff ray rather feeble, and finely serrated ;
caudal emarginate.

Auckland. Introduced from Tasmania ; originally from Europe.

The English Carp (Cyprinus carpio) has four barbels.

6. CARASSIUS AURATUS. L.
Gold Fish.
C. auratus, Giinth., VII., 32.
D, 19; A, 83 L. Lat, 26; 1%. ‘Trans, 12.

Dorsau and anal fins with the stiff ray rather strong and coarsely
serrated ; caudal emarginate,

Color various, golden or silvery,

All the provinces. Originally from China.

INTRODUCED FISHES. 93

TINCA.
Seales small, deeply imbedded in the thick skin ; dorsal short,
without spine ; anal short ; caudal subtruncated ; a barbel at the angle

of the mouth.

7. TINCA VULGARIS. Cuv.
Tench,
T. vulgaris, Giinth., VII., 264.

D. 11-12; A.9-10; V. 10-11; L. Lat, 90-105; L. Trans, 23>
BarBELs very short ; all the fins rounded ; origin of the dorsal rather
behind that of the ventrals.

Canterbury and Otago. Introduced from Tasmania ; originally

from England.

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NOTES ON THE EDIBLE FISHES

NEW ZEALAND,

BY

JAMES HECTOR, M.D, F.RS.,

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NOTES ON THE EDIBLE FISHES

NEW ZEALAND,

Tue knowledge we possess respecting the Natural History of the fishes
around the New Zealand coast is very imperfect, as our opportunities
for observation have hitherto been confined to the shallow waters of
harbours, or to the vicinity of rocky promontories.

Of the deep sea fish, and those which frequent banks and shoals
at a distance from the coast, nothing has been ascertained by exploration,
and the existence of several important species that frequent such locali-
ties is only known from specimens which have been cast on the shore
during heavy storms, Those most familiar to us are, therefore, either
shallow water or rock fish, so that their distribution round the -eoast
must depend greatly on the temperature of the superficial currents,
and the character of the sea bottom in proximity to the shore line. The
influence of the latter condition is familiar to all fishermen, the rocky
parts of the coast furnishing different kinds of fish from those found in
the shelving sandy bights and shallow inlets ; but the invisible boun-
daries created in the open sea by sudden changes in the temperature of
the ocean define the range of many species of fish, in a way which is
not less important.

This is effected chiefly by regulating the distribution of their favourite
kinds of food. Thus, swarms of Meduse, Mollusca, and larval Crustacea,
crowd the seas round our coast during the summer months, attracting shoals
of small fishes, which again are pursued by those of predacious habits, so
that many kinds visit our shores at that season, which are absent during
the colder months of the year. Many valuable fishes which, from their
occurrence in large migratory shoals are of greatest commercial impor-
tance, appear to feed chiefly on those lower forms of marine life which
have only an ephemeral existence dependent on the character of the

N

-

98 EDIBLE FISHES.

coastal currents. In the northern hemisphere it is now ascertained that
the herring* is restricted to those parts of the sea in which the tem-
perature is never less than 54°, nor higher than 58° Fahr., a range so
limited that it obviously must relate to the existence of some delicate
marine animal that forms the food of the fish. The study of the ocean
currents that sweep our coasts is therefore invested with great practical
interest, as it will enable us to infer from the experience gained in
other parts of the world, the character of the marine life which stocks
our seas. Unfortunately, the data respecting the direction and average
temperature of the sea round the coast of New Zealand is still very
imperfect, but the results obtained from a series of observations extend-
ing over twelve months during 1868, and made chiefly with a view of
ascertaining how far these seas are adapted to the salmon, afford general
indications of some value.

From these observations it appears that the coldest part of the sea
round New Zealand is on the south-east coast of Otago, where the tem-
perature of the surface-water ranges from 48° in winter to 57° in
summer, corresponding averages for the atmosphere being 43° to 58°.
The cold current thus indicated, which probably exercises a good
effect on the quality of the fish besides limiting the range of a few
species, appears to extend its influence up the east coast as far as Cook
Straits; but on the west side of the islands the average winter temperature
of the sea was found to be decidedly higher, and equal to that experienced
6° of latitude further to the north on the east coast. In the extreme
south the summer temperature does not, however, rise to a corresponding
extent, but on the whole there is evidence that the warm equatorial
current, which is known to skirt the east coast of Australia, and has
been likened toa southern counterpart of the gulf stream of the Atlantic,t
must be directed against the west coast of New Zealand, tending to
equalize the temperature in that region. In support of this view I
may mention that while the red whale-feed (Pa/emon), and multitudes
of Medusoid forms, are seen in summer on every part of the coast of
New Zealand, in winter, on the extreme south-west coast during
calm weather, the sea is occasionally rendered almost gelatinous
over large areas by myriads of Salpz, and among them the large tubular
Pyrosoma, which is properly an inhabitant of tropical seas. In 1863,
on 22nd July, I saw the phosphorescent displays of these great commu-

* Richardson, ‘‘ Yarrell’s Fishes,” Vol. II., p. 634.
+ Commodore Wilkes, ‘* U.S. Exploring Expedition.”

EDIBLE FISHES. 99

nities of Pyrosome quite as wonderfully developed near the entrance to
the sounds on the west coast of Otago as Bennet describes them to be
under the equator.* The temperature of the surface water of the sea on
that occasion was 57°, while the highest temperature of the air for
the day was only 48° Fahr.

On the north-east coast of New Zealand, as far south as the Bay of
Plenty, there are further evidences of a current from the north to be
found in the abundance of the Flying Fish, the occasional visits of the
true Nautilus, and also of the Argonaut or Paper Nautilus. Gigantic
pods of a leguminous plant that grows on the Fijis are also frequently
cast up in the same way that West Indian seeds are thrown on the
coast of Scotland by the Gulf Stream. This current, although it reaches
New Zealand, does not however appear to pass down the east coast, as
there is abundant proof of the existence of a steady drift from New
Zealand to the eastward, by which sawn logs, telegraph poles, and on one
oceasion, I am informed by Mr. H. Travers, a number of totara sleepers
that broke adrift from Pigeon Bay during the earthquake wave in 1868,
have been cast up on the Chatham Islands, which lie 450 miles east of
Banks Peninsula. These islands appear, as it were, to lie in an eddy to
the leeward of New Zealand, as a much larger proportion of pumice
stone and driftwood, floating to the eastward, finds a resting place there
than the relative size of the two groups of islands would lead us to
expect.

It is, most probably, this tropical current sweeping from the East
Cape to the Chatham Islands that gives rise to what the whalers call
the “ Banks,” which is a favourite feeding ground for the sperm whale.
The depth of water in this area has not been explored however, and it
is considered doubtful if there is really a shallow bank, or anything more
than a tract of ocean which is unusually rich in marine life.t

It may be stated incidentally that the investigation of the currents
in these seas possesses much interest for the ethnologist, and for the
zoologist in other branches than Ichthyology, as the diffusion of the

* “* Wanderings of a Naturalist,” p. 40. Part of this warm current must
sweep the south coast of Australia, for Bennet also met with Pyrosoma on one
oceasion in winter at the western entrance to Bass Straits, along with other inter-
tropical species, and remarks its being unusual in such high latitudes ; and Professor
Huxley obtained his only specimen in the same latitude, south-west of Australia,
in the month of June.

+ ‘*Dieffenbach’s N.Z.,” Vol. I. p. 46.

100 EDIBLE FISHES.

human race and lower forms of animal life from island to island of the
Polynesian group must have been greatly influenced by their agency.
If the assistance of the naval officers on the station were secured, with
the splendid opportunities they possess for observation, much valuable
data on this interesting subject would soon be obtained.

A few words on the kinds of fishes which are associated together in
different parts of the European seas will well enable the reader to realise
by comparison the character of the fisheries which are most natural to this
country. The sea on the western coast of Europe has been divided*
into three provinces by the character of its marine fauna, two of which
possess extremely distinct characters. 'The most northern is the Boreal
province, in which there are few species of fish, but great abundance
of individuals, their pursuit affording the sole employment of large
communities of fishermen. In this province the Salmon skirts the
coast line and enters the rivers ; Herrings abound in the surface waters
during their proper season ; in fifteen to fifty fathoms water the Cod
and the Hake are plentiful; while from that depth to 100 fathoms Holibut,
Whiting, Pollack, Ling, and Tusk, employ thousands of men in most
adventurous and perilous fisheries, which are conducted in the deep sea,
far from land.

The most dissimilar province from the Boreal is the Lusitanian, which
includes all the southern European seas, and is characterised by the pro-
fusion of Sea Perches, like our Kahawai and Hapuku—Sparoids, like
the Snapper, and Scomberoid fishes, which include the Mackerel, Flying
Fish, the Tunny, the John Dory, together with Gurnets and Mullets
of various kinds, all of which are without representatives in the extreme
north. On the other hand, we remark the absence from this marine pro-
vince of the Salmon and all the many species of the Cod kind, which are so
plentiful in the former. The Herring kind is common to both provinces,
but is represented in the south by several different species, of which the
Pilchard is the most abundant.

The third province is that which has a mixed or intermediate character
between the foregoing ; being, in fact, a neutral ground into which the
northern fish are attracted during the winter season, while the southern
genera are represented there during the summer months. This region
of the European seas, which is termed the Celtic province by Professor
Forbes, includes the British seas, and is practically the most bountiful
in supplying varied and excellent kinds of fish throughout the year. |

* Professor E. Forbes, ‘‘ Natural History of European Seas.”

EDIBLE FISHES. 101

In it the Turbot, Flounder, Sole, Cod, Haddock, and Whiting reach the
greatest perfection, while the Herrings and the Salmonamong the northern
forms, and the Mackerel, Sea Bream, Pilchard, and Red Mullet from
the south, combine to confer a well merited fame on the fisheries of the
British seas.

If we now compare the assemblage of fishes which we find in the
New Zealand seas with those in the European region, we find that,
on the whole, they represent the characteristic forms of the southern or
Lusitanian province, or, in other words, that our New Zealand fishes
resemble those which are found on the coast between Madeira and the
Bay of Biscay more than those which are caught about the north of
Scotland. If we contrast the thirty-three sea fishes that are fit to be
used as food in New Zealand, we have among the constant residents on
all parts of our coast, the Hapuku, Tarakihi, Trevally, Moki, Aua,
Rock Cod, Wrasse, and Patiki; and while the Snapper, Mullet, and
Gurnet are only met with in the north, the Trumpeter, Butter Fish,
and Red Cod are confined to the south. But with the exception of
the Patiki, or Flounder, and the Red Cod, none of these are repre-
sentatives of fishes that are common even in the south of Britain,
while from the more northern seas similar fishes are altogether
absent. 3

In addition to those which remain throughout the year a very large
number of the fishes on the New Zealand coast, owing to its geographical
position, are pelagic in their habits, and roam over a wide range of ocean,
visiting our shores only irregularly in pursuit of food. Of the edible
fishes of this class, by far the largest number are visitors from warmer
latitudes, such as the Frost Fish, Barracoota, Horse Mackerel, King
Fish, Dory, Warehou, Mackerel, and Gar Fish, while only the Ling,
Hake, Haddock, and a few other fishes, which are rare, and worthless
as food, are among those of more southern types which reach the New
Zealand coast in their migrations.

There is, however, no reason to complain of any want of useful
variety in the New Zealand fishes as compared with Britain, for we find
that out of 208 species of fishes enumerated as occurring in the British
seas, including many which are extremely rare or only occasional visitors,
only forty are considered to have a marketable value. In New Zealand,
notwithstanding our very imperfect knowledge, especially with regard to
the gregarious tribes, which there is reason to believe inhabit shoals at
some distance from land, out-of 130 sea fishes, of which thirty are only

102 EDIBLE FISHES.

known to us by report, we have nearly as many varieties used for food
as are brought to market in the British Islands.

Of the 140 species enumerated in the foregoing Catalogue, sixty-
seven species are, so far as we know, peculiar to New Zealand ; seventy-
five are common to the coasts of Australia or Tasmania, while ten
species are found in New Zealand and other places, but not in the
Australian seas. New Zealand Ichthyology thus presents a very distinct
character, the thorough deciphering of which affords a wide field for
future observation and scientific investigation.

1. Hapuxu.

The first on the list of marketable fishes is the Hapuku or Whapuku
of the Maoris (Oligorus gigas), or Habuka, as the name is generally pro-
nounced by Europeans, who in the south apply the name Groper to the
same fish. It is also occasionally called the Cod fish, which is altogether
erroneous, as it is more properly the representative of the Sea Perch
(Seranus) of European seas.

This fish has a peculiar interest from its close affinity to the famous
“Murray Cod” (O. Maquariensis) which inhabits the rivers in the interior
of the Australian Continent. The Hapuku, however, never enters
fresh water, but is a deep sea fish, though not generally captured far
from the coast. Round exposed rocky capes and islands that rise in
twenty to fifty fathoms water, with patches of sandy bottom, appear to be
the favourite feeding and spawning ground of this fish during the season,
and on nearly every part of the New Zealand coast where such con-
ditions prevail the Hapuku may be obtained from November to May
at the proper time of the tide. During the winter season they are
seldom caught, as they probably leave the coast for deeper water. In
the month of July I have, however, caught many of them far up the
sounds on the west coast of Otago, in fifty to sixty fathoms of water,
showing that it is rather a change in the depth of water than
distance from the coast which they seek by this migration. Hapuku
fishing is excellent sport, the average weight of the fish being about 45Ibs.,
but occasionally large specimens reaching to 130ibs. weight are caught.
The head and shoulder cut of this fish is most dainty food, but the
flesh of the remainder is rather coarse and stringy ; it is, however, well
adapted for pickling, and may yet become a valuable article of commerce.
The Hapuku fishing in the northern parts of the Colony is thus
described by an early settler.

EDIBLE FISHES. 103

“J had some little experience with the Hapuku. For the first two
_ years and a half after I came to the country I was lying idle, sojourning
at Wangarei Heads, waiting to get land for myself and passengers, and
opening the way for others to follow ; and during those two years and a
half I made nineteen voyages, in a small boat I had brought with me from
Nova Scotia, to the Hen and Chickens, fishing Hapuku for family use,
as well as to kill time, or for pleasure if you like, and seldom, unless
interrupted by storms, missed making fine hauls of that superior fish ;
on one trip particularly I took fifty-two Hapukus home, and caught
one with my own hands that weighed 90tbs., and I met with persons
who had seen larger still. If a person like myself, going out when
fancy led me, without any experience of the tides, appetite or habits of
the fish, could catch such large lots in so short a time, what would
an experienced fisherman catch, who would be for months stationed at
the place.

“JT made these trips in all seasons of the year, and had ample
chance of observation ; and I can say that, notwithstanding my long
connection with fisheries in Nova Scotia for a series of years, I never
saw in that country the sea more alive with fish than I have seen
around the Hen and Chickens, where in fine weather were constant
shoals of fish, stretching as far offas the eye could see in every direction,
and on a calm day myriads of various sorts could be observed passing
and repassing under my boat, I often said then, that I did not know
of a better project in New Zealand than a fishing station, if judiciously
managed ; and, were it not for my time of life, and the interest I had
in the people who came with me to the country, seeing them, with
myself, adrift and astray in a new and distracted colony, without land
to settle on—old as I was, in all probability I would have set a fishery
a-going. For I do not only believe, but I know, that there is an inex-
haustible source of national wealth, swarming unmolested round these
islands, and on sunken rocks not yet discovered, that will yet be a
profitable resource to the laborious fisherman, and contribute largely to
the aggregate prosperity of the country. In my own humble view,
our present mineral wealth is nothing now to what it will be in the time
to come, yet I believe that the fisheries of this country will surpass it in
wealth, permanency, and stability.”*

The examination of a fine specimen of this fish since the first part of

* Memorandum on Coast Fisheries to the Joint Committee on Colonial Indus-
tries, 1871, by John Munro, Esq., M.H.R.

104 EDIBLE FISHES.

this work was printed enables me to give its characters in more detail
than Captain Hutton was enabled to do with the imperfect specimens at
his command. Pl. I. fig. 1 is an outline of this specimen, which is now
placed in the Museum. It weighed 50Ibs., and measured 44 inches in
length.

If this is the same fish as is described by Professor Owen, the armed
tongue, double pointed operculum, and large number of pyloric ceca,
will no doubt remove it from the group in which it has been provision-
ally placed by Dr. Giinther.

Among fishes sketched on the west coast of Otago in 1863, I find,
however, one that was named Whapuku by the Maoris, which differs
in several important points, so that two distinct fishes may be included
under this name.

Fp A 33 L. © 130; L. t 60; © py. 70+.

Length two and three-quarters that of the head ; height one-quarter less than

[ Oligorus gigas, Owen. B.7; D

length of head, which is three and one-fifth times length of snout, and eight times
diameter of the eye. Spinous dorsal low, fifth spine the highest, equals in length
the height, and is twice the length of the soft dorsal, with which it is continuous.
Anal is beneath the soft dorsal, but only two-thirds its length, both being rounded
and scaled at the base. Pectoral rounded, with one simple, and sixteen divided
rays. Ventral triangular beneath, and one-sixth shorter than pectoral, having the
spine rather stout. Caudal truncate, with a thick fleshy base and twenty rays.
Head depressed and obliquely elongate, the lower jaw projecting. Nasal apertures
large, three-fifths back on the snout. Pseudo-branchie large, tongue armed with
an oval patch of villiform teeth. Jaws with narrow bands of cardiform teeth ;
pharangeal teeth also cardiform. Vomerine patch triangular ; palatine elongate,
both villiform. Distance between orbits less than one-fourth, and height at first
margin of orbit three-eighths length of head.

The skull is slightly convex on top, with recurved ridge over the orbit and
one lateral ; occipital crest is feeble, and does not extend forwards. Przeorbital
expanded, slightly denticulate at lower margin; sub-orbital narrow, with an
internal process supporting the eye-ball. Upper maxillary expanded behind, with
a very stout styliform base, supplementary bone to upper margin. Operculum with
two blunt squamous points separated by a notch, upper point feeble, lower point
terminating a distinct but low ridge. Praoperculum with feeble serrations ; sub-
operculum and inter-operculum with rounded margins, also serrated in parts.
(Esophagus one-half the length of the stomach, which is an elongated sac, with
thick wall strongly rugose, and pink on the internal surface ; length equals the
head ; liver equals the stomach in length ; gall bladder at the end of a fine duct of
nearly same length ; pancreatic cwca very numerous, forming a large collar-shaped
mass round the pylorus. Intestine four times the length of the stomach, in three
longitudinal folds and a short sigmoid flexure. Female generative organ bifurcate
half its length, which is equal to that of stomach, the ova being undeveloped but

EDIBLE FISHES. 105

. humerous. Swimming bladder larger than the stomach, distended to a diameter
of one-fourth its length.
Dimensions of specimen caught 8th February, 1872, in Wellington Harbour,
now in the Museum ; weight 60ltbs. :—

Total length : : : . 44 inches.
Less caudal : : : ‘ Ass;
Height : : ; : pede
Length of head. : : a LGas;
Snout ; : ; ; : Be os;
Snout to dorsal : 2 : > bre ess
Spinous portion. C , Pde! ha pA
Soft dorsal . : , . 4 6:51 3,
Anal , : ‘ F 4°5,,
Caudal, width at origin. . A 5°5 |,
Width at 3 inches in advance . é 3D ,;
Pectoral (length) . F ; i 65 ,,
Ventral 55 : : : : Oe
—J.H. |

2.—KAHAWAIL.

This fish (Arripis salar) is frequently termed the native Salmon,
from its elegant form and lively habits, in which it resembles the true
_Salmon. During the summer months these fish—which reach the weight
of 7ibs., but are more usual from 2 to 3lbs., visit the coast in great
shoals, especially frequenting the mouths of streams. They afford good
sport to the angler, as they rise to an artificial fly, and are readily taken
at sea with spoon bait. When of large size the flesh is rather dry and
tasteless, but the young fish, when under 1b. in weight, and quite fresh,
are very delicate and well flavoured, especially when boiled in water
acidulated with vinegar. In the early stage of their growth they are
spotted on the sides like trout, but with fainter colours. It is one
of the early fishes in spring, at which season it follows voraciously
the young fry of the Aua, or Sea Mullet. In the autumn Mr. Ingles
reports that they follow the “Grit,” or Whale-feed, which is chiefly
a small Shrimp that swarms in the sea at that season to such an
extent that it extends as far as the eye can reach, and may be shovelled
up into boats so as to form a most valuable manure. The Kahawai
appears to be a migratory fish, avoiding only that portion of the coast
that is washed by the cold south-east current. Pl. I. fig. 2 is reduced
one-fifth from the size of a full grown Kahawai caught in December.
)

106 EDIBLE FISHES.

4, Rep SNAPPER.

(Scorpis Hectori). This is described as a new species by Captain
Hutton, and is not unfrequently caught in the sounds on the west
coast of Otago, although only one specimen, obtained when I was on
board H.M.S. ‘Clio’ in April, 1871, has been preserved. It is generally
called the Red Snapper by seamen who are acquainted with the fish of
the coast, the colour being a uniform bright red, with a few dark streaks
on the fins and a black spot on the side. The length of the figured
specimen is 12 inches, but when I was in Milford Sound in 1863 several
much larger specimens were obtained in Anita Bay. It has been litho-
graphed, as it would no doubt be an edible fish, although I do not
remember our trying the experiment.

In the group of fishes next to the foregoing is the much prized Red
Mullet, which is represented in the New Zealand seas by a fish that has
not been seen of late years (No. 5, Upeneoides Viamingit). The specimen
of this fish mentioned in the list was obtained in Queen Charlotte
Sound, and if it at all approaches the Red Mullet of the Mediterranean
in delicacy it would be a very desirable addition to our marketable
fishes.

7. SNAPPER.

There are few fishes better known in the northern parts of the Colony
than the Snapper (Pagrus unicolor). This name, by which it is best known,
is adopted from Australia, its Maori name Tamure being seldom used by
Europeans. It represents in these seas the Braize of the European mar-
kets, and is remarkable for its singularly abrupt profile and the brilliant
metallic lustre of its scales. The Snapper is not reported to occur south
of the Kaikoura Peninsula, the fish which usually goes by that name in
the Dunedin market being the Tarakihi. The Snapper frequents shallow
water, and is generally caught with the net in Wellington Harbour, but
the natives may often be seen catching them with a hook and line in
the surf on exposed sandy beaches when the wind is off shore. In clear
shallow bays troops of this fish may be observed rooting up shell-fish
that are buried in the sandy bottom, and crushing them with their
powerfully armed jaws. dibs. is the weight of an average sized Snapper
in Wellington market, but they are frequently obtained four times that
size. It is a handsome fish for the table, and when boiled may be eaten
either hot or cold. Pl. II, fig. 7 is the reduced outline of a specimen
24 inches long, caught in Wellington Harbour in the month of December.

EDIBLE FISHES. 107

10. TARAKIHI.

(Chilodactylus macropteros). This is a very common fish in the market,
and comes in as early as September. Two sizes are generally sold during
the spring months—the smaller ones, three or four to the pound, being
the best—the flesh of the larger fish, which are 3 to 6lbs, weight, being
considered rather tasteless. Throughout the whole year the Tarakihi may
be caught with the hook in ten to twenty-five fathoms water with a sandy
bottom. It is at once distinguished from either of the following fish,
which it resembles in shape, by the long finger-like ray of its pectoral
fin. Pl. II. fig. 10 is an outline reduced one-tenth from a specimen
caught in October.

The next fish in the catalogue (C. spectabilis) is known only from a
single specimen, but Mr. Liardet informs me that it is not uncommon,
and reaches a large size.

12. TRUMPETER.

The Trumpeter (Zatris hecateia), which is the Tasmanian name for
the same fish, and which the natives call Kohikohi, is the best flavoured
of any of our fishes, and, though abundant, is so extremely local in its
habits, remaining continually on certain patches of feeding ground, that
it is only rarely brought to market. It feeds on a sandy bottom in
twenty-five to thirty-five fathoms water, preferring banks or shoals. It
is caught with the hook, and if the proper fishing ground is once found, a
large haul of these fish, averaging about 6ibs. each, is soon obtained. The
areas which they frequent are very limited, and require to be carefully
marked. During six months’ experience on the west coast of Otago, the
greater part of which time we subsisted on fish, only two spots were dis-
covered where we caught this much prized variety. It was formerly sup-
posed to be peculiar to Tasmania, but has lately been found on banks near
the Victorian coast, from which the Melbourne market is supplied. The
Kaikoura Peninsula appears to be a favourite ground for this valuable
fish, Mr. Ingles stating that there the proper ground is three miles off
Point Keene in thirty-two fathoms, the exact patches being laid down
by private marks ; but that they are also caught off almost every point in
the peninsula as long as the depth of water is over sixteen fathoms, and
that they range from 6 to 30Ibs. weight. In shape the Trumpeter is like
the Moki, but is easily distinguished from it by the longitudinal bands of
colour and smaller mouth, which is better armed with teeth than in that
species. Whether fresh or smoked, the Trumpeter always commands a

108 EDIBLE FISHES.

good price, yet it is rarely seen in any market, except in Dunedin.
Pl. II. fig. 12 is the outline of a fine specimen, 26 inches long, that was
caught in Preservation Inlet in 1863.

13. Mok.

The Moki (Zatris ciliaris) is an abundant fish in the Wellington
market, and, though occasionally seen at all seasons, is most common
and in best condition during spring and early summer. It rarely takes
bait, but is chiefly caught with the net. The quality of this fish
is very varied and much affected by the nature of the feeding ground,
for though usually rich and well flavoured, it is frequently, even
during the proper season, insipid, and with the strong rank taste
that characterises it when out of season. It is found on all rocky
points of the New Zealand coast, the usual size being from 2 to 4ibs.,
but it sometimes reaches 19Ibs. weight. The Moki is admirably
adapted for preserving, and when properly cured and smoked will
keep for a much longer time than most other fish when prepared in
that manner. When in good condition the flesh of the Moki is very
rich, and well adapted for being cooked by roasting or baking, which is
the favourite method of preparing this fish among the natives in the
south. There appears to be a marked difference in the size of the head
and in the tumidity of the mouth in the specimens of the Moki brought
to market about midsummer, making two well marked varieties that
are supposed by some to be different sexes. Pl. III. fig. 13 is from a
large-headed specimen, which is the kind least esteemed. It was caught
at the entrance of Wellington Harbour in November, and weighed
16ibs., being 24 inches long.

14. Sea PErRcu.

The Pohuiakaroa (Sebastes percoides), though not figured deserves
mention, as it is a small fish representing in these seas the genus to
which the Norway Haddock belongs. It is one of the most frequent
and troublesome fish, caught in a moderate depth of water round the
coast and especially in rocky harbours, being almost worthless as food, and
armed with so many sharp spines that it is a difficult task to detach it
from the hook. It is the proper Sea Perch of these waters, that name
having been by mistake applied in the Catalogue to a small Wrasse
(No. 67), which is generally called the Spotty or Poddly. Scorpena eruenta
(No. 15) is a very similar looking fish to the above, but not so frequently

EDIBLE FISHES. 109

met with, except in the sounds on the West Coast, where it abounds on
steep banks formed where the mountain torrents discharge into deep
water.

19. Frost Fisu.

The Frost Fish, or Hiku of the Maoris (Lepidopus caudatus), is
esteemed the most delicious fish in New Zealand. It is most commonly
found cast up after cold frosty nights on sandy beaches that are exposed
to the long roll of ocean swell, and is not in this country obtained by
any kind of fishing. A very similar fish occurs, however, on the south
coast of England, and, according to Yarrell, is occasionally found entangled
in nets. The usual length of this fish is about 4 feet, but from its com-
pressed form it weighs only about 4ibs. The Frost Fish is more frequently
brought to market in Dunedin than elsewhere in this Colony, and gener-
ally fetches 2s. 6d. per Ib., but during the winter months a considerable
number are picked up on the beach between the Otaki and Manawatu, and
brought to Wellington by the coach-drivers. On a still frosty morning
in Breaksea Sound on the west coast of Otago, I once saw what we
thought to be a Frost Fish skimming the sea in a tortuous course with
its back fin rippling the water, and evidently feeding on some prey that
it obtained near the surface; but nothing is definitely known of the
habits of this singular fish, or why it should be cast up on the land,
the probability being that on the calm nights when the sea is smooth
it pursues its prey too close to the shore, and is left by the long swell
during ebb tide. The specimen drawn, Pl. III. fig. 19, was taken at
White’s Bay in July, and measured 46 inches in length.

20. BARRACOOTA.

A very common fish, allied to the foregoing, but inferior to it in
quality as food, is well known throughout the colonies as the Barracoota
(Thyrsites atun), which name is no doubt borrowed from the Baracouda
Pike of the tropical parts of the Atlantic. This fish is a favourite with
the Maoris, who call it the Manga or Maka. They are obtained at all
seasons, but abound in the spring and autumn, and are easily caught
with a short piece of red wood having a nail driven through it
for a hook. This rude tackle is passed rapidly through the water along-
side the canoe or boat by a short line and rod, and is eagerly grasped by
the fish, which is then jerked inboard. The usual length of the Barra-
coota is 3 feet, and its weight 5ibs. Its flesh is white and flaky, and by

110 EDIBLE FISHES.

some is thought to resemble that of the Cod. In the early days of the
Otago settlement, when the colonists depended solely on the Maoris for
the supply of fish, it was very extensively used. It dries well, and is
thus preserved in large quantities by the natives. When pickled and
smoked it is excellent food, and preferable even to the fresh fish. Dried
Barracoota, or Snook as it is called, is imported into the Mauritius and
Batavia as a regular article of commerce, being worth over £17 per ton.
Pl. XX. fig. 20 is a drawing of the Barracoota one-ninth the natural size.

23. Horse MACKEREL.

This is the Hauture of the natives, and the Scad of the northern
hemisphere (Zrachurus trachurus). It has a very wide range, being
common to the seas of Britain and New Zealand. This fish appears in
Wellington Harbour about the end of November, and is one of the
commonest offered for sale throughout the summer. Its form is some-
what like the true Mackerel, but the line of armed plates along
each side at once distinguishes it from the more valuable and rarer fish.
Immense shoals of Scads are occasionally driven on the beaches round
the harbour, apparently by their impetuosity when following their prey
into shallow water. Their usual length is about 13 inches, but occa-
sionally they are of much larger size, there being probably two distinct
forms included under this specific name, which, in that case should only
apply to the larger kind. This fish is not mentioned as occurring in the
southern provinces, but I noted a few on the West Coast at Martin Bay,
and it is probable that the Mackerel stated to be so plentiful in the
north of Auckland is also this fish. Pl. III. fig. 23 is the Horse
Mackerel reduced to one-fourth its natural size.

24, TREVALLY.

The Arara of the Maoris, or the Trevally or Cavalli of the fishermen
(Caranx georgianus), is a highly esteemed fish that is very common in
every part of the colony during the summer months, but is in best condi-
tion at the commencement and close of the season. Its sides are partially
armed with keeled spines like those of the Horse Mackerel, but its
brilliant yellow tints and deep compressed body readily distinguish it.
The flesh is very delicate, but less so in the larger sized fish, about 12
inches in length being the best size for the table. The Trevally frequents
shallow water and feeds among the rocks, so that it may sometimes be
caught by the hand at low water. It is quoted by Richardson that this

EDIBLE FISHES. iE

fish, which he says is the Skipjack of the sealers, used to be a staple
article of food with the natives, who assembled on fine calm days and
drove the fish into weirs formed of branches of trees, which they stretched
across the shallow bays. In Auckland it is sometimes called the Yellow
Tail, but this name appears to be also used for another species, probably
the King Fish, which is next on the list. Pl. IV. fig. 24 is from a
specimen that measured 21 inches in length.

25. Haku.

The Haku of the natives is the King Fish (Seriola lalandii) of Wel-
lington and the Yellow Tail of Australia. In the months of January
and February in each year large shoals of this fish visit Cook Straits
and occasionally enter Wellington Harbour. They are generally of two
distinct sizes, the smaller about 6lbs. weight and 20 inches long, and the
larger about 4 feet in length and weighing about 40lbs. The flesh is
very rich and well flavoured, but like all fishes of this class must be
eaten quite fresh. These fish are often caught in Moki nets, to
which they do great damage. They also drive on exposed beaches,
several of them being generally cast up together. The natives value them
very highly, and eagerly search the coast for them at the proper season,
and have been known to carry choice specimens far into the interior as
gifts to friends. This species has a wide range, being found on the high
seas of the Atlantic. In New Zealand it is not mentioned as having
been seen further south than Cook Strait, but in all probability it must
occur along the whole length of the west side of the island. In its
habits it is migratory and gregarious, like the Tunny. The latter fish
has, however, a proper representative in these seas (Pelamys Chilensis),
which, judging by the head of a specimen that was caught in Cook
Strait, and now in the Museum, must attain toa length of between
8 and 9 feet. The drawing, Pl. LV. fig. 25, is from a specimen of the
King Fish, 42 inches in length, caught in Wellington Harbour last
January.

27. Joun Dory.

(Zeus faber). A large specimen of this delicious fish was caught at
the anchorage under the island of Kapiti in September, 1870, and I
have also seen it cast up on the beach near Tauranga in the month
of April. It is frequently obtained in Australia, and is considered

identical with the Dory of Europe, which is a migratory fish most

1, EDIBLE FISHES.

common on the south coast of England during the winter season. I
may mention as a guide to those who wish to secure this delicate fish,
that it is of similar predaceous habits to the Barracoota, living on
the fry of other fish. The weight of the specimen figured, Pl. IV. fig. 27,
was 6lbs., the length being 22 inches. Small specimens ib. in weight
are not unfrequently brought to market in February.

28. Boar FIsH.

The term Boar Fish (Cyttus australis) has been applied to a fish of
which several specimens were cast up on the shore of Cook Strait during
the south-east gale of November last. They resemble the Dory some-
what in form and size, but are easily distinguished by the rough skin
and the absence of the round black spot on the side. As this fish is
reported to be very inferior to the Dory as food, these characters should
be attended to in order to avoid disappointment. This species abounds
in the Melbourne market, according to Professor McCoy,* but only of
small size, and he applies the name Boar Fish to a different species
(Histiopteris recurvirostris, Rich.). Pl. V. fig. 28 is reduced one-sixth
from a specimen cast up in Cook Strait.

31. WaAREHOU.

The Sea Bream (Neptonemus Brama) is a fish deservedly prized by
the natives. In Wellington it appears in the market in October, and
continues at intervals during the whole summer, but the largest
specimens are seen in the north during the winter. ‘It cannot be
considered a common fish, especially in the south, and according to the
natives, it is very irregular in its visits to the coast. Those brought to
Wellington weigh from 1 to 3ibs., but in the north, outside Hokianga
Harbour, they are sometimes obtained 3 feet in length, in which
case their weight would not be less than 25 or 30ibs. The flesh of
the Warehou is rich with a very delicate flavour, and they deserve to be
preferred to the Tarakihi and young Moki, along with which they are
generally sold in the market. PI. V. fig. 31 is reduced one-sixth from
a specimen caught in Wellington Harbour last December.

32. MACKEREL.

This valuable fish (Scomber australasicus) is only known to me from
two large hauls which were made in Wellington Harbour about the 15th
December, 1870, but it appears to be the fish that is called by the natives

* “ Zoology of Victoria,” Official Record of the Exhibition of 1867, p. 11.

EDIBLE FISHES. bs

Tawa-tawa. In colour, size, and form it closely approaches the common
Mackerel of England, and is very superior in delicacy to the Sead or Horse
Mackerel, which is commonly called the Mackerel in New Zealand. As
the Mackerel is a migratory fish, making periodical visits to the coast
from deep water, it will, no doubt, become better known when regular
fisheries are established. In Europe the Mackerel is obtained throughout
the year, but is most abundant in early summer, and is caught either
with a hook or drift-nets. The drawing, Pl. V. fig. 32, is from a speci-
men that measured 12 inches in length.

38. Rock Cop.

This (Percis colias) is the Coal Fish of Captain Cook and Blue Cod
of the settlers in the South, and the Pakirikiri of the Maoris, and is
the most commonly caught fish among rocks on the coast, When
quite fresh it is wanting in firmness, but if slightly salted for twenty-
four hours it is greatly improved in quality. In the neighbourhood of
rocks, in from ten to fifteen fathoms of water, is the best fishing ground
for the Rock Cod, but they are also caught inside harbours, and even
far up the sounds on the West Coast 3 keeping at about ten fathoms
below the surface alongside of the great submarine precipices that
descend vertically for more than 1,000 feet. They are, however,
rarely brought to market, although they may be caught at any period of
the year. Their full size is about 5ibs. weight. The beautiful tints
of this fish, which are very brilliant when fresh caught, soon fade to a
dull grey. Occasionally they are distinctly party-coloured, and even
nearly white all over.

42. GURNARD.

The Red Gurnard or Kumukumu (Zrigla kumu) is very abundant
during the summer months in the harbours in the north, and full uets
are sometimes drawn near Wellington with no other fish in them. The
full grown fish weighs about 4Ibs., but all sizes are used as food, the
smaller ones being preferred. The flesh is firm and white, but rather
dry and deficient in flavour. The grunting noise which this beautifully
coloured fish makes when caught, should be mentioned, as it is a great
source of amusement to amateur fishermen. Pl. VI. fig. 42 is reduced
one-fourth from an ordinary sized specimen in the Wellington market.

57. Kana,
The Grey Mullet (Mugil Perusii) is a very familiar fish to residents
in the northern parts of the colony, where it forms a staple article of
P

114 EDIBLE FISHES.

food among the natives at certain seasons, and is the commonest fish sold
in Auckland. Kanae have occasionally been obtained on the west coast
as far south as Porirua, at the north entrance of Cook Strait, but have
not been seen in Wellington Harbour, probably because a rocky coast
and deep water is not suitable to their habits. The Kanae frequents the
tidal rivers, going out to sea in summer and returning in the winter in
immense numbers. They are captured generally with nets, but they
also take the bait. The natives frequently capture them on still moon-
light nights by paddling their canoes close to the banks of the streams ;
the fish are startled by the beat of the paddle, and leaping up fall into
the canoe. This Mullet excels all other New Zealand fishes in richness,
and is now dried and smoked in large quantities for sale in Auckland.
The drawing, Pl. VI. fig. 57, is from a specimen obtained in Auckland
that measured 20 inches in length.

58. Sea MUutLLet.

The Makawhiti or Aua of the Maoris (Agonostoma Forster), Pl. V.
fig. 21, is a common fish obtained at all seasons of the year by fishing
from the wharves in the harbours. It is commonly called Herring, from
its general resemblance in size and form to that fish, but is easily recog-
nised from the true Herring by having two fins on the back, the first of
which has only four rays. I particularly mention this, as in some years
what is supposed to be this fish visits the coast in enormous shoals like
the Herring of the British seas. Queen Charlotte Sound seems to be the
place most frequently visited by these migratory shoals, which appear at
the beginning of winter. The Picton Herring, a dried fish commonly

- known throughout the colony, is the Aua preserved by smoking. Pl. VI.

fig. 58 is from one of the larger sized specimens that are occasionally got,
and measured 11 inches in length. The more common size is 7 inches
long, and of a dark greenish tint and more slender herring-like form.

71. Butrer Fisu.

The Marare of the natives, known as the Kelp Fish among the
fishermen and the Butter Fish in the market (Coridodax pullus), is the
fish most commonly sold in Wellington during the winter months. It
has rather a forbidding appearance, having a dark coloured slimy skin
and inelegant form ; it is nevertheless very good food, the flesh being
exceedingly short in the grain and well flavoured without being rich,

every part of the fish being singularly deficient in oil. It is always

EDIBLE FISHES. 115

advisable to remove the skin from this fish as soon as cooked, as if
allowed to remain in contact with the flesh it imparts to it a disagreeable
taste. Its usual weight is from 4 to 5lbs., and the largest specimens
measure about 20 inches long. Dr. Knox states that this fish is com-
monly caught among the long kelp with a bag net, and that it is most
abundant round the island of Mana, where the kelp plants are of gigantic
size, with stems 2 to 3 feet in diameter, and so firmly attached to the
bottom that they are used as moorings for small vessels during heavy
gales, and that the Butter Fish, with its ample fins, glides about among
the slimy foliage of these submarine forests.* Iam informed by Mr.
W. Russell that of late years large quantities of the Butter Fish are
caught in Foveaux Strait and brought to market in Invercargill, so that
it will probably be found on all parts of the coast where kelp grows.
The bones of the Marare are singular, from their being of a bright green
colour, which Dr. Knox finds is so persistent as to resist prolonged
maceration, bleaching, and even boiling. It feeds on zoophytes, scraping
them from the surface of the kelp with its curiously formed teeth, which
are curved plates, one in the upper and two in the lower jaw, with
sharp cutting edges that cut like scissors. Pl. VII. fig. 71 is from a

specimen 18 inches in length.

72. Happock.

The fish to which the familiar name of Haddock has been applied
(Gadus australis) is a new species, described by Captain Hutton from a
few specimens that were cast up on the shore of Cook Strait after a
heavy south-east gale. The drawing, Pl. VII fig. 72, is one-sixth the
natural size, but it is said by the fishermen to reach over 4 feet in
length, and would be a most valuable addition to our market if its
ordinary habitat were ascertained. I also obtained a specimen of this
fish among a number of Red Cod caught in Bruce Bay, on the West
Coast, in 1866.

(9..RED Cop.

Also called the Yellow Tail and the Haddock, (Lotella bacchus) is a
well known fish on some parts of the coast, being the species that is
cured and sold as the Findon Haddock at Port Chalmers. It is a hand-
some fish, with a brilliant play of metallic colours when alive. The

usual size is about 24 inches in length, and weight 4 to 5lbs. They

* Trans. NeZe Vol. Lisp. Lake

116 EDIBLE FISHES.

are generally obtained with the hook where there is a sandy bottom, in
ten to fifteen fathoms water. They are occasionally netted in Wellington
Harbour, and, though rarely got on the exposed parts of a rocky coast,
are caught in abundance from vessels lying at anchor in the roadsteads
off Hokitikaand Greymouth. Pl. VII. fig. 75 is from a specimen caught
in Wellington Harbour 2 feet in length.

No, 74 (Lotella rhacinus), a closely allied species, having a larger
head and longer fins, has been termed the Hake, but it is apparently a
rare fish, and only small sized specimens have been seen.

No. 76 is another fish of the Cod kind (Pseudophycis breviusculus),
with a deeper body than the foregoing and more delicate flesh, resembling
that of the Whiting. It has only been obtained on the west coast of
Otago, where a few specimens were caught with the hook in fifteen
fathoms water off Anchor Island in Dusky Bay, weighing about 5ibs.,
one of which is drawn one-sixth natural size in Pl. VIII. fig. 76.

(Genypterus blacoides). This fish, also known as the Cloudy Bay Cod,
is exceedingly common in Cook Strait, and on other parts of the coast
to the southward. It is, however, seldom brought to market, not being
as much appreciated for food as it deserves. It is a large fish, reaching
occasionally 5 feet in length, weighs 15 to 20Ibs., and has a white
flaky flesh that takes salt well, and, being easily freed from bone, is well
adapted for curing in the same manner as the Cod fish of commerce. It
is in best condition in the beginning of winter. This is one of the fish
that is cast up on the beaches outside Wellington Harbour after heavy
gales in extraordinary profusion. It is very voracious, with powerful
well armed jaws, and takes the bait greedily, so that large numbers
can be readily caught. Pl. VIII. fig. 77 is reduced to one-ninth the
natural size of this fish.

The three following fish have been seen only on rare occasions, and,
so far as can be gathered from the fishermen, are not good for food.

No. 78 (Macrurus australis) is a singularly formed fish with a conical
head and projecting snout, and skin covered with rough scales. Only
one specimen, 18 inches in length (Pl. VIII. fig. 78), caught in Wel-
lington Harbour has been got in New Zealand, but it is known on
the south coast of Australia.

No. 79 (Coryphenoides Nove Zelandiw) was first described by me

from a single specimen got in Wellington Harbour in 1870, but during

EDIBLE FISHES. 117

the November gale of 1871 an immense number were thrown up on the
coast. Its long thin body and silvery scales has led to its being mistaken
for the Frost Fish, from which it is easily distinguished by the form of
the mouth, large eye, and tapering tail. Pl. VIII. fig. 79 is from a
specimen 21 inches in length.

No. 80 (Coryphenoides denticulatus) appears only to have been
known previous to the same gale from mutilated specimens found on the
coast of South Australia, but on that occasion a large number were
thrown up. It is a smaller fish than the preceding, and distinguished

by the forward position of the vent and the spines on the head. PI.
NEE es 30;

Fuat FIisHes.

Four kinds of flat fishes are described in the Catalogue, but one of
them has not been seen, and of the others that which has been termed
Brill, on account of its being the only one of our flat fish with the eyes
on the left side of the head (No. 82, Pseudorhombus scaphus), is of small
size, and is so full of bones that it cannot be eaten with any comfort.
Pl. IX. fig. 82 is from a specimen 12 inches long.

No. 83, the Patiki (hombosolea monopus), is very common in the
shallow bays and tidal estuaries on every part of the coast, and, though
it varies much in quality, is everywhere highly esteemed both by natives
and Europeans. They are generally obtained with the net, but on the
shallow mud flats the natives capture them with a Jong slender spear,
choosing the night time, and each carrying a lighted torch or a pan of
flaming kauri gum on the shoulder, which attracts the fish and enables
them to be observed and impaled as they glide over the bottom. The
usual weight of this delicate fish is from $ to 2Ibs., but they are fre-
quently obtained of a much larger size. Pl. TX. fig. 83 is reduced one-
fourth from a specimen of the most common size sold in Wellington.
Occasionally a large flat fish, said to resemble the Patiki, has been
brought to market and sold as Turbot, but, from native information,
it is probable that several distinct species yet remain to be discovered
by the Pakeha fishermen.

The New Zealand Sole (Peltorhamphus) is an inferior table fish to
the preceding, and not equal to the English Sole in flavour. It is not
so common as the Patiki, and for that reason alone is more in request,

and commands a better price in the market. The sole is caught along with

118 EDIBLE FISHES.

other flat fishes, and is easily distinguished by its oval shape and curious
hooked fleshy snout which conceals the mouth on its upper side. Pl. TX,
fig. 84, is one-fifth the natural size.

85. Gar FiIsH.

This name is applied both to the Skipper (Scombresox Forsteri) and to
the Ihior Half Beak (Hemiramphus intermedius), which are allied fishes
representing those of the same names in the British seas. The represen-
tatives of the former genus, however, though common in England,
appear to be rare in these seas, while the Half Beak, which is of rare
occurrence in the British seas, is common all round New Zealand, and is
the ordinary Gar Fish that is so highly appreciated, especially in
Auckland and Dunedin, where they are more frequently seen than else-
where, and are sold in the market at from 2s. to 3s. per dozen.
Their length is about 12 inches. Angling for Gar Fish in Auckland
Harbour, where it is known as the Piper, is thus graphically described by
the writer ofa letter which appeared in a recent number of the “ Field” :—
“JT have caught him in quantities in the harbour of Suez, at Aden, in
New Zealand, and I have speared him by torchlight inside the coral reefs
in the Society Islands, and everywhere I have found him a most excellent
and delicate fish ; indeed, once at Suez I remember the Ayahs almost
fighting for them as I drew them in, recognizing their excellence, and
evidently used to them in India. In many parts of New Zealand they
swarm in the estuaries at certain seasons of the year, and may be caught
three and four at a time with a light stiffish rod and fine tackle. I
look on the Piper as the float fish of New Zealand, for, though you may
have plenty of fun with others here and there, he is the only one who
really requires a float to keep his bait in proper position. His bait, to
begin with, is a tiny bit of beef or mutton, wherewith you catch, most
probably, a so-called ‘ Herring,’ which is not a Herring at all, but which
serves your purpose. Scaling him and cutting a wee triangular bit out
of his side, and hooking it so as to make it play nicely, you fish till you
catch a Piper, and then you cut little triangular bits out of his side to
entrap his brethren. The Pipers are ‘jest awfw’ cannibals,’ and you will
be often informed on Auckland wharf that ‘ Pipers is deeth on Piper.’*”
Pl. IX. fig. 86 represents the Half Beak reduced one-third from the
natural size.

* <The Field,’ London, November 25, 1871.

EDIBLE FISHES. 119

98. Sano EEt.

(Gonorhynchus Greyi). This curiously formed fish is remarkable for
its eel-like shape and projecting snout, from beneath which its mouth pro-
trudes like a sucker. It is caught with the net on the shallow banks
near the entrance to the Hutt River, and is generally brought to market
in summer along with the common Gar Fish or Half Beak. I have
never heard of its being caught in other parts of the colony, but as it
has a wide range in the southern seas, it is likely to occur elsewhere.
The flesh of the Sand Eel is firm, of a white colour, and very delicate
flavour. It is in no way related to the Eel family, but was placed by
Richardson, who first described the fish, as closely allied to the Carps.
The drawing, Pl. X. fig. 98, is from a specimen of ordinary size, measuring
16 inches in length.

Another fish, caught in considerable numbers in Wellington Har-
bour (emerocetes acanthorhynchus No. 59), chiefly with the hook from
the jetty, is often also called the Sand Eel, but is inferior to the last-
mentioned fish both in flavour and size. Both fishes are coloured with
varied red, purple, and blue markings, and are remarkably beautiful
when alive.

a) J
100. PincHarp, or SARDINE. 2 ae Se

(Clupea sagax), Pl. XI. fig. 100. This is the true representative of
the Herring kind in these seas, and it is reported to visit the east coast
of Otago every year in February and March. On the last occasion it was
observed that the shoal was migrating southwards, and extended as far as
the eye could reach, followed by a multitude of Gulls, Mutton Birds,
Barracoota, and Porpoises. So densely packed were they that by dip-
ping a pitcher in the sea “it would contain half fish, so that if larger
boats and suitable nets were employed thousands of tons could be
caught.* The fish referred to was identified as the above species from
mutilated specimens that were forwarded by Mr. W. D. Murison, and
judging from which they appear to be 6 or 7 inches in length, or similar
in size to the Sardine of the Mediterranean. The figure given is,
however, from a drawing of this species in a standard work. Another
fish of the same family, reported to occur in New Zealand, and exceed-
ingly abundant in Victoria according to Professor McCoy, is the
Anchovy (Hngraulis encrasicholus), being identical with the well-
known Anchovy of commerce. This fish is easily distinguished from

* ** Otago Daily Times.”

120 EDIBLE FISHES.

the Pilchard by its long head and projecting upper jaw and deeply cut
mouth, Pl. XI. fig. 99 is a drawing of the English Anchovy, inserted
for comparison, in order to assist in the ideutitication of the fish. Its
usual length is 5 inches.

A third fish allied to the Herring (Chanos salmonea, (Pl. XI. fig. 101)
which is stated to occur in New Zealand, has also been figured from
Richardson’s work, but there is some doubt of the locality being correct.
At any rate this fish is hardly entitled to the popular name of Herring
which is applied to it in the Catalogue, as it has neither the abundance
nor the familiar form of that fish.

114. LeatHer JAcKET

This remarkably shaped fish (Monocanthus convexirostris) is very
common in Wellington Harbour, and on other parts of the coast is not
unfrequent. Though usually cast aside as worthless it has really
palatable flesh when the tough skin, from which it receives its trivial
name, is removed. The Maori name for this fish is Kiriri. In other
countries members of this genus are called Trigger Fishes, from the
power which they possess of suddenly erecting the stiff spine on the
back with a snap that holds it rigid without further effort. The usual
size of the Leather Jacket is about 11 inches long, Pl. XII. fig. 114
being one-third the natural size.

SHARKS.

The Maoris are large consumers of Sharks, or Mango as they term
them, of various species, but chiefly the Smooth-hound (J/ustellus
antarcticus), Dog-fish of two species (Scyllium laticeps and Acanthias
vulgaris), and the Tope (Galeus canis). All of these may be seen at
certain seasons at any Maorisettlement by the sea-side, hanging on poles
to dry in thousands, and rendering the neighbourhood extremely unplea-
sant. The species most valued is, however, the Smooth-hound, which is
the only Shark that is properly edible, as it lives on Shell-fish and Crabs,
and has the same clean-feeding habits as the Skate. In the Hebrides
and north of Scotland the flesh of this harmless little Shark is considered
to be a great delicacy, but I have never heard of its being eaten by
the white settlers in the colony.

It bas been, however, drawn with the edible fishes, so that it may be
readily distinguished from other Sharks, which, not being so particular
in their diet, are unfit for food. It will be found drawn to one-ninth
the natural size, in Pl. XII. fig. 123.

EDIBLE FISHES. 121

Rays.

This is a group of fishes not so much appreciated for food as they
deserve, and which, though not uncommon, are hardly ever brought
to market, at least in Wellington. The Skate (Raja nasuta), closely
approaches the fish of the same name which in Scotland is a favourite
in the market during the winter months, and is caught in 5 to 10 fathoms
water, wherever the bottom is sandy ; but, like other flat-shaped fishes,
would be most easily taken with a traul. The New Zealand Electric
Ray (Torpedo Fairchildii), though not so far as I know ever used for
food, has been figured, Pl. XII fig. 134, as it is an“interesting addition
to our Fauna, named after the collector, Capt. Fairchild, of the Colonial
Government gun-boat ‘Luna,’ to whom the Museum is indebted for
many valuable additions of natural history, obtained by fishing and
dredging on all parts of the coast.

To this family of fishes also belongs the formidable Stingaree, or
Wairepo of the Maoris (Zrigon thalassia), which is greatly prized as
food among the natives, and in some parts of the coast attains to the
most enormous size. It has been recently discovered—hby the writer of
the animated article in the “ Field,” on “ Fishing in New Zealand,”
which has already been quoted—that ‘Stingareeing’ can be made to
afford sport of a most exciting kind. His capture of a moderate sized
one is thus told :—

“The tide is nearly at its lowest, and the brown waving Laminaria
beds are beginning to show ; there is no wind, plenty of light, but a
slight sea mist prevents it being too glaring. One in the bow of the
dingy, and one to paddle gently on round the first rocky point. There
goes an Hagle Ray (MJ/y/liobates), and there another and another, more
flying than swimming ; but the nearest turns at the motion of the arm,
and the whole school fan out to sea with the most graceful motion of
their wings imaginable, and after two or three strong beats they shoot
along about a foot under the water, like kites. Never mind, more to
come! Look ahead! Amongst the heaving seaweed there are the
mighty black fins working up and down, just above the water, with a
strange waving motion—a real black Trygon! Warily, warily the boat
is propelled towards him, the sculler sitting face to bow, and the grainer,
with the end of the line clove-hitched above his left elbow, two or three

feet, according to the balance of the grains, laid along the staff, and

included in the grasp of his right hand (most important ; without that,

Q

22 EDIBLE FISHES.

you will never make a good shot), in readiness to strike. Mind your
line is well coiled. Warily, warily! Now the vast black mass begins
to slide off the weeds. Gently! not too great a hurry! Wait till you
see the scowling face within two feet of the boat, and let him have it
well forward.

“<¢ Habet! Back all sharp!’ and a rush and a drag that cuts your
arm. Get between him and the deep sea! There he sulks down at the
bottom, grasping the rock with his enormous fins. Patience ; get hold
of the staff, and drive the points further into him. There! you have got
the worst of that round—a thwack on the side of your head from the
staff that makes it sing again! Never mind, he is heading towards that
sandy bay. Let him pull the boat himself. Now the water is shoaling,
Splash, puff; I had no idea it was so deep; up to my armpits, by jove !
Squatter on, shallower and shallower, till, after one or two trials, you
get the shaft in your hands. Now, look out! There is a foot-long spine
in that lashing tail, and if it touches you, Auckland Hospital or lock-
jaw. Prise down the staff; shove him upwards ; put the other grains
into him ; and up the sandy shore he slides, blowing and snorting like a
grampus, fighting to the last. Run him up, run him up, and bring an
oar ; stick it across his tail, bear upon it from both sides, and give me
the tomahawk! Snick! and the enormous mass is done for ; we have a
spear ten inches long, and bait enough for a day.

“<Whew! Whata fight! Let us have a rest and a pipe. What
does he weigh? Some 90hb.’”

‘One of the numerous curses of civilization is the way in which
iron has driven the spear of the Stingaree out of the market, without
properly supplying its place. In Samoa these Ray stings are in high
repute still, not only for spear heads (in which case only an inch or two
is used, lightly fastened to the staff, so as to leave the point to fester in
the flesh), but, they say, as a quaint means of getting rid of an obnoxious
chief. You break off some inch or so from the sharp end of the sting,
and stick it in a peculiar way in the sleeping-mat. The obnoxious chief
casts himself down to rest, possibly well filled with kava, and the first
small barb penetrates his skin ; slightly distressed, he turns round again,
and a second one enters ; and so, tossing and tumbling, he passes the
night, till the whole is safe within his ribs, working up like an awn of
barley. Soon after he dies with symptoms of general dropsy, with but
little external marks to tell the reason why. I know not whether this
be true or no; but I do know that it was told me by a Samoan chief,

EDIBLE FISHES. 123

-whilst looking over my collection of stings, and more particularly
gloating over those of the Eagle Ray.”

FRESH WATER FISHES.

The fresh waters of New Zealand are inhabited by only a few kinds
of fish, as compared with most other countries, and they are mostly of
small size. Nevertheless, from their abundance at certain seasons, some
species are of considerable importance as sources of food, and in a few
cases possess more interest for the angler than is usually conceded to
them.

The two first species I have to mention deserve the attention of
observers from their close affinity to the Salmon and Trout, which are
now being rapidly acclimatized in the streams throughout the colony.

91. UPpokororo.

The above is the native name of the Grayling (Prototroctes
oxyrhynchus ), a fish that has been long familiar to the settlers in certain
districts, but which does not appear to have been obtained by any of the
earlier collectors of the fishes of New Zealand, and remained undescribed
till last year, when specimens were forwarded by the Westland
Naturalists’ Society, to Mr. F. Buckland, who eventually requested Dr.
Giinther’s opinion about them. He recognised it to be a closely allied
species to a fish from the fresh waters of Australia, discovered in 1862,
and which he had placed in the same family with a salmonoid fish
(Haplochiton), that inhabits the cold fresh waters of Terra del Fuego,
the Falkland Islands, and the southern parts of the American continent.
Respecting the relationship of these genera to each other, Dr. Giinther
states that the Australian and New Zealand fish stand in the same
relation to those of South America, as the genus Coregonus (of which
the White Fish of the American lakes, and the Vendace of Scotland
are examples) does to the true Salmon, and that, ‘ however the Southern
Huaplochitonide may differ from the Salmonide in the structure of the
jaws, and intestinal tract, it is a most remarkable fact that the fresh
waters of the southern hemisphere are inhabited by two genera with
adipose fins, so extremely similar. in outward appearance to the northern
Salmonoids. * ”

In ignorance of Dr. Giinther’s researches, I described the Upokororo
from specimens obtained in the Hutt River, in January, 1870, and made

* “* Proceedings Zoological Society,” London, 10th March, 1870.

124 EDIBLE FISHES.

the mistake of placing it in the only genus of Salmonoid fishes then
known to occur in New Zealand, and which is not found elsewhere
(Retropinna). * With reference to the Australian congener of the
»Upokororo, Professor McCoy remarks, “the Yarra Yarra, and some
other of the rivers near the southern coast, contain in great abundance
a beautiful and active fish, excellent for the table, and affording capital
sport to the angler. By ichthyologists following the classification of
Cuvier, it would be referred to the Sa/monide, 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 asin flavour, that anglers are in
the habit of calling it now the Australian Grayling. Its close resem-
blance in food and habits to the true Sa/monide helped the Acclimati-
sation Society to argue that certain of our rivers would serve for the
experiment of acclimatising the European Salmon and Trout, and as
experience has since shown successfully. It is vulgarly also called the
‘Yarra Herring,’ and is the Prototroctes maraena.” This description
applies to the New Zealand Upokororo, except that it does not possess
the ‘cucumber smell,” which, however, is as strongly marked in our
other and proper Salmonoid (Retropinna), as it is in the English Smelt
(Osmerus eperlanus). The Upokororo appears to inhabit clear running
streams in all parts of the colony, and I believe that the very large fish
locally called Trout, which are sometimes cast up on the beaches of the
great inland lakes of Otago, also belong to this species. These probably
reach 6 or 8Ibs. in weight, but the usual size of this fish is under 1h.
weight and from 10 to 12 inches in length, but I have seen no speci-
mens less than 7 inches.

At certain seasons they assemble in the streams in immense shoals,
and the fact of their being often seen near the mouths of rivers has
given rise to the idea that the Upokororo is a sea-going fish that enters
the fresh water for the purpose of spawning. In my former account of
this fish I adopted this view, and quoted a statement to the same effect
by Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.8., but further inquiry leads me to think
that these fish are constantly resident in the fresh water, and that their
annual migration does not extend beyond the commencement of the
brackish water. I find that Mr. Travers did not himself see these fish in
the salt water, and that the specimens he caught in the Maitai Stream
were considerably above the limit of the tidal influence. The fishermen

Trans. N. Z. Institute, Vol. III, p. 134.

EDIBLE FISHES. 125

-on the rivers of the West Coast, who supply the large townships with
fish obtained chiefly in the salt and brackish water within the river bars,
appear to be very confident that the Grayling as they term it, does not
enter the salt water, and on the same subject I have the following from
Mr. C. Hursthouse, of Taranaki :—“ The Upokororo, which you describe
as a sea-visiting fish, is not such here. I made its esteemed ac-
quaintance years ago in our little belle riviére, Waiwaikaiho. Natives,
however, told us that it is solely an inhabitant of fresh water, that it
spawns high up the streams, and that though always present in the pools
along their courses, they come down in great numbers during floods.
The only one ever found here in salt water was a dead one picked up at
the mouth of the Henui, after a heavy spate. Our most skilful brother
of the rod, Mr. J. H. Smith, who, as shown by his diary, caught last
year 1,152 of these fish in 58 fishing days, taking in one day 93, thinks
that Upokororo would no more voluntarily get into salt water than into
hot water. Here, with our rude tackle, they don’t rise at the artificial
fly, but greedily bite at the small red worm which is only found under
dry stock droppings ; the common garden worm has never tempted

one.”

As it is very probable that by many observers the large sized Smelt
(Retropinna), which we shall find is a fish common to both fresh and
salt water, is mistaken for the Upokororo (perhaps in Australia, as well
as in this colony), the question is one that still requires further inves-
tigation, and it will be a most interesting fact if it is established—that
this fish which is so universally distributed in New Zealand, and has
close allies in South America and Australia, cannot survive in sea water.
Mr. Travers observed this fish in the Matai River in the early part of
October; and I have specimens from the Hutt River, full of spawn,
obtained in the month of January ; while on the West Coast they are
said to be caught several months later in the season, and even in winter.
The Upokororo is readily recognised from the Smelt, which is the only
other fish in our streams with a fleshy second dorsal, by its small tumid
mouth, shorter lower jaw, and minute teeth, closely placed together like
a comb round the jaws. They vary very much in richness of colour,
from a general silvery hue and brownish on the back, while others are
dark speckled brown on back, and rich yellow, almost golden tint on the
belly. Pl. X. fig. 91 is from a fine specimen obtained from the Hutt
River, that measured 12 inches in length.

126 EDIBLE FISHES.

92. SMELT.

This delicate little fish, which belongs to the true Salmonide, was
first described by Richardson, from specimens which were obtained at
the Bay of Islands with a net, and therefore I infer in the salt water,
but it is at certain seasons one of the most common of our fresh water
fishes. In my paper on the New Zealand Salmonoids, I distinguished
two species of the Smelt, the Inanga and the proper Smelt, which have
been again united by Captain Hutton under the original species Retro-
pinna Richardson. I am still, however, inclined to maintain that
k. osmeroides should be recognised as a distinct form until more definite
proof can be adduced that it is merely a different stage in the growth
of the first described species. My first acquaintance with these fish was
in 1863, at the mouth of the Kaduka River, on the west coast of Otago,
where in the month of September both kinds were obtained, the larger
variety (2. osmeroides) following the flood-tide in numerous shoals into
all the little streams to which the brackish water penetrated, leaping
out of the water in a very lively fashion—the Maoris catching them as
the tide fell by closing weirs made of flax net across the small creeks.
Their length was from 4 to 7 inches, and they took bait voraciously.
The smaller fish (2. Richardsoni) averaging 2 inches in length, on the other
hand, chiefly appeared round the sides of the vessel in swarms at ebb-tide,
when the water was quite fresh, and were caught with bag nets. Later in
the season, during the month of November, the same fish was found in
quantities in the Kakapo Lake, where the water is always quite fresh, but
along with the smaller ones were many of larger size, averaging 4 inches
in length, and having the appearance of adult fish, without showing any
of the characters of the larger form. In the Blackwater, which is a
tributary of the Buller River, 20 miles from the sea, I am informed
that a fish which answers to &. Osmeroides is abundant from February
till June, and is caught in large quantities with a net at night-fall, but
that the smaller fish, which was described to me as the Whitebait with
a silver line on the sides, arrives in October in closely packed shoals
that advance steadily upstream against the rapids. Captain Hutton
states that in the Waikato these fish go down to the sea to spawn in
April, and that the young fish return again in October, but among the
specimens he collected both forms can be distinguished, although some
specimens of each are of equal size. In a collection of fishes obtained

from Taupo Lake I also find a small sized form of the Smelt, which,

EDIBLE FISHES. LAY

though differing in some respects from those found in the Waikato, has
decidedly the characters of 2. osmeroides. Specimens caught 16 miles
up the Wanganui River in the month of November also have the
characters of 2. osmeroides. They are 5 inches in length, and full of roe.
In the above collections, which comprise all the specimens in the Museum,
it is always easy to distinguish the fish which answers to Richardson’s
very minute description. They are of all sizes up to 4 inches, when I con-
sider they are adult, having a rather deep-shaped body, yellow colour,
with a silver streak on the side, ashort conical snout and very large eye.
In the largest specimens the length of the body is less than four times that
of the head, and less than five times the height of the body. The cleft
of the mouth is small, and the teeth are very minute. The form of the
stomach corresponds with Richardson’s description, being like a fleshy
tube with a bend dividing it into an esophageal and pyloric branch. On
the other hand, the specimens of 2. osmeroides have the external appear-
ance of a true English Smelt, the body being more elongated than
the former species, especially in the case of the specimens from Taupo
Lake. The colour (in spirits) of the Taupo specimens is also different
from the others, being a brown grey, with the silver band on the side very
indistinct, whilst the other specimens are yellow. In other respects they
have the same distinguishing characters from the type of 2. Richardsoni,
which are, an elongated snout, deeply cleft mouth, powerful jaws, and
strong teeth. The stomach is also different in form, being a blind sac
with the csophageal and pyloric orifices close together. As these
differences are of considerable importance, I think it will be of advantage
for observers in recording the habits of these fish in the meantime to
distinguish between the two forms, even if they should ultimately prove
to be the same species.

Both the large and the small Smelts form delicious food, the smallest
size when about 2 inches in length, being one of several young fish that
are called Whitebait. The large specimens, 7 inches in length, were
called Aua by the natives, which is also one name for the small Sea-
Mullet. The sketch of this fish given at Pl. X. fig. 92 agrees in general
form and character rather with the larger form of this fish (22. Osmer-
oides) than with the adult of the type described by Richardson.

94, KoKopv.

This is the general Maori name for several very common fishes in the
New Zealand streams and lakes, belonging to a family concerning which

128 EDIBLE FISHES.

Dr. Giinther makes the following interesting remarks :—‘ The family of
Galaxide was formed by the late Johannes Miiller for a single genus,
Galaxias—scaleless fresh-water fishes from the temperate zone of the
southern hemisphere, which, with regard to the development and posi-
tion of their fins, remind us of the Pikes of the northern hemisphere
but in other respects resemble the Salmonoids, to which they have been
compared by Miiller. Also, the settlers of at least some parts of New
Zealand have dignified the larger kinds with the name of ‘ Trout,’ or
or ‘ Rock-trout.’ However, they cannot be regarded as the southern
representatives of the Salmonoids, inasmuch as recent researches have
shown that this latter family is represented in the southern hemisphere
by other much more closely allied genera (Haplochiton and Prototroctes).
If we look for the representatives of the Galaxide in other zones, per-
haps the African Mormyride and the Arctic Hsocide are those which
may be mentioned with the greatest propriety.

“Up to the present time only twelve species of Galaxias are known.
Their geographical distribution is a point to which the greatest interest
attaches. We find the genus most developed in New Zealand, where
five species occur, and these are the largest of the whole group. West-
wards it extends to New South Wales with three, and to Van Diemen’s
Land with two species. Another is said to be an inhabitant of the
creeks of Queensland ; but this is doubtful. Eastwards the same genus
is met with again in the southernmost parts of America (Falkland
Islands, Patagonia, Terra del Fuego), whence three species are known ;
and finally, a minute form is said to occur in Chile. The occurrence of
the same natural genus of fresh-water fishes in Australia, New Zealand,
and South America, would appear to be significant enough, and must be
the more so when we find that even one and the same species ( Galaxias
attenuwatus) inhabits the fresh waters of countries separated at present
by the South Pacific Ocean.”*

Two species of this fish have been figured as they are most frequently
met with, and illustrate the greatest variety of external form which the
genus presents in New Zealand.

G. fasciatus, Pl. X. fig. 94, is the Kokopu proper, reduced to one-
half the natural size of the specimens most frequently caught, but they
are sometimes very much larger. It is a fat sluggish fish found lurking
under stones and rotten logs in all the streams in the colony, however
small, where not running over a clear or stony bottom. They afford

r * & Ann, and Mag. of Natural History,” November, 1867.

EDIBLE FISHES. 129

very tame sport, but are fair eating, resembling the Eel in flavour.

The other species (@. attenuatus), which has been figured of the
natural size on Pl. X. fig. 96, it is proposed to distinguish as the New
Zealand Minnow. It is a little fish constantly seen in most lakes and
clear running streams, with very much the same habits as the English
Minnow. At certain seasons the young fry swarms in incredible num-
bers, and forms the Whitebait of New Zealand,* but is a very poor sub-
stitute for the little Herring that is so well known at Greenwich by that
name. At Taupo Lake and other places in the interior small fish which
the Maoris collectively term Inanga, but which are chiefly of the species
now referred to, form the food of the natives for many months in the
year, and are obtained in such abundance as to yield an ample supply
both for daily use and to preserve for other seasons.

These small fish are caught where streams enter the lake, with fine-
meshed nets woven of green flax. Several bushels of them are frequently
caught at one time, and are immediately piled on hot stones and covered
with mats and earth for half-an-hour or so, in the usual manner of Maori
cookery, but without the addition of any water. Thus prepared, if not
for immediate use, they are firmly packed in tightly plaited baskets,
and in this state will keep for months, at least sufficiently well to suit
the Maori taste, which is not fastidious.

The chief season for the Inanga at Taupo is from October to January,
but as late as March all sizes can be found. It may be useful to give
a list of the different fishes the Maoris distinguish in the Taupo district,
which are as follows :—

Kokopu.—Common in all rivers and the lake.
Rawai.—A large kind of Kokopu, $a tb in weight, found only in
the lake.

Manguawai.

A large fish. In rivers only.

Ngoho-ngoho.—A. large sized Kokopu with bands of colour on the
sides.

Matiwhitu.—A red Kokopu.

A black Kokopu ; probably the Bullhead (Z/eotris), which

is a common inhabitant of all streams in New Zealand.

Hawai.

Koaro.—Not found in Taupo Lake, but only in Rotoaira.
Para.—A small fish found near the sources of the Wanganui River.
It is less than 2 inches long when adult.

*Dr. Powell. TZvans. N. Z. Inst., Vol. IL, p. 84.
R

130 EDIBLE FISHES.

97. Mup Fisu.

A most curious fish, allied to the foregoing, is the Mud Fish
(Neochanna apoda), the interest attaching to which was first recognised
by Sir George Grey, who obtained specimens at Hokitika which were
forwarded to Dr. Giinther in 1867, with the following notes, supplied to
me by Mr. Schaw, Warden of the district :—

The fish were first found 4 feet from the surface in a stiff clay
imbedding roots of trees, the locality being 37 feet above the level of
the river, and three miles from the sea, and having at one time been the
backwater of the river during floods. The township of Kanieri is now
built upon it, but little more than two years since it was a swamp
covered with dense forest. The surface clay rests on a deep deposit of
gravel, which has been pierced in all directions by the goldminers, so that
no surface or river water can collect, and the original swamp has
disappeared. Mr. Schaw examined many specimens as they were found,
and assures me that they were obtained imbedded in the clay, and that,
although when first extracted they moved freely if placed in water, they
soon get sluggish and die.

The specimens vary from 3 to 7 inches in length.

Dr. Giinther regards this fish as “‘a degraded form of the more highly
developed type of Galaxias,” but differing among other points in the
absence of ventral fins and the rudimentary character of the eye.
By the latter character he states that ‘‘ Veochanna is distinguished in a
remarkable manner from the true Galaxias, which appear to inhabit
more open and clear waters (those from Terra del Fuego are found in
‘Alpine’ lakes), and have the eyes fully developed ; while the almost
rudimentary eyes of Veochanna indicate clearly that it lives habitually
in mud or swampy places. It is not surprising that the specimens
obtained were killed by the sudden immersion in clear water ; perhaps
they might have survived if the change had been made in a more
gradual manner.

“ All Galawias are extremely fat, so that it is impossible to handle
them, even for a very short time, without the fat penetrating through
the skin and soiling everything which comes into contact with them. I
was much surprised to find this also to be the case in our specimen of
Neochanna (which I should have supposed to have undergone a pro-
tracted trial of fasting), and still more so when the stomach proved to
be distended with food which appeared to consist of the semi-digested
remains of the /arve of a small dipterous insect.

EDIBLE FISHES. 131

‘Tn conclusion I would draw attention to the remarkable fact that
in numerous groups of fishes which live in mud, or are even enabled to
pass a longer or shorter time in soil periodically dried and hardened
during the hot season, forms occur entirely devoid of, or with only
rudimentary ventral fins. The chief function of these fins is to balance
the body of the fish whilst swimming ; and it is evident that in fishes
moving during a great part of their life over swampy ground, or through
more or less consistent mud, this function of the ventral fins ceases, and
that nature can readily dispense with these organs altogether.”*

Since the discovery of the specimens described by Dr. Giinther others
have been found at Hokitika, and also at Rangitikei in the North
Island, by the Hon. Mr. Fox, and many of these I have succeeded in
keeping alive for several months in pure water, and found the eyes
of specimens of all sizes were soon fully developed, and that the sense
of sight became quite as acute as in other fishes.

Wherever this curious fish has been found it is always buried in the
mud, and it is singular that it should have such a wide distribution if
it does not also exist in the neighbouring rivers.

With reference to the absence of the ventral fins in this fish, I may
mention that in every case the specimens in confinement have sickened
after some months, and for many weeks before they die they display an
inability to remain at the bottom of the tank, which is their usual place,
but float gently to the surface, tail first, in the most helpless fashion, as
if they were only able to maintain a horizontal position by a constant
effort with the tail, which at last wearies them out. Pl. X. fig. 97 is
one-half the natural size of the fish.

EELs.

Several species of the Eel are found in the New Zealand rivers, those
figured in Pl. XI. figs. 102 and 104 (Anguilla aucklandi, and A. australis),
being the most common. The former grows toa very large size, and is
largely used by the natives and persons living in the remote districts for
food, but is rarely sold in the towns. The quality of the flesh of the
Eel differs greatly in different streams, and there are some singular facts
respecting its distribution which are not yet fully understood. Thus,
Eels are not found in Taupo Lake, although they are common in streams
only a few miles distant that flow direct to the sea by the Rangitaiki
River. The natives have repeatedly carried Eels across this gap in the
hope of acclimatising them to the waters of the lake, but they are never
again seen. Mr. W. T. L. Travers has directed attention to a similar

* « Annals of Nat. Hist.,” Nov. 1867.

a2 EDIBLE FISHES.

circumstance in certain rivers of the South Island, * under conditions
which indicate that the Eel cannot survive without free access to the
sea. Respecting the existence of an obstruction in the course of the
Waikato that will prevent the Hel ascending and descending from Taupo
Lake, Mr Maling, who is surveying in that district, has written to Mr.
Travers as follows :—“In looking over the Zransactions of N.Z. Insti-
tute, I see that you make inquiries about Eels being found in rivers
below rapids, and not above them. From my own observations I think
it is absolutely requisite for that fish to have access to the sea, There
are three notable instances of it near here. Ist. In the Waikato River
Eels are found as far as Maungatautari Falls, and in all the streams that
flow into it below them. 2nd. In the Kaituna River, which drains
Rotorua and Rotoiti Lakes, Eels are caught as far as the falls below
the Taheke, and no further. 3rd. They are caught in Lake Tarawera,
but not in Rotokakahi, the waters of which run into Tarawera Lake,
but have a perpendicular fall in one place of over 100 feet. The natives
also say that unless the fish can get to the sea it will not be found.
Rapids, unless of great length, and the waters much confined, are not
sufficient to prevent them ascending ; and I have also met them on land
where vegetation is rank, and wet with dew or rain. It is my own
opinion that Eels spawn near the mouths of rivers, as I have several
times seen immense shoals of young ones, not more than 3 inches in
length, ascending rivers near their confluence with the sea.” The
existence of this bar in the Waikato must surely also affect the other
species of fish found in Taupo Lake, and will thus enable us to distin-
guish the fishes that do not require to visit the salt water.

In addition to the fresh-water Eels we have two species of Conger,
the Silver Eel, of small size found in Wellington Harbour (Congronurena
habentata, fig. 106), and the other the common Conger Eel (Congrus
vulgaris, fig. 105) which is found in all seas. The latter is well known
to the natives as the Ngoio, and attains a very large size. It is fre-
quently caught outside the harbout of Wellington and brought to mar-
ket, but is not much esteemed as food.

Most of the larger rivers in New Zealand are visited early in the
summer by shoals of Lampreys, which are stated to be excessively
delicate and well-flavoured. It is of some interest to know that the
same species of Lamprey visits the rivers of Chili and Western Aus-
tralia. They are greatly esteemed by the natives, who call them
Piharau, and used to pot them in oil in large quantities.

* Trans. N. Z. Inst., Vol. ILI., p. 120.

EDIBLE FISHES. Loe

ADDENDA.
SPRAT.

Since the notes on the Pilchard (p. 119) were printed, a Herring
cast up on the beach in Foveaux Strait has been collected by Captain
Hutton, and a second smaller specimen of the same fish obtained near to
Wellington. It proves to be a different fish from Clupea sagax, and
hardly distinguishable from the European Sprat, having a patch of teeth
on the tongue, and the prominent abdominal serrations which distinguish
this fish, and differing from it chiefly in the dorsal fin being placed
further back.

CLUPEA SPRATTUS, var. antipodum.
New Zealand Sprat.
Bare 16s. Vi. Ts A IG C.F s bat) 483 Ts. T. 18.

Head four and one-third times in the length, and less than the height ; first ray
of dorsal equidistant from centre of eye and root of caudal ; ventrals beneath the
anterior base of dorsal; eleven distinct abdominal serrations behind ventrals ;
mouth small, with lower jaw prominent. Maxillary expanded, extends to beneath
anterior margin of orbit ; opercles smooth (larger specimen with reticulate veins on
preoperculum, but not striate), posterior margin with a blunt notch ; tongue with
an oval patch of teeth, and teeth also on palate. Gillrakers fine, close set, and
shorter than diameter of eye. Scales large, regular, smooth.

Colour (from smaller specimens) silvery, darkish on back, with patches of
minute spots, the sides in certain lights also show eleven bright stripes. Pigment
spots scattered over the snout, and in two regular lines on lower jaw.

Length of larger specimen, 6 inches ; of smaller, 3°3 inches.—J. H.

OD Cov ae
« 7: ‘ Vv : ‘eign

Pi.

29

| 1 aa

1A eae

BV See

WE

Mili.

VIII.

TER ioc

EES tT

. Hapuku
. Kahawai

4. Red Snapper

. Snapper
. Tarakihi
. Trumpeter

. Moki

. Frost Fish

. Barracoota

. Horse Mackerel

. Trevally

. King Fish
. John Dory
. Boar Fish
. Warehou
. Mackerel

. Rock Cod

. Gurnard

. Mullet

. Sea Mullet ...

. Wrasse

. Butter Fish ...
. Haddock

. Red Cod

. Whiting
. Ling

. Hoki

. Brill ae

. Flounder or Patiki
. Sole

. Gar Fish

OF PLATES.

... Oligorus gigas
. Arripis salar
... Seorpis hectori

... Pagrus unicolor
... Chilodactylus macropterus
... Latris hecateia

» Ciliaris

.. Lepidopus caudatus
... Thyrsites atun
... Trachurus trachurus

... Caranx georgianus
. Seriola lalandii
. Zeus faber

... Cyttus australis
. Neptonemus brama
. Scomber australasicus

. Percis colias
... Trigla kumu
. Mugil perusii
. Agonostoma forsteri

. Labricthys bothryocosmus
. Coridodax pullus

. Gadus australis

. Lotella bacchus

... Pseudophycis breviusculus
. Genypterus blacodes
. Macrurus australis
. Coryphenoides n. zelandiz

rm denticulatus

. Pseudorhombus scaphus

.. Rhombosolea monopus
. Peltorhamphus n. zelandize
. Hemiramphus intermedius

i.

Pi

33

XII.

Selle
92.
94.
96.

97.

98.
Sis)

...100.
101.

102.

104,
105.

106.

114.

123.
154.

LIST OF PLATES.

Grayling
Smelt
Kokopu
Minnow
Mud Fish
Sand Eel
Anchovy

Pilchard or Sardine

. Prototroctes oxyrhynecus
. Retropinna richardsoni
. Galaxias fasciatus

;», attenuatus

. Neochanna apoda
... Gonorhyncus greyi
... Engraulis encrasicholus

. Clupea sagax

... Chanos salmoneus

Eel—Tuna
Black Kel
Conger Eel ...
Silver Eel
Leather Jacket
Smooth Hound
Torpedo

. Anguilla aucklandii

A australis

. Conger vulgaris
... Congromurna habentata

. Monacanthus convexirostris
.. Mustelus antarcticus
. Torpedo fairchildi

PL.IL.

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PU. XII.

I3L.

INDEX TO THE GENERA,

AND TO

ENGLISH AND

Acanthias
Acanthoclinus
Acanthurus
Agonostoma
Agriopus
Alopecias .
Anchovy
Anguilla .
Arara
Arrhamphus
Arripis

Aua
Barracoota
Bdellostoma
Blue Cod
Blue Shark
Boar Fish
Bovichthys
Brachypleura
Branchiostoma
Brill
Bull-head
Butter Fish

Butterfly Fish .

Callorhynchus
Caranx
Carassius .
Carcharias
Carcharodon

Carp, Prussian .

Cat Fish
Cavalli
Centriscus .
Cestracion
Chanos
Chilodactylus
Chilomycterus
Chironemus
Clupea
Cod, Blue

bs) hed).

», Rock
Conger
Conger Kel
Congromurena

s

MAORI NAMES.

63, 120
TY

63, 119, 133

46, 115
25, 113
65, 132
66, 132
66, 132

Coridodax
Coryphanoides
Cyttus
Dascyllus
Diplocrepis
Dog Fish

Dory
Doryichthys
Eel.

», Conger

>, Sand

», Silver
Eagle Ray
Electric Ray
Eleotris
Elephant Fish
Engraulis
Lrythrichthys
Huprotomicrus
EHxocetus .
Fierasfer
Fistularia .
Flat Fish
Flat-head ,
Flounder
Flying Fish
Frost Fish
Gadus
Galaxias
Galeus
Gar Fish
7asterochisma
Genypterus
Geotria .
Globe Fish
Gobius 5
Gold Fish
Gonorhynchus
Grayling
Groper
Gudgeon
Gurnard
Habuka
Haddock .

» Spined

PAGE
44, 114
49, 116, 117
18, 112
Al

. 40
79, 120
ye AE
Listy UNL
. 68
64, 131
66, 132
62, 119
66, 132
121

Se LIGAL
29, 129
ees
62, 119
=, te
81

54

48

38

117
een
51, 115
. 55
13, 109
116

58, 128, 130
81, 120
53, 118
20

47, 116
87

72

28

92

; 119
57, 123
102

59

28, 113
102

45, 115

i. INDEX.
PAGE.
Hag 87 Myliobatis
Hake 46, 116 Naucrates
Haku 111 Neochanna
Halargyreus . 45 Neptonemus
Half-beak ; . 53,118 Ngohongoho
Hammer-headed Shark . 76 Ngoiro
Haplodactylus : 5 Notacanthus
Hapuku 1,102 WNotidanus
Hauture 110 Notothenia
Hawai . 129 Oar Fish
Hemerocetes 3i, 119. Oda
Hemirhamphus ; 538, 118 Oligorus
Herring 37, 64, 114, 119, 120, 1383 Ophichthys
Hiku . Z 109 = Orthagoriscus
Hipara syn. Kokopu Ostracion
Hippocampus 70 Pagrus
Histiophorus 14 Pakirikin.
Histiopterus 112 ~=Para
Hoki 5 . 49 Parrot Fish
Horse Mackerel 16,110 Patiki
Ichthyocampus . 68 Pelamys
ithe: 118 Peltorhamphus .
Inanga pal29)s eherce
John Dory 18; 111 Perch
Kahawai . ; 2 105 » sea
Kahawairoa, syn. Hapuku Percis
Kanae : 113. ~=-Perlon
Kathetostoma 22 Phosichthys
Kelp Fish 114 Picton Herring .
King Fish 17,111 Puiharau
Kiriri . 120 ~~ ~Pilchard
Koaro 129 Pilot Fish.
Kohikohi . 107, 127 Pipe Fish
Kokopu 59 Piper
Kumu-kumu 113. Poddly
Labrichthys 42 Pohuiakaroa
Lamna 4 ie poreupine Hishy,
Jiamprey 87, 132 Port Jackson Shark
Lancelet . 88 Prosopodasys
Latris é 8, 107, 108 Prototroctes
Leather-jacket 71, 120 JPrussian Carp .
Lepidopus 12,109 Pseudophycis
Lepidotrigla . 27 Pseudorhombus .
Ling 48,116 Raja
Lotella 46, 115,116 Rawai
Mackerel PA leas a eH
=. Horse 16, 110 », Hagle .

Macrurus . 48, 116 ., Electric
Makawhiti . 114 RedCod .
Maka or Manga 109 Red Gurnard
Mango or Mako 77, 120 Red Mullet
Manguawal 129 Red Snapper
Marare 114 = Regalecus .
Matiwhitu 129 = Retropinna
Minnow 60, 129 Rhinobatus
Moki 9, 108 Rhombosolea
Monacanthus 70, 120 Rock Cod.
Mud Fish 61, 130 Saccarius
Mugil : 35, 113 Salmo
Mullet, Grey 36, 113 Salmon

Spey ved 5, 106 ae Lrout

she Sem 37, 114 Sand Eel
Mustelus . 76,120 Sardine

Sead

* Scomber
Scombresor
Scorpena .
Scorpis
Scyllium
Sea Bream
Sea Horse.
Sea Mullet
Sea Perch
Sea Trout.
Sebastes
Seriola
Shark, Blue z

., Hammer-headed

,, Port Jackson
Tiger
White
Silv er Eel.
Skate
Skipjack .
Skipper
Smelt ,
Smooth Hound .
Snapper
“2 ed
Snipe Fish
Snook
Sole
Solenoqnathus
Spined Dog Fish
Spotty
Sprat
Sticharium
Stigmatophore
Stingaree .
Sucker
Sun Fish .
Sword Fish
Syngnathus
Tamure

INDEX
PAGE.
110 = Tarakihi
21, 112 ‘Tawa-tawa
53, 118 Tench
10, 108 Tetrodon
4,106 ‘Thresher .
79, 120 Thyrsites
112 Tiger Shark
70 Tinca
37, 114 Tope
42,108 Torpedo

. 91 Trachelochismus
9, 108 Zrachichthys
17, 111) = Trachurus
ae 120 Trevally

76= Trigla
80. Trout
if + «Sea
78 ,, salmon
66, 132 Trumpeter
84,121 Trunk Fish
. lll = Zrygon
53, 118 Trygonorhina
58, 125, 126 © Trypterygium
76,120 Tuna
6,106 ‘Tunny
106 Turbot.

. BS Upeneichthys
14,110 Upeneoides
52,117 Upokororo

69 Mpecieenve _

76 Wairepo

108 Warehou .

Igo> OW oe

33. Whip Ray

69 Whitebait
85, 121 White Shark

40 Whiting

73 Wrasse .

14 + Yellow-tail

67 Zeus

106 Zygena

" 58, 60, 126, 129

12
15, 110
16, 110
28, 113

4, 106
123

_ 121
21

21, 112
102

86

ic

116

. 4

17, 111, 115
18, lil

76

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List of Publications of the Geological Survey Department.

1, On the COAL DEPOSITS of NEW ZEALAND, 1866. By Dr. Hector, F.R.S._
[Out of Print. ] %
2. Geological Report.on LOWER WAIKATO DISTRICT, with — and eee ia
1867. By Caprarn Hurron, F.G.S._ 1s. Sisrkcs a ee
3. Geological Report on THAMES GOLD FIELDS, 1867. By Oarnars H rrr0N, F.G.S,
Gd. * pe lee eee
4. Progress of GEOLOGICAL SURVEY of NEW ZEALAND, , ee with |
Sections. By Dr. Hector, F.R.S. 1s. 6d. rrptgie 4
5. Progress of GEOLOGICAL SURVEY of NEW ZEALAND, during 1868:9, 9 with it
Sections by Dr.’ Hector, F.R.S., including Reports on Barrier Island, Okarita ss
District, East Cape, Thames Gold Fields, and Kawau Islands, with Maps— and ;
Sections. [Out of Print. ] 2 me |
6. Geological REPORTS for 1870-1, {including Reports on Conenamtel and Thongs
_ Gold Fields, Amuri and Waipara Districts, Malvern Hills, Nelson Province, ete.,~
~ with Maps and Secticns. 2s. 6d. :
7. Progress of GEOLOGICAL SURVEY of NEW ZEALAND, 1871, a Geole
Maps of the Colony and Sections. By Dr. Hxcror, F.R.S. (In the press.) ee
8. MUSEUM and LABORATORY REPORT for 1866-7. By Dr. Hxcror,* 64.
Bo as * . ef . § 1867-8. 6 eh . 6d.
10. 5 * 3 5 », 1868-9. ,, ae . 6d.
1 " < i 3» NOOO=2Ds ss PE aren! 6
12. ; Ss Le Slee 6d.
13.. METEOROLOGIC AL REPORT for 1868, with Abstract of all ae for sie
Zealand prior to that date. 1s.
14, METEOROLOGICAL REPORT for 1869-70. 1s.
15. BOTANICAL NOTES on the KAIKOURA MOUNTAINS and MOUNT BENO:
1867. By J. Bucwanan. [Out of Print.].
16. CATALOGUE OF COLONIAL MUSEUM, 1870. 64.
17. Catalogue of the BIRDS of NEW ZEALAND, weet Diagnoses of
By Capraris Hurron, F.G.S. 1s. 6d.
18. On the FISHES of NEW ZEALAND—Caratoave by Carrarn TF
Fisues (with 12 plates) by Dr. Hecror. 5s. e=
SES
Other Scientific Works relating to New Zealand. :
1, NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION, 1865. Jurors Reports and Awards, 5
2. NEW ZEALAND. By Dr. Hocusrerrer. 25s,
3. HANDBOOK of the NEW ZEALAND FLORA. By Dr. Hooker. 42s.

Wee 2 [hbleck.) het 2) Had ae

4. TRANSACTIONS of the NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE, Vol. L. [Out of Print]

9 rE) 29 29 ” II... 21s. icy 4
A s 99 >> griile 218; F a
a ~ peas yaad IV. [In the Press.] 4

Wa, vi ‘hf WF, hay (ole 3

s aces".