EDIBL-E

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HARVARD UNIVERSITY.

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MUSEUM OF OOMPAKATIVE ZOOLOGY.

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Department of Fisheries. Neiv South Wales.

THE

Edible Fishes

OP

New South Wales:

Their

Present Importance and Their Potentialities.

By

David G. Stead,

Naturalist to the Board of Fisheries for New South Wales.
Author of "Fishes of Australi\, " &c., &c.

With 81 Plates and 1 Map.

Published by Authority of the
GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

fe.

1908.

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JJ

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SYDNEY :
W. A. GULLICK, CiOVEENMENT PRIXTEU.

Contents,

PAGE.

Intkoduction 9

A Complete List of the Edible Fishes oi- New
South Wales ; with Brief Remarks on each
Species ,. ... 23

Plates 1— LXXXl folhwing page 120

Map of New South Wales ... fnllo-ivfng p/a/e LXXXI.

Index 121

LIST OF PLATES.

T. — Ox-eye, or Big-eyed Herring.
II. — Salmon-Herring.
III.— Hairback, or Gizzard Shad.
IV. — Pilchard, or Maray.
V. — Herring.

VI. — Californian Rainbow Trout.
VII. — Estuary Catfish.
VIII. — Common Eel.
IX. — Sergeant Baker.
X.— Upper Figure : Stout Long-Tom.

Lower Figure: Slender Long-Tom.
XI. — River Garfish.
XII.— Sea Mullet.
XIII. — Flat-tail Mullet.
XIV. — Sand Mullet.
XV. — Striped Fike.
XVI.— Red Cod.

XVII. — X AN N YG Al .

XVIII.— Small-scaled Bull's-eye.
XIX. — Blackfish.
XX. — Rock Blackfish.
XXL— Bluefish.
XXIL— Upper Figure: Freshwater Perch.

Lower Figure: Estuary Perch.
XXIII. —Golden Perch, or Yellow-Belly.
XXIV.— Murray Cod.
XXV.— Black Rock Cod.
XXVI.— Red-speckled Hind.
XXVII. — Brown-spotted Hind.

b THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

XXVIII. — Queensland Groper.
XXIX. — Banded Sea Perch.
XXX. — Government Bream.
XXXI. — Pearl Perch.
XXXII.— Old Wife.
XXXIII.— Sand Whiting.
XXXIV. — Trumpeter Whiting.
XXXV. — School Whiting.
XXXVI. — Spotted Whiting.
XXXVII. — Jewfish.
XXXVIII.— Teraglin.
XXXIX. — Bastard Trumpeter.

XL. — Red Morwong, or Sea Carp.
XLI. — Banded Morwong.
XLII. — Silver Perch.

XLIII. — Queensland Trumpeter, or Javelin-Fish.
XLIV. — Short Boarfish.
XLV. — Upper Figure: " School " Snapper.
Lower Figure: "Old Man" Snapper.
XLVI. — Black Bream.
XLVII. — Tarwhine.
XLVIII. — Butter-Fish.
XLXIX. — Black Trevally.
L. — Scalyfin.
LI. — Banded Pigfish.
LII. — Blue-spotted Groper.
LIII. — White-spotted Parrot-Fish.
LIV.— Maori.
LV. — Rock Whiting.

LVI. — Herring-Kale (Male and Female).
LVII. — Trevally.
LVIII. — Silvery Moon-Fish.
LIX. — Samson-Fish.
LX. — Runner.
LXI. — Tailer.

LIST OF PLATES.

LXII.— Dart.

LXIIL— Common Mackerel.
LXIV. — Horse Mackerel.
LXV. — Butterfly- Fish.
LXVI. — Barred Spanish Mackerel.
LXVII. — Spearfish, or Swordfish.
LXVIIL— Silver Dory.
LXIX. — Large-toothed Flounder.
LXX. — Long-snouted Flounder.
LXXL — Small-headed Sole.
LXXIL — Narrow-banded Sole.
LXXIIL— Black Sole.
LXXIV.— Tongue-Fish.
LXXV.— Red Rock Cod.

LXXVL— BULLROUT.

LXXVIL — Dusky Flathead.
LXXVIIL — Sand Flathead.
LXXIX. — KuMu Gurnard.
LXXX. — River Blackfish.
LXXXL — Australian Rockling.

THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW
SOUTH WALES.

Introduction.

From an economic standpoint, the lishes of New South Wales
are at present of great importance; but their present import-
ance is as nothing compared to their vast possibihties ; and
I am confident that I am justified in saying that the future
will demonstrate that they are to be numbered amongst
this State's greatest national assets. Rich in a variety of
fine edible forms, these waters are no less rich in quantity,
and many of our species — more particularly those of a pelagic
or oceanic nature, such as the Mackerels — occur in such
overwhelming abundance as to make their capture and
treatment (in a commercial way) on a large scale a com-
paratively simple matter lor people of enterprise, knowledge,
and resource. In stating this, I am thinking chiefly of fishes
which are not at present of any importance in the markets
of New South Wales — fishes which, though present in our
coastal waters in incalculable numbers, are not usually
captured unless they make their appearance in the more
restricted waters of our harbors and estuaries (the latter
being the principal localities in which fishing for market is
carried on). But, apart from these, those species which are
just now of principal value in the fisheries of New South
Wales, may be captured in quantities immensely greater
than those at present marketed, all that is needed to bring
this about being a more improved fashion of handling the

10 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

fish after capture, better means of despatch to selhng centres,
and — most important of all — a comprehensive and up-to-date
scheme of distribution to the people. No very complete or
satisfactory system of fish supply, as far as the individually
small consumers are concerned, has so far been evolved,
notwithstanding that it is recognised on all sides that the
public desire for fresh fish is so deep-seated that the present
supply might be very considerably augmented without there
being any danger of it exceeding the demand.

Exclusive of the Sharks and Rays, about five hundred
species of fishes are at present known to inhabit the waters
of New South Wales; and of these, about two hundred and
fifty may be regarded as edible* kinds. Very many of the
latter are of present commercial importance, while among
the others are to be found a considerable number of species
which only await the advent of different methods of capture
to those at present in vogue to become of the highest
importance in our fisheries. (This matter is again referred
to by me in dealing with the individual species.)

Though our fisheries are capable of enormous expansion
(and here I am referring only to that great portion of the
fisheries concerned with the fishes alone), their present value
is really very considerable and far greater than most people —
even residents in the State — ^have imagined.

During the last five years an amount of 48,243,238 lb.
(or 643,243 baskets) of fish has passed through the fish
markets of New South Wales. This amount was distri-
buted throughout the various years as underf : —

Year. lb.

1903 ... ... 10,596,000

1904

9.389'25o

1905

9,241,650

1906

9,666,289

1907

9.350,049

* I use the term " edible " here in the sense explained by me in the introductory

note to the list of fishes farther on.

t All amounts are calculated at the rate of 75 lb. weight per basket.

ANNUAL FISH SUPPLY.

II

This would show an average of 9,648,648 lb. per
annum; but, in addition to the quantities here given, a very
large amount is sold without ever passing through recognised
markets, and of which no record is at present obtained.
Again, there is a considerable quantity of fish (freshwater) —
principally Murray Cod — captured annually in New South
Wales rivers and forwarded through several border towns
into Victoria. During the last five years this aggregated not
less than 636,496 lb., made up as under: — ■

Year. lb.

1903 ...

43.792

1904 ...

114,688

1905 ...

122,976

1906

I4I456

1907 ...

213,584

More than nine-tenths of the New South Wales fish supply
is obtained from the coastal estuaries and lakes by means
of hauling and meshing nets. That which yields by far the
greatest supply is the estuary of the Clarence River, from
which during the last five years a quantity of 8,041,025 lb.
has been forwarded to the metropolitan markets, the figures
for each year being as follows : —

Year. lb.

1903 1.6477.50

1904 1,086,875

1905 1.594.350

1906 1.931,325

1907 1,780,725

The great bulk of the market supply is made up of the
following kinds : — Black Bream, Blackfish, Flathead, Whiting,
Jewfish, Mullet, and Snapper; the most numerous being the
various species of Mullet (principally Sea Mullet).

Although strictly speaking — not being fishes — they should
not be included here, I feel it incumbent upon me also, to
make some mention of the edibte Crustaceans and Oysters

12

THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

of New South Wales, playing, as they do, such an important
part in our present fisheries. Economically, by far the most
important of our edible Crustaceans are the two species of
marine Crayfish (or "Spiny Lobster"), known respectively
as the Common Crayfish and the Southern Crayfish. The
former is the ordinary form, captured in the coastal waters
of New South Wales, and is the one most abundantly repre-
sented in the fish markets; while the latter is captured but
sparingly in these waters, the great bulk of those sold in
Sydney coming from Victoria or Tasmania. During the last
five years the following quantities of Crayfish have passed
through the fish markets: —

Year. No. of Crayfishes.

1903 53,237

1904

1905
1906
1907

33,084
85,224
58,992
84,900

Total number of Crayfishes for five years, 315,437 ; or
an average of 63.087 per annum.

As is well known in Australia, these Crayfishes attain a
large size, and are very highly esteemed as food.

The next Crustacean, in order of size, is the large Murrum-
bidgee Crayfish (Astacopsis spinifera), a lobster-like animal
with huge claws, also known as " Murray River Lobster."
This is widely distributed, but reaches its greatest abundance
and size in the western rivers of New South Wales. Large
numbers of these are captured and sold in country towns,
but a comparative few finding their way to the markets of
Sydney.

Of edible crabs there are a number of species, the two of
greatest importance being the Blue Swimming Crab {Lupa
pelagica) and the Mangrove Crab [Scylla serrata). The latter,
though not so commonly obtained, is of greater value than
the other, as it grows to a considerable size, and is large-
clawed; consequently, more " meaty."

PRAWNS AND OYSTERS. I3

Next in economic importance to the Crayfishes are the
Prawns, of which New South Wales possesses a number of
fine edible species; the most important of which at present
are (i) the King Prawn (PencBus canaliculatns), and (2) the
School Prawn [Penceus /nadeayi). Of these, the former is
the larger, attaining a length of as much as 8 inches. During
the last five years the following quantities (quarts) of Prawns
have passed through the fish markets of New South Wales.*

^'ear. Quarts.

1903 ... ... ... 213,200

1904 127,000

1905 91,640

1906 119,360

1907 187,120

Total quantity for five years, 738,320 ; or an average of
147,664 per annum.

In addition to those here mentioned, a very large quantity
is annually disposed of, which doss not pass through any
recognised market.

With edible Oysters, New South Wales is excellently
provided, though only one species is of commercial importance,
this being the common Rock Oyster f {Ostrea cucidlata).
Among the marine resources of New South Wales, the common
Oyster holds a very high and important position, as a very
considerable trade results from its cultivation and sale.

During the last five years, the following quantities J of
Oysters hav^e been produced in the estuarine waters of New
South Wales : —

1903 ... ... ... 16,311,600

1904

1905
1906
1907

15,135,600
16,629,600
18,007,200
17,310,000

* AH quantities of prawns are calculated by me at the rate of 40 quarts=io

measures, per basket.

t By the term Rock Oyster, it must not be understood that this species is only

to be found in rocky positions, as such is not the case.

J The quantity is calculated at the rate of 1,200 oysters per bag, which is quite a

moderate estimate.

14 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

This gives an annual average of nearly 17,000,000 oysters,
and although this number very strikingly indicates the present
importance of the industry, it may be safely stated that,
when all the oyster lands are treated in the same way as a
comparative few are at present, the output will be at least
quadrupled.

The Oysters produced in New South Wales are already
famed for their fine size and excellent quality, and there is,
undoubtedly, a great future before the industry.

I mentioned previously that more than nine-tenths of the
New South Wales fish supply was obtained from the coastal
lakes and estuaries, thereby indicating that the present supply
from inland sources was comparatively small. But though
this is so, the inland (western) fisheries are destined to play
a far more important part than they do at present; and this
naturally, as the western districts are more and more opened
up, and conveyance becomes an easier matter; but with the
aid of artificial propagation on a grand scale by means of
suitable hatcheries, the productive power of the waters in
these localities will be greatly increased. There is no doubt
also that a valuable food-fish like the Murray Cod — the supply
of which is never likely to equal the demand — might be
profitably farmed in private lakes and lagoons, as is done
with other species in various countries, and might be trans-
ferred— with every prospect of success, as far as can at
present be seen — to more extensive waters in which it does
not now exist. A good instance of what might be done in
this way has already been afforded us in our experience with
Lake Georgef. In 1893 this was a great sheet of water,
22 miles in length by an average width of 7 miles, and having
a mean depth of 8 feet. About forty years previously, the
lake was practically dry, but in the year 1862, during a time
of great flood rains, it received a huge volume of water, the
quantity being more or less sustained for many years. The
same floods which filled it also brought a stock of Murray

* Lake George has now practically ceased to exist, having dried up.

"BARREN JACK." 15

Cod, these being transported with the overflow from the ponds
of Sir Terence Aubrey Murray, at Collector, this gentleman
having stocked his ponds from the ^lunumbidgee River. As
a result of this introduction, the Murray Cod became firmly
established in the waters of Lake George, multiplying to a
remarkable extent, and growing rapidly, so that a few years
later, and for many years, a regular fishery was carried on,
many tons being captured and sold.

The successful results accruing to this fortuitous introduction
of ]\Iurray Cod open to our view the great possibilities of this
fish in its relation to our future food-supply, more especially
in view of the trend of recent events. During the lost few
years there has been a great movement in New South Wales
in favor of artificial conservation of water on a large scale
and by means of giant dams, the waters so impounded to be
used in irrigation for general agricultural purposes. This
movement has, to some extent, materialised, and there is
in course of construction at the present time, and at a locality
in southern New South Wales known as " Barren Jack," a
huge dam which will hold back an enormous body of water.
This dam is being thrown across the course of the Murrum-
bidgee River, at a short distance below its junction with the
Goodradigbee River. Though there can be little doubt that
this work will be more than amply paid for by the added
agricultural value which will be given to the hundreds of
square miles of fine arable land stretching away at its foot,
its value from a fisheries standpoint is not to be lightly passed
over. As the latter aspect of the case is so important, and as
it has not hitherto been discussed, I feel constrained to go
into a few details here, especially in view of the fact that it
is contemplated by many that other works of a somewhat
similar nature will be undertaken in the near future.

It is Ccdculated that the Barren Jack Dam will impound
at normal levels a quantity of 33,612,671,000 cubic feet, or
2 10,079,193,777 J gallons of water, which will be confined in
a surface area of 12,784 acres. Out of this vast area there
will be 8,246 acres of 30 feet and less in depth. I might

l6 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

mention also that it is considered that the Murrumbidgee
River will be dammed back for about 40 miles, while the
Goodradigbee will be similarly dammed for about 12 miles.

Now, in European lakes (according to such an authority
as Sir F. A. Nicholson), where fishes subsist solely upon the
natural food supplied by a lake and its sources, i^ cwt. per
acre is considered a medium annual yield. Under the more
favorable conditions for the growth of fish food existing in
our waters, I think we may safely increase the amount to at
least 2 cwt. under ordinary natural conditions; while, with a
proper system of cultivation, this amount might be very
greatly increased. As I stated before, it is estimated that
the total surface area of the Barren Jack Reservoir at normal
level will be 12,874 acres, which, at the rate of 224 lb. (2 cwt.)
to the acre, would yield 2,863,616 lb. of fresh fish annually.
Under present conditions the fishes so captured would consist
mainly of Murray Cod and Trout, and this without any
special introduction of the species on the part of man, as the
Murray Cod already exists in that portion of the Murrum-
bidgee above the dam, while the Goodradigbee River, which
flows into the MiuTumbidgee about 3 miles above the dam,
has long since demonstrated its capabilities as a trout stream
of the first order. On the other hand, if a suitable hatchery
and nursery ponds were established (and it must be remem-
bered that all the conditions combine to render hatchery
construction in this locality simple in the extreme, quite
without those difficulties which might be encountered else-
where) the possibilities of fish production in this great
artilicial lake would be immeasurably increased; and under
ordinarily favora.ble circumstances the return should reach
annually many millions of pounds weight. If — as appears
probable— other huge reservoirs of a similar nature are con-
structed, there will be presented to us the chance of enormously
augmenting our future inland fish supplies.*

*In Europe a lake is considered to be stocked with fishes vhen it holds them
at the rate of about i lb. per 50 cubic yards. At this rate, Barren Jack Reservoir
would, when fully stocked, support the enormous quantity of 24,898,275 lb., or
II, 1 15 tons. Verily these are huge figures, but investigation will show that they
are not exaggerated.

FISHERIES INVESTIGATION. I7

The great and widespread movement towards the elucida-
tion of hsheries problems which has begun to manifest itself
during the last few years in the various States of Australia,
led by New South Wales, and which must ultimately tend
to remove a great many of the disabilities under which we
at present labor, has recently taken a very definite and
tangible shape. By the action of the Australian (Common-
wealth) Government in taking the necessary steps to bring
about the formation of an Australian Fisheries Bureau, with
also the avowed intention of prosecuting a thorough and
searching inquiry of a permanent character into the nature
and importance of our boundless marine resources, a great
forward step has been taken. The fine investigation ship
which is now under construction in New South Wales for the
Commonwealth Government must itself be a very powerful
instrument in the collection of useful and highly-important
data in regard to the identity, occurrence, periodicity, and
distribution of our fishes — particularly, I think, those of a
pelagic or oceanic nature, of which we possess so many
valuable species, and about which we know so little. It is
to be sincerely hoped that the Commonwealth Government
will prosecute in a liberal and vigorous manner work so well
begun, as the amount of benefit to be derived (either directly
or indirectly) from properly carried out Fisheries investiga-
tion work, is almost incalculable. This has already been
found to apply in older countries which had already genera-
tions of knowledge and experience to build upon; and this
being so, how much more imperative it is for the work to be
carried on in waters such as our own, where so little has been
learnt.

But even if the Commonwealth Government carries out this
work, and does it in the way hoped for, the separate States
should not be idle, and each one should have a complete
staff of scientific workers whose duty it would be to inquire
into and advise upon fisheries problems generally, and more
particularly matters with which the individual States are

l8 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

chiefly interested. While this should undoubtedly be done,
any work carried out should be so arranged— as far as
practicable — as to dovetail in with work carried out by the
higher authority. In addition to this, and for the purpose
of generaly disseminating knowledge of our fisheries and the
many allied .matters, Fisheries Colleges — somewhat after the
fashion of those recently founded with such great success in
Japan — should be established without delay. These could
be placed at convenient spots and should be so constituted as
to be in a position to teach all general matters, such as various
fishing methods, the preparation of fishery products as food,
the various methods and the principles of oyster cultivation,
&c., as well as certain biological matters, upon a knowledge
of which the successful prosecution of a fishery so often
depends. To assist in the carrying out of the work, intelli-
gent young men, possessed of a very necessary amount of
patriotism and the desire to learn, should be sent for certain
terms, to study the fisheries problems, and the " method of
attack " of those problems in other countries. Such men
would then, in the ordinary course of events, become the
teachers in our Fisheries Colleges; but in any case, whether
the latter were established or not, the knowledge thereby
gained would be invaluable when adapted to our own condi-
tions. This, I may add, is part of the already successful
plan, at present being followed by our hardy and go-ahead
neighbors, the Japanese.

Hitherto, the only State in the Commonwealth of Australia
that has seriously attacked fisheries work* has been New
South Wales; and during the last few years a considerable
amount of useful investigation into our fishes and fisheries
has been carried out. As far as " outside " marine investi-
gation is concerned, the most important work so far per-
formed by this State was that undertaken by Mr. Frank

* At least as far as marine work is concerned.

INVESTIGATIONS CUT SHORT. I9

Farnell (now the Chairman of the Board of Fisheries for New
South Wales) during the year i8g8. I here refer to the
trawhng cruise of the " Thetis." This all-too-short investi-
gation was carried out under very great disabilities; the
" Thetis " being a vessel entirely unsuited for the work
which she was to perform, though an attempt was made to
adapt her to it. Still, notwithstanding the great obstacles
to success which were encountered, and the shortness of the
cruise — about two months, — the investigation was productive
of much information and material which already have been
of great use to us, and which will be of considerable assistance
and importance in future operations. In that light, therefore,
the expedition must be looked upon as having been exceed-
ingly successful, and it is greatly to be deplored that the
Government of the day did not authorise the continuance
of the work for a much longer period, even with such an
unsuitable vessel. It must be added that the carrying out
of this trawling was solely due to the great persistence and
enthusiasm of Mr. Farnell, then a member of the State
Legislature, and who for many years has with great ardour
insisted upon the importance and value of Australia's fisheries.

In this connection it will be of interest to mention that
shortly after the appointment of the New South Wales
Fisheries Commission in 188 1 that body took steps to intro-
duce a number of fishing im.plements of recognised importance
in the fisheries of other countries, the idea being to utilise
them in these waters, with a view to doing something towards
demonstrating the great potentialities of our outside fisheries.
This may be looked upon as a highly-important step, and
one that would in the ordinary course of events have been
productive of very great benefit ; but, to a great extent,
misfortune awaited this experiment. The newly-born Fisheries
Department of the day was housed in the hapless Garden
Palace, at Sydney, which, built in the year 1879, came to an
untimely end in 1882, being with its contents totally destroyed
by fire. By this unfortunate event, which took place on the
morning of the 22nd September of the year mentioned, the

20 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

whole of the books and documents of this Department, as
well as the fishing-gear referred to, and general effects, were
irretrievably lost.*

Amongst the implements here referred to were the fol-
lowing:—

(i) A Purse-seine net, similar to those used in America
in the capture of the Menhaden, j and measuring
185 fathoms in length by about 8i fathoms (when
hung) in depth.

(2) A Drift-net of the kind used in the Scotch herring

fisheries. (I am informed by my friend Dr. James
C. Cox, Commissioner of Fisheries, and who was
then President of the New South Wales Fisheries
Commission, that this net measured about 3 miles
in length).

(3) An Otter Trawl of 42 feet width of net. This was

tried in the waters of Port Jackson at the end of
1881.

(4) A large Beam Trawl, similar to those in use by

Grimsby fishermen at that time. (Later, and after
the destruction of this net, a facsimile of it was
constructed at the order of Dr. Cox, and this was
used in some experimental trawling, which was
carried on between Botany Bay and Jervis Bay
during 1883.)

(5) A Set-line or Bultow (called also " trawl-line "), which

was procured from America. This set-line was the
same in size and general construction as those which
were used on the first-class American schooners
engaged in the Cod fisheries. It was constructed,
under the direction of Captain Collins of the United

* The Linnean Society of New South Wales, which is the principal scientific
society of Australia, was also a very heavy loser by this disastrous fire.

fThe Japanese use a net very similar to this in construction — really an
adaptation of it — in which there are a number of metal rings along the bottom of
the net, through which is passed a draw-rope. When a shoal of fish is surrounded
the net is, by means of this draw-rope, converted into a large basin.

A LONG "SET LINE. 21

States Fish Commission, by Captain George Mer-
chant, Jr., an experienced fisherman of Gloucester
(U.S.A.). Such a hne as this is managed by two
men, though it is divided into sections for greater
convenience in handhng; and, if desirable, two or
more set-lines may be made of it). This set-line
was composed of the following parts: — Ground-line,
nearly 11,150 feet (2^ miles) in length, to which
2,000 hooks were attached by small lines called
gangings, each 3 feet long (the hooks were placed
5i feet apart); two small anchors; two keg-buoys
to mark the position of the line; two buoy-lines,
each 100 lathoms long; two flags for the buoys; a
" trawl roller " and two pairs of " nippers." (The
trawl roller is secured to the gunwale of the boat,
near the bow, in such a manner that the line passes
over it as the bultow is pulled in by the fishermen.
The woollen " nippers " are held on the hands of the
fisherman — one on each hand — who is thus enabled
to grasp the line firmly, and to pull with all his
strength — an impossible feat for a bare-handed
per'^on).

With the exception of the Beam-trawl, none of the fishing-
gear abovementioned was replaced.

The Bultow, it maj' be added, is likely to be used on a
large scale in our future outside fisheries. At the present
time a few men are using it in the v^icinity of Sydney, with
splendid results, the catch to a great extent consisting of
such an important fish as the Snapper.

23

A Complete List of

With

The Edible Fishes of '"'',!?*'
New South Wales.

upon
each Species.

'^

In the following pages an attempt has been made to bring
before the reader a " bird's-eye view " of the whole of the
known edible fishes inhabiting the waters of New South
Wales — both fiuviatile and marine. But before proceeding,
perhaps it is necessary for me to explain the exact meaning
of the term " edible," as used by me. By that, I mean
all of those fishes which — while not being of a noxious or
unpleasant character (such as Toad-Fishes, Porcupine-Fishes,
&c.) — attain a marketable size, or else occur in sufficient
abundance to render them of use as adjuncts to our food
supply. Strictly speaking, of course, using the term in its
widest application, it would necessarily include a host of
small fry, like the Gobies, Blennies, &c.; but with one or
two exceptions, such as these are not here taken into account.

The order followed in treating of these fishes is that used
by me in my " Fishes of Australia," (igo6); and that is the
true systematic order, which is as near as possible the natural
one. Alphabetical order, which is so convenient in many
respects, has here some very grave drawbacks; the principal
of which is that fishes having no relation with one another,
and which may be very different in habits, &c., are grouped
together, through the terminal in the vernacular name
being the same. (Familiar instances of this are the Red Cod
and the Murray Cod ; the first of which is a kind of Cod,
while the second is a true Perch.) The binomial nature of
our vernacular nomenclature also militates to some extent
against an alphabetical arrangement.

24 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

THE GIANT HERRINGS.

" Ox-eye," or Big-eyed Herring {Megalops cyprinoides).

Pt.ate I.

The Australian " Tarpon." More abundant in the vicinity
of the two great northern rivers, the Clarence and the Rich-
mond. A good food-iish, attaining a length of at least 5 feet.

Giant Herring {Slops saurus).

A fine food-fish., attaining a length of about 4 feet.
Distribution very similar to preceding. Well and favorably
known in America as a game-fish.

THE DORAB.

Dorab {Chirocentrus dorab).

A gigantic herring, which reaches a length of fully 12 feet.
Rare in the waters of New South Wales.

THE TRUE HERRINGS.

Salmon Herring {Chanos chanos).

Plate IL

Also known as " Milk-Fish." A large species, exceeding
a length of 4 feet. Not common in New South Wales.

Hairbaek, or Gizzard Shad {Dorosoma nasus).

Pi-ate III.

Like the four preceding, this herring is a northern species ;
at times occurring in shoals. Attains a length of about 15
inches. Very closely allied to the following:

Bony Bream or Pibrie {Dorosoma erebi).

An inhabitant of the inland waters of the Murray River
system. Very largely used as bait in the capture of Murray
Cod. Reaches a length of about 13 inches.

A MUCH-NEGLECTED FISH. 25

Pilchard or Maray {Clupanodon neopilchardus).

Plate IV.

A fish which is potentially of immense importance, but
which is at present but little used. It is by far the most
important of the Herring family in the waters of New South
Wales, occurring, as it does at certain seasons, in enormous
shoals covering vast areas, and comprising incredible numbers.
This statement applies to both young and adult stages.

The Australian Pilchard is, to all intents and purposes,
practically identical, as a food product, with the Sardine of
commerce; and many thousands of pounds might be made
out of its capture in the waters of New South Wales annually.
At times, so densely packed together are the shoals, that it
has been found possible to dip a basket into the sea and lift
it out half full of the pilchards. In the pursuit of this and
our smaller clupeids, a lucrative fishery awaits persons of
enterprise, experience, and resource.

The Pilchard " smokes " well, and a small quantity is so
treated annually in New South Wales. Shoals of pilchards
are to be found at various times throughout the year, but
those consisting of the mature fishes, averaging about 9 or
10 inches in length, are in their greatest magnitude during
spring and early summer, notably — in my own experience —
during the month of September. These shoals are usually
making north.

In regard to bodily shape and structure, the Pilchard is
elongate, with the body rather rounded and very " fleshy."
It is covered with thin, fairly large, and very deciduous
scales. The abdominal scutes, which are such a prominent
feature in some of the members of the Herring family are
very slightly developed, and the belly is rounded. These
features, coupled with the looseness of the scales, are of great
im])ortance in assisting to elevate this valuable fish to the
rank of a first-class food product.

The Pilchard commonly attains to a length of 9 or 10
inches, individuals of a larger size occurring in most shoals.

26 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

In color it is dark blue, bluish-green, or greenish-brown
along the upper surface, changing rather suddenly into the
brilliant silver color of the sides. Along each side is a
series of darker blotches, giving to the fish, when viewed from
above, an appearance very similar to that of another impor-
tant, though very different, species — the Common Mackerel.
Curiously enough, too, small bodies of the pilchards are
often found among Mackerel of equal size, and vice versa.

Herring {Sardinella castelnaiii).

Plate V.

This fish, like the preceding, is always with us in greater
or lesser abundance, but at times makes its appearance in
vast shoals. It is a comparatively short, deep-bodied fish,
attaining a length of 8 or 9 inches. The eye is large and
possesses a well-developed transparent fleshy lid, just as is
seen in the common Sea Mullet and Yellow-tail. The teeth
are very minute. The scales are large and highly deciduous.
There is a large and simple air-bladder, this showing up
silvery through the semi-transparent sides of the freshly-
caught herring.

As regards coloration, this fish is a very pretty little
species. The upper surface is usually of a bluish-green, the
sides being of a most brilliant silver, with, in certain lights,
a sheen of gold. This golden sheen is still more apparent on
the gill-covers or opercles. The irides are of a beautiful
golden or golden-red tint. The fins are transparent, the tips
of the dorsal fin and of the caudal lobes being black.

The Herring is one of the fishes of the future as far as
New South Wales is concerned, as at present practically no
use is made of it.

Freshwater Herring [Potamalosa novcB-hollandics).

This is another abundant New South Wales clupeid,
occurring commonly in all of our eastern streams. It is
rather an elongate fish, and attains commonly a length of
from 9 to 10 inches; examples of a still larger size being
occasionally obtained.

OF ANCIENT LINEAGE. 2.']

The Freshwater Herring is seen in its greatest abundance
timing the spawning season, which is about midwinter. At
this time huge shoals congregate in the estuaries of the rivers,
whither they have made their way to spawn. During the
breeding season the normal shape of the fish is greatly altered,
so much, indeed, as to give it the appearance of a different
species. This is due to the greatly increased depth or height
of the fish, brought about by the enormous development of
the reproductive organs, both ovaries and milt.

The teeth of the Freshwater Herring are very tiny. The
scales are large, smooth, and firmly adherent — not deciduous
as in the case of the common Herring. Like the latter fish
also, it has well-developed adipose eyelids.

This is a beautiful little fish when fresh, being, with the
exception of a narrow greenish strip along the back, of a
uniform silvery color. Soon after capture a good deal of its
brilliance disappears, the back and sides then being of a straw
color, or olive-green, with the belly silvery; a broad silver}^
dark-edged, longitudinal band running down the middle of
the sides.

The Freshwater Herring is known in different parts under
various names. It is one of our gentler sporting- fishes, being
often captured by " knights of the rod," and taking a bait
freely.

Sandy Sprat [Hyperlophus sprateUides).

This delicate little fish is destined to be of great importance
in future fishing operations in the waters of New South Wales,
occurring, as it does, always plentifully and at times in really
prodigious numbers. It is a pretty little fish, almost trans-
parent when alive, frequenting sandy localities along the New
South Wales coast, and attains to a length of 3 or 4 inches.
With its relative, the Freshwater Herring, this little clupeid
is of some interest scientifically, in that it is one of the so-
called " Rough-backed Herrings," which were known to occur
in a fossil state long before any existing species were dis-
covered. Reference to this matter will be found in " Fishes
of Australia."

28 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Anchovy {Engranlis antipodum).

For all practical and economic purposes, there is no
difference between our Anchovies and the famous fishes of
that name which occur in the Mediterranean Sea. Like the
previously mentioned species, we have it always with us, at
times congregating in enormous shoals of surpassing magni-
tude.* Like the Sandy Sprat also, it is a small species, attain-
ing a size usually but little larger than that fish. It is a large-
eyed and large-mouthed fish ; in fact, amongst the fishes
constituting our Herring family it may be at once distinguished
by the relatively enormous gape of the mouth.

At times other than the shoaling season, the Anchovy is
to be found frequenting fairly deep water in our harbors,
lakes and estuaries.

Other species of the family of Herrings have been recorded
from the waters of New South Wales.

THE SALMON FAMILY.
Californian Rainbow Trout {Salmo irideus).

Plate VI.

This magnificent sporting-fish has been successfully ac-
climatised in upland waters of New South Wales, in many
of which it is now quite abundant. Its splendid qualities as
a game-fish of the first order have won for it the highest
opinions on all hands, and it is now firmly established as one
of the useful fishes of New South Wales, owing to the un-
remitting efforts of the New South Wales Department of
Fisheries. It has shown itself to be readily adaptable to our
somewhat exacting and unique conditions.

European Brown Trout {Salmo fario), Salmon-Trout
{Salmo ■ triitta), Loch Leven Trout {Salmo levenensis), and
American Brook Charr {Salvelinus fontinalis), have also beeil
introduced to our waters, the first with marked success.

* During March, 1908, there was an enormous shoal of this species on our coast.

EDIBLE THOUGH HORRIFIC. 2<)

THE BEAKED SALMON.

Beaked Salmon {Gonorhynchus gonorhynchus).

Not a very common New South Wales fish, although
occurring more frequently than has hitherto been imagined.
Found in sandy localities, and attaining a length of i8 to 20
inches. The body is elongate and cylindrical. The mouth
is beneath the curious pointed snout, and the eye is large.

CATFISHES.

Estuary Catfish {Cnidoglanis megastomus).

Platk. VII.

This curious and ugly,, somewhat eel-like fish, is very
common in the estuaries, harbors, and coastal lakes all along
the coast of New South Wales, abounding principally in
muddy localities, and attaining a length of about 3 feet. At
the back and sides of the head (connected with the dorsal
and pectoral fins) are fearful serrated spines, which these
creatures know well how to use ; and wounds caused by these
are exceedingly painful. The capacity of the Estuary Cat-
fish to produce these wounds, coupled with its ugly appearance,
has contrived to bring about a feeling of disgust in most
people, and by most fishermen it is looked upon as a pest,
little better than the troublesome Stingrays. Still, notwith-
standing this, the fish is an edible species of no mean order,
the flesh being white and of good flavor. For the table it
should be boiled, and the skin removed — the head portion
being previously cut off.

In life, the colors of this species are rather attractive,
the whole of the body being curiously mottled with greyish
and brownish tints. A short time after death, however, the
skin usually assumes a dirty brown or blackish tint, not at
all pleasant to look upon.

30 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Freshwater Catfish {Copidoglanis tandanus).

This species, which is well and favorably known as an
edible fish in parts of New South Wales, bears a general
resemblance to its congener, just mentioned, but is far
stouter in build, being comparatively short and thick-set.
As in the Estuary Catfish, the second dorsal and anal fins
are continuous, forming a long eel-like fringing fin round the
tail portion. As I have already indicated, this fish is by no
means despised as a food-fish as is its estuarine relative, and
perhaps it is necessity which has brought this about. The
Freshwater Catfish abounds most commonly in the western
waters of New South Wales (those which ultimately find their
way into the River Murray), and as the inhabitants of these
parts have not the choice of species that residents of the
coastal districts are favored with, they cannot afford to be
so particular as to appearance — and certainly the Freshwater
Catfish is a very unlovely beast.

In some parts of the country this species is known under
the name of " Jewfish," but this name is only properly
applied to the fish known as Scicena antarctica.

In addition to occurring in our western waters, the Fresh-
water Catfish is found in the head waters of a number of our
northern east-flowing rivers.

Salmon-Catflsh {Galeichthys thalassinus).

Two species of Salmon-Catfish are at present known to
occur in our waters, but the larger form, above-mentioned,
is the more common.

This fish is not at present used largely as food. It is
found in fair abundance in the lower parts of our great
northern rivers.

In form the Salmon-Catfishes are very different to the
1 wo species previously mentioned, having a well-developed
forked tail and an adipose dorsal fin, as in the typical river
catfishes of America.

Galeichthys thalassinus is remarkable in that it has the
habit of hatching out its large eggs within the mouth cavity.

A BROBDINGNAGIAN. ^,1

EELS.

Common Eel {Anguilla reinhardtii).

Plate VIII.

This fish is found in all of the rivers and estuaries of the
eastern watershed of New South Wales, and is the principal
eel of the Sydney Fish Markets. Stray specimens of eels
have been reported from high up in western waters in New
South Wales, and during the year 1907 a photograph of one
measuring 2 feet 10 inches, captured at Wilcannia (low down
on the River Darling), was forwarded to the Department of
Fisheries, but these can only be looked upon as " strays,"
and nothing more, as no species of true eel is known to
habitually dwell in those waters.

The Common Eel not infrequently attains a length of
over 3 feet, with a weight of at least 10 pounds; a weight of
3 to 4 pounds is, however, considered a fair average. A
gigantic specimen which was taken from a " dam " at Glades-
ville, near Sydney, during December, 1907, and which is the
example here illustrated, measured 4 feet 4 inches in length,
and weighed 25 pounds. The girth of this Brobdingnagian
was 15 inches.

No special fishery for the capture of this valuable fish,
or its allies, at present exists; those that are brought to
market being usually captured along with other fishes in
hauling-nets — usually on muddy flats. As a food-fish it is
prized, the flesh being of good flavor.

The name Long-finned Eel is sometimes applied to this
species, to distinguish it from another somewhat similar form
known as the " Short-finned Eel " {Anguilla australis). In
the former, the dorsal fin extends very much farther forward
than in the latter. It is questionable, however, in my opinion,
as to whether the differences here denoted are more than
varietal.

In color the Common Eel is of a dark olive-brown,
streaked and spotted with black, the lower surface being
whitish.

32 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Amongst other edible eels occurring in the waters of New
South Wales, the following may be mentioned: —

Conger Eel {Leptocephalus lahiatiis).

Little Conger Eel {Congernmrcena hahenata).

Silver Eel {MnrtBnesox cinereus).

Serpent Eel* {Ophistints serpens).
I Green Eel {Gymnothorax prasina).

Painted Eel {Gymnothorax picta).

Clouded Eel {Echidna nehulosa).
Of these, the most important commercially (at present)
are the Silver Eel and the Green Eel.

MINNOWS,

Mountain Minnow {Galaxias coxii).

The New South Wales Minnows are small, active, highly
voracious fishes, distributed most plentifully over the streams
of the eastern division. The largest of these is the Mountain
Minnow, often miscalled " Mountain Trout." This is a hand--
somely-colored trout-like fish, reaching commonly a length of
about 8 inches. It is said to be of delicious flavor.

THE AUSTRALIAN GRAYLING.

Australian Grayling {Prototroctes ynarcena).

A fine little fish, viewed either as food or as a game-fish.
Very trout-like in appearance, and possessing a true adipose-
fin, as do the real representatives of the Salmon family.
There can be little doubt that it is often mistaken in New
South Wales waters for trout. It is found at certain seasons
occurring in shoals in the upper waters of some of our eastern
streams, notably the Grose River and the Kangaroo River.

The Australian Grayling attains a length of about 12
inches.

* There is an example ol' this Eel in the collection of the Department of
Fisheries/New South Wales, which measures no less than 4 leet 8 inches in
length.

BEAUTIFUL BUT MILITANT. 33

THE SERGEANT BAKER FAMILY.

Sergeant Baker {Aa'opus purpurissatus).

Plate IX.

This handsome and excellent food-fish is distributed freely
along the whole seaboard of New South Wales, where, in
suitable localities, it may be captured by means of hook
and line or the trammel-net.* It attains a length of over
2 feet, and as a table fish is in great request.

In form the body of this species is elongate and rounded.
The male may be at once recognised by the fact that the
second and third rays of the dorsal fin are produced into long
filaments, about double the length of the head.

As will be seen from the following description of the
colors, taken from my " Fishes of 'Australia," the Sergeant
Baker is very beautiful. The upper surfaces are purple, with
a more or less prevailing tinge of red, and with the edges of
the scales crimson ; the top of the head being sometimes
spotted with the same color. The back and sides have large
irregular crimson spots or transverse bands, covering two or
three scales in width, not reaching across the abdomen. The
sides are of a paler purplish-red than the back, and gradually
merge into the pearly- white of the lower or abdominal surface.
The dorsal and caudal fins are of a pale yellowish-red, obliquely
banded with rows of crimson spots, which are frequently
confluent on the caudal lobes. The adipose dorsal fin (which
is characteristic of most of the species of the family Scopelidce),
is purple along its base and crimson on the upper portion.
The anal fin is whitish, or of a pale straw-color ; having
across it longitudinal orange bands. The ventral and pectoral
fins are yellow, with crimson band's across them.

Cucumber-Fish {CMorophthalmns nigripinnis).

This large-eyed fish is one of those of which little was
known until the last few years. By the advent of the Trawling
Expedition of the " Thetis," in February and March, 1898 —

* The design on the back of the cover of this work gives an idea of the
working of the trammel-net, which is fully described in my " Fishes of Aus-
tralia," pp. 245 and 246.

34 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

organised by Mr. Frank Farnell, Chairman of the Board of
Fisheries for New South Wales — it was shown that this species
is exceedingly common in ocean waters of moderate depth
along a great part of the New South Wales coast line.

The excessively large eye of the Cucumber- Fish measures,
in diameter, about half the length of the head itself.

THE FLUTE-MOUTHS.

Flute-Mouth {Fistularia depressa).

Not uncommon along the New South Wales coast, attain-
ing to a length of from 3 to 4 feet.

Another species of Flute-mouth {Fistularia scrrata) also
occurs in these waters.

LONG-TOMS AND GARFISHES.

Slender Long-Tom {Tylosurus jerox).

Platk X (Upper Figure).

This is a very long, slender, pelagic fish, attaining a
length of 3 feet or more. Of a very voracious nature, it
skims the surface of our coastal waters at a high speed and
with somewhat snake-like, sinuous motions, in pursuit of its
prey, which consists of small surface organisms, including
small fishes such as garfishes and the young of other species.
It possesses long, narrow, highly attenuated jaws, closely set
with fine, needle-like teeth.

The Slender Long-Tom is not infrequently captured
amongst Sea Garfish. As a food-fish it is of delicate flavor,
but is a little troublesome owing to the many fine rib-bones,
which are not quite fine enough to be consumed with the
flesh, as in the case of the two commoner garfishes.

The colors are as follows: back, light green, with three
parallel dark lines running along the middle from the back of
the head to the beginning of the dorsal fin; sides iridescent,
bright, silvery; the upper portions dotted over with green.
Beak above, dark green; below, iridescent silvery.

A GROUNDLESS FEAR. 35

Stout Long-Tom {Tylosurus inacleayana).

Plate X (Lower Figure).

This Long-Tom appears in the markets a httle more
often than the previously-mentioned species, being more
abundantly taken in estuarine or lake (coastal) waters. In
appearance it is considerably different to the latter, being
relatively much shorter or thicker, as well as far more robust
in general build. It grows to a length of 3 or 4 feet, but
examples of from 2 to 3 feet in length are more commonly
seen.

Like the Slender Long- Tom, it is a highly voracious fish;
but its jaws are more powerful than in that species, and the
teeth are very much stronger, though not so numerous.

Though all examples of both of the common Long-Toms
are very readily bought u\) in the markets, there is in certain
quarters a very strong antipathy to them on account of the
greenness of their bones; but any feelings of suspicion as to
their desirability as food engendered by this character, it is
worthy of mention, are quite groundless.

The colors of the Stout Long-Tom are as under: — Back,
uniformly dark green ; anterior half of the sides, iridescent
whitish-silvery, with a fairly well-marked line of demarcation
between the dorsal surface and the sides. In the posterior
half, the upper part of the sides are yellowish, fading into
green.

Two other species of Long-Tom are found in the waters
of New South Wales. One of these, which I have named the
Barred Long-Tom, or Tylosurus ccBruleofasciatus, is probably
abundant at times at sea. It is undoubtedly a purely pelagic
fish.

Sea Garfish {Ilemirhamphus intermedius).

This highly important food-fish occurs in great abundance
in the coastal waters of New South Wales. From an economic
standpoint it must be considered as one of our most valuable

36 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

food-fishes. Great numbers are captured during the summer
months in the lower parts of the harbors and estuaries; the
usual means of capture being the so-called garfish net (also
known as " Balloo net," from the Port Jackson aboriginal
name of "Balloo," which was applied to garfish), a hauling
net which possesses a mesh of i^ inch in the bunt or central
portion, the wings or ends being of 2-inch mesh. This may
be used either (i) as a simple hauling net, when the garfish
are on the weedy bottoms, or (2) as a meshing, or gill, net,
when the fishes are in large schools at the surface of the water.
In the latter case, the process known as " Bull-ringing " is
followed, the net being thrown in a circle right round the
school. The Sea Garfish may also be captured by hook and
line, in that way affording sport to quite a number of amateur
fishermen. From an edible point of view, this species and the
River Garfish are second to none, the flesh being white, flaky,
firm, and delicious.

These fishes also keep sound, under natural conditions,
for a longer period than do most others. Of the two species
here mentioned, the Sea Garfish is usually by far the larger,
attaining a total length of more than 18 inches, with a weight
of up to 10 ounces; the usual " run " of those marketed, is,
however, considerably below that size.

The Sea Garfish may be distinguished from the River
Garfish in a rough-and-ready manner by the following char-
acteristics. In the former the body is far more elongate
or slim; the scales are much smaller and very deciduous,
coming off with the least handling; and the upper jaw has
a considerably greater length when compared with its width
at the base.

The colors of the Sea Garfish are: — Back, bright green,
with three narrow dark brown or blackish streaks from the
back of the head to the dorsal fin, immediately in front of
which the three meet. There is a silvery band, broadest
posteriorly, and margined above by a narrower lead-colored
band, running along each side. The lower surface is a pale
greenish-silvery.

A FAVORITE TABI.E-FISH. 37

River Garfish {Hcmirhamphus recjufnris).

Plate XI.

This garfish is still more important than the previously-
mentioned one, and is one of the principal, as well as one
of the most frequently seen, fishes of the fish markets of
New South Wales. It naturally abounds in the coastal
lakes, harbors, and estuaries ; in some instances extending
almost up to the regions of fresh water.

As I have pointed out in my " Fishes of Australia,"
some idea of the great importance of the garfishes in the
fisheries of New South Wales alone may be gathered from
the fact that about 5,000 baskets of them are marketed
annually. The great bulk of these is River Garfish. In
addition to this number, great quantities are captured at
various places and " hawked " round by the fishermen them-
selves, without the fish having passed through the markets
at all.

The River Garfish attains a weight of from 8 to 9 ounces,
with a length of 13 or 14 inches; those usually captured by
the fishe-men, however, average from 2 to '4 ounces. As
previously pointed out, it is more robust in form — though'
smaller — than the Sea Garfish.

The colors are as follow : — Back, pale green; the upper
surface of the head darker, and with golden reflections.
Three narrow black vertebral streaks, not extending so far'
back as the dorsal fin. Two similar but irregular and broader
streaks between these and the broad lateral silvery band,
which is. bordered above by a narrow orange streak. There
is a faint black spot at the base of the pectoral fin.

The River Garfish is usually found in considerable
abundance on sand-and-mud fiats, where these are covered
with " sea-grass," upon which it, to a great e.xtent, subsists.

Barred Garfish {Hemirhamphus far).

This large garfish appears to be fairly common at times
in the waters of the northern portion of our coast. It attains

38 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

a length of about 15 inches, and may be at once distinguished
from the other species by its general stoutness, coupled with
a very long " beak." Future Fisheries' work will pcobabh'
show this species to be far more common in the waters of
New South Wales than has previously been supposed.

Slender Garfish {Euleptorhamphus longirostris).

Although I have only one record of the capture of this
remarkable species in our waters,* there appears to me to be
good reason for thinking that it will be found to be quite
abundant in our ocean waters. It is a pelagic species, growing
to a length of 18 inches and upwards, and is of a gregarious
habit. It is already favorably known as a food-fish in other
parts.

Short-beaked Garlish {Arrhamphus sderolepis).

This valuable species is a native of the northern half
of our coastline, and becomes more and more plentiful as
we proceed in a northerly direction. It is most abundant
in the lower portions of the Clarence and Richmond Rivers.

In each of those rivers, as well as in other portions of
its habitat, it ascends right into the fresh water.

From all of our other garfishes, this species may be at
once distinguished by the relative shortness of its beak,
which — comparatively speaking — projects but a short distance
beyond the mouth. It is also very stout-looking, and the
scales are large and not very deciduous.

This fish attains a length of about 15 inches, examples
of that size weighing about 9 ounces. The approximate
average of those brought to market is from 3 to 4 ounces.

Like its congeners, the Short-beaked Garfish is a most
delicate fish, and is highly appreciated for table purposes.
During the cooler months, large numbers are captured and
are brought from the Clarence and Richmond Rivers to
the Sydney Fish Markets for disposal, there finding a ready
sale.

* Stead : Additions to the Fish-Fauna of N.S.W. (No. i), 1907, p. 4.

SKIPPERS AND FLYERS. 39

In color it is greenish above, being darker towards the
head. The lower half is of a dirty whitish tint; or, when
fresh, a semi-transparent, pale, yellowish-green. There is a
broad silvery band on each side. As in the other garfishes,
the end of the beak and the membrane below it are very
brightly tinted.

Skipper Garfish {Scoinbresox forsteri).

This fish, though at jM-esent rather an uncommon visitor
to our fish markets, is one of those which will probably at
times be brought in in very considerable numbers when our
coastal ocean waters are systematically worked. It is a
purely pelagic species, and does not often penetrate the
harbours or estuaries. It attains commonly a length of
about 12 or 13 inches.

During November, 1906, immense shoals of half-grown
Skipper Garfish were present in our waters, and a fisherman
who captured a number just inside the Port Jackson heads,
considered that he could have obtained twenty boatloads in
the one haul.

This species may be identified by the following char-
acters:— The color of the back is a deep bluish-green or an
olive-green; while the belly and sides are brilliantly silvery.
It possesses a number of small finlets behind both the dorsal
and anal fins (somewhat similar to those of the Mackerel
family). Instead of there being only one jaw produced so
as to form a beak, as in the other garfishes, in the Skipper
both are prolonged, and are thin and flexible, reminding one
somewhat of the beak of the bird known as the Avocet;
excepting that the beak is not curved as it is in the bird
mentioned.

Flying Fishes.

Two species of edible Flying Fishes are at present
known to occur, at times in considerable numbers, in the
waters of New South Wales. The larger of these is Cypsilurus
melanocercus ; and this attains a length of about 16 inches.

40 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOl^TH WALES.

HARDYHEADS.

Hardyhead {Atherina lacunosa).

This is a small carnivorous iish (not unlike a Mullet in
general appearance), which is very abundantly distributed
along the coast of New South Wales. Ordinarily it is to be
found in great numbers, spread out over the sandy bottoms
and slopes of our beaches in inlets; but at times, huge shoals
swarm along the beaches in dense masses.

The average size of full-grown Hardyheads is from 5 to
6 inches. Though small they are excellent for table purposes;

The Hardyhead is closely allied to the well-known British
Sand Smelt -or Atherine,' and is of about the same size.

THE MULLET FAMILY.

Sea Mullet {Mugil dobula).

Pl.ATF. XII.

This is the largest, as well as the most im])ortant, of all
our mullets: and is, without doubt, the principal " standby "
of the fish markets in New South Wales. It is exceedingly
abundant at all times, but during the months of April, May,
June, and July enormous shoals of the mature iish congregate
together, impelled by the spawning instinct. The Sea Mullet
is naturally an inhabitant of the estuaries, where it is to be
found in great numbers in the vicinity of muddy bottoms
and mud fiats. It also grows well and thrives in fresh-water
lagoons, &c., but, apparently, does not breed in such localities.
The egg of this iish, it may be mentioned, is of a pelagic or
freely-floating nature, and is deposited in prodigious numbers
at the surface of the ocean, or in the vicinity of harbour
entrances, along our coastline. Each female produces an
enormous quantity of eggs.

The Sea Mullet grows to a length of about 30 inches,
with a weight of about ib* pounds. In my experience all
the larger fish in a normal' school are females — males of an

THE VALUABLE MULLET. 4I

equal age with females being much smaller. The largest
examples usually come from the various lakes and small
lagoons along the New South Wales coast.*

This fine and exceedingly valuable food-tish possesses
great potentialities for the future; but even at the present
time it is captured and disposed of in large numbers. So
good is the flesh, from an edible standpoint, that in addition
to being universally used under its rightful title, it is often
to be found taking the place — and under the names — of
fishes of greater pretentions, and giving as much satisfaction
as if it had been the latter. During a recent year in New
South Wales, about 45,000 baskets of mullet, of about 75
pounds weight each, were received for disposal in the various
fish markets. These were principally Sea Mullet of from
about half a pound in weight upwards (but would include
also other kinds of mullet), and taking them all through
the year they would average, say, about i pound in weight,
this giving us the imposing total of 3,375,000 individuals.
Of course, during the spawning season, when the Sea Mullet
are massed together, and may be captured in practically
unlimited quantities, the average weight of those captured
might be set down at about 3 pounds.

I might mention that large numbers are disposed of at
various centres and in country districts, of which it is hardly
possible at present to obtain an account, as they do not
necessarily pass through any recognised market. The numbers
so disposed of would considerably augment those given above.

The Sea Mullet takes the smoke admirably, and makes
a fine-quality tinned fish; when the latter, being somewhat
allied to, and in the opinion of many, superior to, tinned
salmon, though without the reddish tint of the flesh of the
latter, and with a suggestion of the flavor of " Fresh (tinned)
Herrings."

The mature Sea Mullet is a fish of heavy build ; stout,
"full in the belly," and with a very broad head, somewhat
flattened above. The scales are moderately large and are

* For a fuller reference to this species and its habits,, see my" Fishes of
Australia," (1906J, pp. 74-7J.

42 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

easily removed; they form about forty transverse rows along
the body, from the opercle or gill cover to the root of the tail.
In color the Sea Mullet is as follows: — Steel blue, with
a tinge of green or olive, above; sides and lower surfaces
silvery. There is a small black spot at the root of the pectoral
lin, and a golden spot — diffused on the edges — on the upper
angle of the operculum. The dorsal and pectoral fins are a
dark bluish-grey, while the caudal and anal fins are yellowish-
green.

Green-backed Mullet {Mugd dussumieri).

This species will ])robably be found to occur at times, in
considerable numbers, in the waters of our greater northern
rivers. At present we have only the one definite record* of
its capture, and this was in February, 1905, when a number
of specimens running as high as 2 pounds in weight were
caught in a net in the lower part of the Clarence River. It
is highly probable that this fish penetrates far up into the
fresh water.

The Green-backed Mullet is a large-scaled and small-
headed species, of robust build. The eyes are partly covered
by an adipose lid, but not nearly to such a great extent as in
the Sea Mullet.

The back is of a somewhat greenish color, lighter and
more silvery on the sides, while the belly is of a silvery white.

Flat-tail Mullet {Mugil peronii).

Pi.ATi: XllL

This mullet cannot be claimed to be nearly so important
as the Sea Mullet, nor does it grow to such a large size. Still,
its value must not be underestimated, as it will, most probably,
for many years to come, hold a prominent place amongst our
food- fishes. Like the Sea Mullet, it inhabits all the inlets;
but unlike that species, does not proceed far in the direction
of fresh water. It usually, also, prefers less muddy ground.

* Stead : Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i), 1907,
p. 7.

A LITTLE- KNOWN FISH. 43

The flesh of the Flat-tail Mullet is of fine flavor when
taken fresh, and is often considered to be superior to that of
other mullets. This, however, is probably a matter of opinion,
as it is hard to find two people, taken casually, who will express
the same opinion in regard to the respective flavors of various
kinds of fish, particularly if the latter be allied species.

This fish grows exceptionally to a length of about i8 inches
(or even more), with a weight of 2 pounds; the usual length
of those marketed, however, would range from 9 to 12 inches.

In form the Flat-tail Mullet is more com.pressed or slab-
sided than the Sea Mullet; the scales, too, are somewhat
larger, and consequently less numerous; while the eye is devoid
of the fleshy lid.

The colors are as follows : — Steel-blue above, silvery on
the sides, white below. The scales of the back and sides have
each a narrow longitudinal streak along the middle, forming
bands; often with golden reflections. There is a small black
spot at the root of the pectoral fin, preceded by a bright
golden blotch. The second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are
tinged with gold on their outer margins.

Silver Mullet {Mugil georgii).

This beautiful mullet, though ])lentiful in our northern
waters and occurring at times in very considerable numbers,
has been until quite recently practically unrecognised. In fact
it was only described as recently as 1897, by Mr. J. D. Ogilby,
the description being founded upon a single small specimen
obtained by him at George's River (an arm of Botany Bay)
during 1895. Notwithstanding this, there is little doubt in
my mind that the species must have appeared in the markets
from time to time long before this date, mixed up with con-
signments of either Flat-tail or Sea Mullet. To my knowledge
this has happened since on a number of occasions.

The Silver Mullet is the least, in point of size, of our
known mullets, attaining maturity at a small size, full-grown
examples being of a length of from 9 to 10 inches. The
southernmost water of New South Wales from which we have
obtained this species, so far, is Bateman's Bay. From this

44 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

locality it is found in gradually increasing numbers as we
travel in a northerly direction.

The vSilver Mullet must be classed as a particularly hand-
some species, possessing when taken fresh from the water
a most brilliant uniform silvery appearance (with the excep-
tion of a narrow strip along the dorsal surface and one on
the ventral surface, the former being either a bronze-green,
or a deep-brown with intermediate tints, while the latter is
whitish-silvery). It is on account of the above-mentioned
color that I have applied to this form the name of " Silver
Mullet." The irides are of a rich golden tint, splashed with
black or brown on the upper parts.

One of the most easily distinguished features of this large-
scaled mullet is the shape of the tail, which — unhke the
deeply-forked tails of our other species (with the exception
of the rare Mugil waigiensis) — is, when expanded, scarcely
emarginate. The thick upper lip is also remarkable.

Diamond-scaled Mullet {Mugil waigiensis).

There is only one record* of the occurrence of this species
in our waters, this being based on the capture of one example
only at the entrance of the Richmond River. It attains a
weight of several pounds, and on some parts of the Queens-
land coast is well and favorably known as a food-fish.

The species is notable for its exceedingly large scales,
and its broad, flat head.

Pink-eye Mullet {Trachystoma petardi).-\

This is also known as " Richmond Mullet " and " Fresh-
water Mullet."

After a careful study of the matter, with a good series of
specimens, I feel convinced that the mullet described by

* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i,\ 1907
p. 7.

t As will be seen, I have retained Ogilby's genus Trnchi/stoynn. Though the
validity of this genus mav ultimately be questioned, I take this course because of
the existence of the well-delined patches of villiform teeth on the vomer and
palatines. These are referred to in Ogilby's description of the genus {l<ic. ci/.).
Castelnau gave a very imperfect description of Mi/f::il pflardi, and he apparently
overlooked these teeth, as no mention was made of them.

PINK-EYE AND LANO. 45

Ogilby (P.Z.S., 1887, p. 614) as Trachystoma muUidens is
identical with Castelnau's Mugil pctardi (Researches on the
Fishes of Austraha, 1875, p. 32). Castehiau's examples were
obtained from the Richmond River, where it is the common
" Freshwater Mullet "; the same also applying in the Clarence
River. Ogilby's descri))tion was taken from three specimens
obtained from Port Stephens, whence I have also seen speci-
mens.

The " Pink-eye," as it is familiarly called, is an inhabitant
of our eastern watercourses. Its distribution appears to be
very similar to that of the common Freshwater Perch (q.\'.).
It is very abundant in our northern rivers and attains a large
size, growing to a length of nearly 2 feet.

In this mullet the eye has no adipose lid. the snout is
somewhat pointed, and in the adult the body shows a tendency
to that fulness so characteristic of the Sea Mullet. The iris
is of a pinkish tint — this giving rise to the vernacular name.
The most striking feature of this mullet, perhaps, is the large
and powerful tail.

As an edible fish the Pink-eye does not rank as high as
the Sea Mullet.

Sand Mullet {Myxus elongatus).

Pl.ATi: XIV.

Also commonly known under the titles " Tallegalane " or
*' Lano," the latter being a corruption of the former.

Of the three most abundant commercial species of mullet
in the waters of New South Wales, this is the least valuable
from an edible standpoint, as well as the smallest, growing
exceptionally to a length of 15 inches, the average size being
very much smaller.

Its distribution along our coastline is very similar to that
of the Flat-tail Mullet, with which it agrees to some extent in
habit.

As in the " Pink-eye," the " Diamond-scale," and the
" Flat-tail," this mullet is devoid of a fleshy eyelid.

46 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

In form, the nearest ally of this common food-fish is the
Flat-tail Mullet, but it is far more elongate than that specie?,
and the scales are ^considerably smaller. In color also it
approximates closely those of the mullet mentioned (that is,
when in clear water), but the golden spot on the upper half
of the opercle is not so distinct, being more diffused.

Yellow-eye Mullet* {Agonostomus forsteri).

This is not to be considered as an important fish as far
as New South Wales is concerned, as it is a southern species,
only beginning to appear in any numbers as we approach our
southern boundary. I am in a position to record isolated
examples, however, from as far in a northerly direction as
Lake Macquarie.

The vernacular name is derived. from the yellow iris, a
very prominent feature in the freshly-caught fish.

THREADFINS.

Threadfins or Tassel-Fishes (Polynemus). •

Two species are found in northern waters of New South
Wales. They are useful as food-fishes, and attain a large size,
but are quite uncommon. The species are (i) the Threadfin
{Polynemus indicus), and (2) the Blind Tassel-Fish {Poly-
nemus macrochir).

THE PIKE FAMILY.

Short-finned Pike {SphyrcBna novce-hollandicB).

Common along the coast, usually attaining a length of
2 to 3 feet. Of fairly good flavor, but not much in demand
as a food-product. Highly voracious.

* In referring; to the occurrence of the Yellow-eye Mullet in the waters of
Western Australia, I mentioned in my " Fishes of Australia'' that it was usually
called " Swan River Herring." In this statement however, although my informants
were persons of repute, I appear to have been mistaken ; and, although that name
may be used in parts, the more general application appears to be " Swan River
Pilchard.'' ■ This is a still more unfortunate misapplication of the latter part of the
name, as the fish is not in any way closely related to the Pilchard, which is a
species of Herring.

"MISTAKEN* IDENTITY." 47

Striped Pika [Sphyrcena lineata).

Plate XV.

This handsome Pike is not uncommon along the New
South Wales coast. I believe it to be the form which has in
the past been referred, by writers dealing with New South
Wales fishes, to the species described by the French authors
Cuvier and Valenciennes as Sphyrcena obtiisaia* The matter
of identity will be discussed, and a complete description will
be given, in another place, as it is hardly suitable for this
production.

There are three dark longitudinal bands on each side, the
first running from the back of the head along the back, and
ending on the tail-shaft at the insertion of the caudal fin;
the second starting from just above the eye, following the
course of the lateral line, and becoming indistinct towards the
end of the body; the third, beginning from the lower border
of the eye, running along the body a little above the pectoral
fin and well below the lateral line, joining the latter below
the posterior portion of the second dorsal fin, and following
its course on to the base of the caudal fin.

It is from the above-mentioned stripes that I have taken
the name " striped," here applied to this species, as well as
the specific name {lineatus : streaked). The description of
them, here given, will enable anyone to positively identify
this species, as they are a constant character.

From an edible point of view, I think the Striped Pike
is rather superior to its congener, previously mentioned.

THE WHARIO FAMILY.

Whario {Seriolella hrama).

This well and favorably known food-fish is probably
present at times in large numbers in our offshore waters, but,
like most of our other fishes of a more or less pelagic habit,
little is known of its distribution in our waters.

The Whario or Warehou (New Zealand names) " takes
the smoke " admirably.

* I do not deny the existence oi Sphyrctna ul-lusata itself in our waters.

48 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

THE COD FAMILY.

Beardia or Ling {Lotella callarias).

Fairly abundant along parts of the New South Wales
coastline, particularly in ocean waters of a few fathoms in
depth in the vicinity of rocky and weedy localities. It is of
some value as an edible fish.

The Beardie is a small-scaled species, of a rich chestnut-
brown on the upper parts, being lighter on the lower surface.
It attains a length of about i8 inches.

There is a small barbel on the chin.
Red Cod {Physiculus backus).

Plate XVL

This fish is somewhat similar in general form to the
preceding, but attains commonly a much larger size. It is
not at present taken in any abundance on the New South
Wales coast, though during the cooler months it appears to
be present in fair numbers along the southern portion.

With the exception of the lower parts, the Red Cod is of
a uniform reddish or reddish-brown tinge.

THE NANNYGAI FAMILY.

Nannygai {Beryx afjinis).

Plate XVII.

This beautiful fish is plentifully distributed along the sea-
board of New South Wales, inhabiting water from a few
fathoms in depth down to 80 fathoms or perhaps more.
(Young examples are often taken in the moderately-deep
water of the harbors.) It is essentially a " line fish," and
is at times captured in great numbers in the neighbourhood
of sunken reefs and rocky bottoms. It takes a' flesh bait
very readily.

bull's eyes. 49

Mr. R. E. Eastway, President of the Amateur Fishermen's
Association of New South Wales, states that the best hne for
the capture of this fish would be a No. 30 thread line. If
from a moored boat a length of 100 yards would do, but if
used from a steamer drifting, 150 would be required. Two
3/0 hooks on twisted gut, and the sinker, for moored boat,
4 oz., and drifting steamer, i lb.

As an edible fish it is usually considered a delicacy, and
it always brings a high price in the markets.

In color, the Nannygai is of a most brilliant uniform
golden-red. " shot " with violet, and tliis taken together with
its large and handsome saucer-eyes and deeply- forked tail,
render it a most conspicuous object.

BULL'S-EYES.

Bull's-eyes {Pempheris).

Plate XVHL

Two species of the curious large-eyed fishes known as
Bull's-eyes are to be found occasionally in our markets, but
neither is at present of economic importance. They are the
Small-scaled Bull's-eye [Pempheris compressus) and the
Large-scaled Bull's-eye {Pempheris macrolepis).

Both species attain a length of 8 or 9 inches.

THE BLACKFISH FAMILY.

Blackflsh {Girella tricuspidata).

Plate XIX.

Undoubtedly one of the best known fishes of New South
Wales is the common Blackfish. Though its flesh is not of
the delicate flavor possessed by many of our fishes, it is one
of our most important food-fishes; as it is one of the " stock "
fishes of the markets, being always present in gi^eater or lesser
numbers. It is an estuary fish, and is to be found in all our
coastal lakes and estuaries in great numbers at all seasons of
the year.

50 THE EDIBLE FI3HES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

In a commercial way, the Blackfish is usually captured
by means of the hauling net (a seine-net), but as it is also a
great fighter when hooked, it is much sought after by amateur
fishermen with rod and line, or with line only, the bait used
being a hairy-looking green seaweed. It is very properly
regarded as one of the principal estuary game-fishes.

Mr. R. E. Eastway furnishes me with the following in-
formation in regard to the capture of the Blackfish by means
of rod and line: — These fish are caught with a rod (a fairly
stiff one, 12 feet long, is used), a 3-inch wood Nottingham reel,
a No. 60 50-yard thread line, a 3-feet gut cast, on the end of
the line, a No. 9 small stout hook, a light float fixed 4 feet
from hook, and just enough lead on the cast to cock the
float.

The average weight of adult Blackfish obtained for market
would run about i to 2 pounds, but examples up to a weight
of as much as 6 pounds are known.

As showing the great economic value of this fish, I may
state that during a recent year a, quantity of about 15,000
baskets was marketed in New South Wales. This quantity
would be equivalent to about 1,125,000 pounds.

// is of great gejicral interest to mention here, that I have
made the discovery that the fish which has been hitherto known
here {in literature principally) as " Ludrick," is the female
Blackfish. In this, the teeth have a smooth, even, chisel-like
cutting edge, whereas in the male they are, as indicated in
the specific name, tricuspid.

As long ago as 1846, these chisei-toothed females were
described as a distinct species by Richardson, and they have
been known here for many years under the technical name
of Girclla simplex. It will, therefore, come as a surprise to
many to learn that the differences between the tricuspid-
toothed and the chisel-toothed Blackfish are not specific, but
merely sexual.

Ogilby, in his " Edible Fishes and Crustaceans of New
South Wales," published in 1893, gave a complete description

LIDRICK-BLACKFISH, 5I

of what he regarded as the two species (Blackfish and
Ludrick), and in describing the " Ludriciv," said: —

" This species is not nearly so plentiful as is the preceding
(Blackfish), from the daik variety of which it may usually
be distinguished by its generally lighter colors, and from the
lighter variety by the absence of bands, which, if present at
any stage of growth, do not appear to be ever persistent, as
in its congener, which it resembles in all respects in habits,
&c., and with which it is confounded by the fishermen."

As far as coloration is concerned, my experience does
not agree with this statement, as I find the bars to be just
as often present in the females (that is, the " Ludrick " form)
as in the males. Certainly the males appear to be in the
majorit}-.

At the time that I wrote my " Fishes of Australia "
(1906), I had my doubts as to the existence of the " Ludrick "
as a separate species, and consequently did not mention it
at all.

So far as I am aware, this is the first record of the occur-
rence of secondary sexual characteristics (at least as regards
the teeth) in any member of the family KyhhosidcB — to which
the Blackfish belongs.

In the light of my researches, " Ludrick," as a separate
species, must now be erased from the list of Australian fishes.

Rock Blackfish {Girclla elevata).

Platk XX.

This is a species which is but little known, but which,
I have good reason for believing, is quite common. It is
somewhat similar in form to the common Blackfish, but may
be at once separated from that fish by the much heavier
build, the more elevated body, and the " bolder " nose —
this being essentially more like that of the Drummer, with
which species the Rock Blackfish is sometimes confused by
the fishermen. The scales, too, are larger than those of the
Blackfish.

52 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

The Rock Blackfish grows commonly to a comparatively
large size. It is present in its greatest abundance in the
vicinity of rocky shores and headlands, in the lower (salter)
portions of our harbors and estuaries, and along the " outside "
rocks. Like its congener, the Blackfish, it is herbivorous;
but, unlike the latter, it subsists upon the gelatinous weeds
which abound so plentifully in the regions which it frequents.
At all times of the year the prettily-mottled young fry of
this species are to be obtained in tidal pools, or in the shallow
water around the rocks, along portions of our coastline. I
have found them to be plentiful at Bondi, Kurnell (Cook's
Landing Place), and Stanwell Park.

This species appears to congregate in shoals, principally
about winter time. During June, 1907, large shoals were
present near the entrances of Port Jackson and Port Hacking.
A quantity of five baskets was taken in one haul on George's
Beach, Port Jackson, at this time; while a haul made on
Jibbon Beach, Port Hacking, resulted in two and a half
baskets being captured. The individuals in these shoals
averaged from 4 to 5 pounds in weight.

When freshly taken, the Rock Blackfish is of a dull
slatj^-blue, shortly becoming uniform brownish or brownish-
black (lighter on the lower surface).

Bluefish [Girella cyanea).

Plate XXI.

Though this fish does not appear to be usually abundant
on the coast of New South Wales, there are times when it
occurs in fair quantities. It is to be found in the open ocean
waters m the vicmiry of reefs and rocky," weedy localities,
where it subsists upon a diet of gelatinous weeds, varied with
all sorts oi rock- and weed-dwelling organisms.

From its congeners, the Blackfish and the Rock Black-
fish, the Bluefish may be at once differentiated by its beautiful
cerulean blue skin and its particularly elegant shape. Its
body is more elongated, the tail is very prettily forked and
is large and powerful. Along the upper part of the side^
are a number of golden-yeilow spots.

A TOUGH DRUMMER. 53

The Bluefish f:ro\\>: to o. loni^th of from 2 to 3 feet.

Mr. Frank Farripl! Chairman of the Board of Fisheries
for New South Wales, who is the Visiting Maj^istrate for
Lord Howe Island (a small dependency of New South Wales,
situated at a short distance from this coast, out in the Pacific
Ocean), states that this specie'^ is exceedinj^ly common around
the shores of that island, and that it may be captured with
ease and in great numbers. He considers that there is a good
prospect for the developing of an extensive fisher}^ in connec-
tion with this line food-fish.

Drummer (Kijphosus sydneyanics).

This fisii, though quite abundant and growing to a large
size, is not esteemed as a food-fish, its flesh being tough and
of inferior flavor. Young examples, known as " Silver
Drummers," up to a length of 9 or 10 inches, however, are
usually considered to be of fair quality.

The Drummer is a rock-dweller and is herbivorous. In
appearance it is verv different to the other members of this
family, being altogether more rotund and " stumpy." There
is a knobby protuberance between the eyes.

THE DUSKY PERCH.

Dusky Perch [Lohotes surinaniensis).

This is a large perch-hke fish inhabiting the estuaries of
our northern rivers. It reaches a length of 3 or 4 feet, and
a weight of 25 or 30 pounds ; but being sparselj^ distributed,
is not likely to be of much economic importance, as far as
New South Wales is concerned.

THE TRUE PERCHES.

Estuary Perch {Percalates colonorum).

Plate XXII (Lower Figure).
This well-known and important food-fish is an inhabitant
of the higher parts of our harbors and estuaries ; where

54 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

rivers exist, even penetrating right up in to the fresh water.
Though captured sparingly at other times, after heavy freshets
in our coastal creeks or rivers it is netted in considerable
numbers and forwarded to marked". The same thing occurs
about midwinter, when the iish comes down in numbers to
the Salter and more open waters to spawn.

It is a fairly deep-bodied fish, with a highly-arched back
and somewhat compressed sides. Though a weight of 5 pounds
is attained by this fish, examples of that size are quite
uncommon, the more usual size, as seen in the markets,
varying from about 12 ounces to 2 pounds.

The Estuary Perch is a voracious iisb, and practically
subsists upon anything in the way of living organisms.

As an edible fish it is of good quality.

In addition to being netted, this Perch may be caught
with hand-line or rod.

Freshwater Perch {Percalates fliiviaiilis).

Plate XXII (Upper Figure).

This perch is closely allied to the preceding, but may
be at once distinguished from it by its more elongate and
rounder body, which has a fairly even and elliptical outline,
while in the Estuary Perch, as previously pointed out, the
profile of the back is more gibbous or humped. The tail,
too, is larger and altogether more powerful than that of the
Estuary Perch. Other important differences between the
two species are easily to be seen upon examination being
made. (Further reference to these points will be found in
my " Fishes of Australia.")

Though in certain localities the Freshwater Perch and
the Estuary Perch will be found occurring together — that
is where the two species " overlap " — the natural habitat of
the former is in the wholly fresh-water portions of our
eastern rivers and their tributaries. Here it occurs in great
abundance. After continued rains and when the rivers and
creeks are swollen, large numbers of the Freshwater Perch
are netted in the lower waters, and are forwarded to market.

A GREAT GAME-FISH. 55

It is as a game-fish, however, that this fine fish principally
merits our attention, and it is confidently asserted by many
experienced anglers that it is the finest sporting fish in our
rivers, indigenous or introduced. It is strong, active, and a
great fighter.

The Freshwater Perch attains a weight of at least 5
j)ounds.

Golden Perch or Yellow-belly {Plectroplites ambiguus).

Plate XXIII.
Second only in importance to the Murray Cod, this
fine Perch, which is so well and favorably known as a food-
fish, is found occurring in great abundance in the western
river system of New South Wales, where it affects principally
the still waters of billabongs and lagoons.

It is a large fish, attaining a weight of 8 pounds or more,
and a length of about 2 feet. The head is small; the upper
profile rising rapidly to the particularly gibbous back. The
tail is fairly large, the fin being rounded, and the scales are
of moderate size.

Though taken by hook and line, the usual method of
capture is by means of a short meshing-net or gill-net.

Macquarie's Perch [Macquaria australasica).

This, though a valuable fresh-water fish, is not to be
compared with the Golden Perch as regards imj^ortance.
Attaining a length of from 12 to 15 inches, it is found in
abundance in the higher waters of our western rivers, as well
as some of the eastern ones. It often goes under the name
of Mountain Perch, as well as being miscalled " Bream " and
" Black Brearr.."

As an edible fish, Macquarie's Perch is to be commended,
the flesh being decidedly toothsome.

In distinguishing this species from our other fluviatile
perches, it will be noticed that it possesses a very "' snub "
nose, while the scales are relatively somewhat larger.

56 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Murray Cod {OUgorus macquariensis).

Plate XXIV.

The king of Australian fresh-water fishes, the Murray
Cod inhabits the whole of the immense Murray River system,
from the limits of tidal influence right up to the small
tributaries. In addition, it is to be found in the head waters
of some of our larger eastern streams.

As a food-fish, this magnificent species stands second to
none. Attaining, as it does, to such large proportions, and
being of such good flavor, this excellent fish long ago came
into great prominence; and it may be safely said, that the
supply is never likely to exceed or even meet the demand.

The capture and disposal cf the Murray Cod afford a
means of livelihood to a large body of men in various parts
of New South Wales, and the annual catch must be very
considerable. A la.rge portion of the catch is disposed of in
country places, and a considerable amount is forwarded to
the Sydney markets. A great quantity also is sent from the
Murray to various parts of Victoria. During 1907 the quantity
of fresh-water fish — principally Murray Cod — so despatched
from New South Wales into Victoria, via five Murray River
towns (Albury, Corowa, Moama, Mulwala, and Swanhill),
amounted to 213,584 pounds.

The Murray Cod may be described as a stoutly-built
fish; broad, with a large and wide head, the eyes small
(exceedingly variable in relative size) and facing obliquely
upwards; the snout obtusely rounded, and the mouth wide
and capacious. The tail portion is long, while the caudal
fin is rounded. The soft or rayed portions of the dorsal and
anal fins are comparatively high.

The colors and their arrangement are variable with
location and age. Usually greenish or brownish along the
back, with numerous small dark spots scattered over the
back and sides, the lower surface being whitish.

This fine species attains commonly a large size; and
specimens cf from 100 pounds to 150 pounds in weight, with
a length of from 5 to 6 feet, have been obtained.

AN EXCELLENT FOOD-FISH. ^7

Wirrah {AcaiUhistius serratus).

A fine-looking fish of rather inferior edible qualities,
occurring in rocky situations along the New South Wales
coast. It attains to a length of about 20 inches, and is a
most voracious feeder. It is not likely to become of economic
importance.

Black Rock Cod {Epinepkelus dcemelii).

Plate XXV.

This excellent food-fish is to be found in our harbors
and along our coastline in rocky places. It attains a large
size, examples of a weight of from 70 to 80 pounds having
been taken. The usual size of those marketed, however, is
far below that, specimens weighing 20 pounds being con-
sidered large.

The flesh is of excellent flavor, particularly that of
specimens of a few pounds in weight.

In color it is a mottled brownish or blackish, with
darker, slightly oblique bars across the body and a black
spot on the back of the caudal peduncle.

As a marke^:able fish there is a great future before this
fine species.

Red Speckled Hind {Epinephelus undulatostriatus).

Plate XXVL

A fine species, of considerable edible value, captured by
line; more ])articularly on the northern half of our coastline,
in rocky locations. It is not often obtained at present, and
I think it probable that the species will be obtained more
plentifully in water of, say, from 80 to 100 fathoms in depth.

I use the name " Hind " for all species of Epinephelus
which have not yet received a common name at the hands
of the fishermen, as " Rock Cod " is misleading.

The Red-speckled Hind is a beautifully-colored species,
the ground color being light ; speckled over with reddish
dots running in undulatory lines. In some, these form
continuous reddish streaks.

58 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Brown-spotted Hind {Epinephdus tauvina).

Plate XXVIL

Though I only recordetl this fish from our waters as
recently as last year* (1907), it has, apparently, been coming
into our markets from our northern waters for some years at
least.

Attaining a length of about 4 feet, it is a fine edible fish,
which is likely to become of considerable importance in the
near future.

The brown spots which are freely spread over the skin
of this species, appear to become less, and more widely
separated, with age.

I have seen one example of the Brown-spotted Hind
from as far south as Botany Bay.

Three other species of Hindf are recorded from New
South Wales, but are at present rarely seen. They are
Epinephelus sepiem/asciatus, Epinephelus merra, and Epine-
plielus fuscoguttatus,

Queensland Groper {Promicrops itaiara).

Plate XXVIIL

This mighty fish is one of the giants among the edible
fishes of the world, and certainly it is the largest inhabiting
the seas of Australia, + attaining, as it does, a length of not
less than 6 feet, with a weight of from 300 to 400 pounds,
or even more.

It is to be found in some abundance along the northern
portion of our coastline, being captured principally in the
estuaries of the Richmond and Clarence Rivers.

The flesh of this giant perch is tender and of good flavor,
and the species is likely to be of great economic importance
in the near future.

* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i), 1907, p. 8.
1 1 have another, which is new to science and which I have not yet described.
+ Excepting the Spearfish, which is not used as food in New South Wales at
present.

A MIGHTY AUSTRALIAN. 59

This is the same species as that which is familiar to
southern Americans (United States) under the name of
Spotted Jevvfish.

The specimen here illustrated is that mentioned on page
104 of my " Fishes of Australia," and of which the head is
in the collection of the Department of Fisheries, New South
Wales. It was captured in the estuary of the Clarence River,
and weighed about 250 pounds.*

Half-banded Sea Perchf {Hypojle^trodes se7nicinclus).

A small, edible fish of great beauty, which is abundant
in our rocky coastal waters. It is captured by hook and
line, with a flesh bait.

Banded Sea Perch {Hypoplectrodes annulatus).

Plate XXIX.

A prettil37-banded, rough-scaled species, found in similar
locaHties to the preceding, though, apparently, not in such
abundance. It attains, usually, a length of about 10 to 12
inches.

Cuvier's Sea Perch {Hypoplectrodes nigrorubruni).

An exceedingly beautiful, banded fish, occasionally
captured by means of trammel-net or hook and line, in
similar locations to the two preceding. Apparently not very
common. It grows to about the same size as the Banded
Sea Perch.

Bastard Longfln {Cwsioperca lepidoptera).

A fish suitable for food, but which is not at present
obtained in any abundance on our coast. It grows to a
length of 12 inches.

Longfln {Caprodon longimanus).

A good fish, but not abundant; found in our coastal
waters. It reaches a length of about 15 inches,

* I am indebted to Mr. A. J. Cripps, a well-known pressman of Sydney fand
who appears, tor comparison of size, alongside the fishj, for the photograph of
this fish here reproduced.

t Also termed " Soldier-Fish " ; but that name is more properly applied to a
small perch known as Anna { Apof^ou) Jascialu.

6o THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Anthias pulchellus.

A number of examples of this species, up to 9 inches in
length, were first taken by Mr, Farnell's " Thetis " Trawling
Expedition in May, 1898, The species was recognised from
four different stations, and future work in this direction may
show this fish to be abundant.

Callanthias platei.

This fish also is only known from New South Wales
waters through the exploriufj of the " Thetis," when sufficient
evidence was obtained to warrant the idea that it may be
found, later on, in fair numbers. It is of edible size.

Roundhead {Paraplesiops bleekeri).

This handsome fish, which, on account ,of its conspicuous
beauty, always attracts considerable attention from its
captors, attains a length of about 12 inches. It is not un-
common in the vicinity of reefs and rocky localities generally,
along our coastline, but although of edible value is not
important enough to be regarded as a market fish, either
present or prospective.

Red Bull's-eye {Priacanthus 7nacr acanthus).*

This fish, with its great saucer-eyes, does not readily
suggest to the casual observer any affinity with the perch,
though it is related to that fish. It is a deep-water form,
and attains a length of about 12 inches. It is not at present
captured in sufficient numbers to be regarded as of importance.

When fresh, it is of a beautiful uniform " Nannygai-pink."

Government Bream {Genyoroge sehce).

Plate XXX.

Though I have only two records of the occurrence of
this fine food-fish in New South Wales, reference to which
will be found in the paper before referred to, it may prove
to be not uncommon in our northern waters. It is a large
and handsome Serranid Perch, attaining a considerable size.
(The larger of the two specimens seen by me measured 28^^

* The Red Bull's-eye was present in considerable numbers in our shallower
coastal waters, during the month of March of this year (1907J.

THE BRAXD OF CAIN. 6r

inches.) In build it is almost bream-like, and its superb
coloration places it amongst the most beautiful of our many
charmingly-colored fishes.

The name Government Bream has been applied to this
species in Queensland on account of the presence of three
large stripes on each side, so arranged as to suggest a resem-
blance to the broad-arrow.

Black-spotted Sea Perch {Gemjoroge fidviflamma).

This is closely allied to the Government Bream, but it
does not attain to such a large size, the largest which has
come under my notice being about 13 inches in length.

It does not often make its appearance in our markets,
though, apparently, tolerably common at times in our northern
waters.

The term "Black-spotted" has been applied to this
fish because of the existence of a large deep-brown or blackish
spot on each side, on the posterior half of the body, just
beneath the soft part of the dorsal fin.

Another species, which is very closely allied to this, and
is very similar in general appearance, is Litiiamis jolmii.
This has been recorded from the same portion of our coastline,
and if captured by the fishermen would be likely to be clas-
sified with the Black-spotted Sea Perch.

Two other species of this genus, known as Genyoroge
bengalensis and Genyoroge macleayanus are recorded from our
waters, but little is known in regard to their occurrence;
while, if they were captured and sent to market, they would
be sold nmongst what is loosely termed the " mixed fish."

Pearl Perch {(Haucosoma scapulare).

Pi.ATi; XXXI.

A northern fish, also known as Epaulette Fish, on account
of the presence upon each shoulder of a comparatively large,
irregularly oval, bony shield, which is covered with a shining
black skin.

62 ' THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

The Pearl Perch is a deep-water fish and is possessed of
exceedingly large saucer-eyes, as in the case of many deep-
water forms. It attains a length of about 2 feet.

No special fishery for this species exists at present, and
it is usually captured by parties out " Snappering."

Old Wife (Enoplosus armatus).

Plate XXXIL

This curious fish is perhaps one of the most " unperch-
like " of all the Perches. With its high, vertically-striped,
highly-compressed body and its pointed snout, it suggests
rather the gorgeous Coral-fishes or Chaetodons.

It attains exceptionally a length of about 12 inches,
though examples of 8 inches in length are considered large.

Though a fine little table-fish it is not often brought to
market, as it does not usually take a bait, and adults seldom
come within the scope of the fisherman's hauling-net, owing
to the habit of keeping in the vicinity of rocks and wharves.
In rocky locations it may be taken by means of that very
useful implement, the trammel-net.

Long-finned Piks {Dinolestes lewini).

The term " Long-finned " is applied to this fish to
differentiate it from the Short-finned Pike, which is a fish of
another family (previously referred to), and with which it is
commonly grouped in the New South Wales fish markets as
simply " Pike." The name is given on account of the relative
length of the second dorsal and anal fins.

The Long-finned Pike is an edible fish of no mean order,
and attains a length of nearly 2 feet. It is sometimes known
as Skipjack Pike. It is a highly voracious fish, making great
havoc among the shoals of smaller fishes, among which it is
usually captured.

This fish abounds chiefly along our south coast.

FOOD FOR THE GODS. 63

THE WHITING FAMILY.*

Sand Whiting {Sillago ciliata).

Plate XXXIII.

This is, without a doubt, one of the choicest of the edible
fishes, not only of New South Wales but of Australia; and
in the estimation of many people, it is absolutely the finest.
This being so, the Sand Whiting always commands a good
market price; 6d. per pound wholesale being not infrequently
paid, with occasionally as much as gd, per pound.

This whiting is plentifully distributed over the whole of
the New South Wales coastline, where it is to be found
dwelling upon clean, sandy bottoms in all of the harbors
and the larger coastal lakes, as well as on sandy bottoms in
fairly shallow water, off the various ocean-beaches. It does
not, however, go down into deep water. The localities men-
tioned are its natural feeding grounds, as it subsists almost
wholly upon organisms which make their home in, or upon,
the sand.

The usually means employed for the capture of the Sand
Whiting is the hauling-net, that is in a commercial way, but
large quantities are captured annually by amateur anglers
using hand-lines. In fact, this species is always regarded as
one of our principal sporting fishes, the gear used by amateurs
varying greatly according to individual opinion. Mr. R. E.
Eastway suggests the following plan: — The boat should be
moored head and stern on the sand flats on a rising tide. A
No. 18 varnished silk-twist line, 50 or 100 yards in length
strong I yard cast, 2/0 hook, and medium bullet. The line
should be thrown from the boat as far as the sinker will carry
it, using a whole large worm (not a little bit of it) as bait.

The Sand Whiting attains a weight of about 2\ pounds,
specimens of i pound and more being quite common

* These fishes are not related to the English Whiting, which a member if
the Cod Family.

64 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

As showing the present economic value of our whitings
(of which this is the one principally obtained), I might mention
that from 4,000 to 5,000 baskets of them, or 300,000 to
375,000 pounds, are marketed annually in New South Wales
alone.

As I have pointed out in my " Fishes of Australia," the
Sand Whiting is of a yellowish- brown sand color along the
back, and silvery-white below. All over the sides and back
are the most lovely purple, green, and gold reflections, and
altogether it is a truly handsome fish. In addition to this,
young examples up to about 4 or 5 inches in length, possess
a number of dark blotches along the upper half, somewhat
similar to those in the next species to be mentioned — the
Trum})eter Whiting; but at no time are these blotches so
pronounced, or so extensive, as in the last-mentioned whiting.

Trumpeter Whiting [Sillago maculata).

Plate XXXIV.

This whiting, in its habits, is still more of an estuarine or
harbor fish than the preceding, living in moderately deep
water, and preferring bottoms which are half mud, half sand,
or which are wholly muddy.

Like the Sand Whiting, it is greatly valued for its excellence
as a food- fish; but, not attaining to such dimensions nor
being obtained in such profusion, it is not nearly so important.
The usual weight of those marketed ranges from 4 to 5
ounces, and it attains rarely to a weight of 10 or 11 ounces.

It is not so often captured by means of hook and line
as is the Sand Whiting, but is obtained with a hauling-net of
small mesh.

In addition to the difference in color already noted,
this species is generally darker than the Sand Whiting, but
at the same time is rather more transparent-looking when
fresh. There is a prominent, broad silvery stripe down each
side of the lish, this being comparatively indistinct in the

AN OCEAN' WHITING. 05'

latter. The scales, too, in this kind are more deciduous, and
the body is always characterised by the presence on the upper
parts of a number of very dark, blackish, irregular blotches,
these being, as before pointed out, quite absent in the adult
Sand Whiting.

School Whiting {Sillago hassensis).

Plate XXXV.

This, fish is very abundant in our ocean waters at depths
ranging from a few fathoms down to nearly go fathoms. It
is also found in considerable abundance, during the warm
weather usually, in the deeper water at the entrances of Port
Jackson, Port Hacking, &c.

During the trawling of the " Thetis " in 1898, this small
whiting was obtained in large numbers on many different
occasions, and, judging by this and the abundant evidence
which I have since had, there can be no doubt that the School
Whiting is exceedingly common along a great part of the
coast of New South Wales. On one occasion I saw several
hundreds of the yoiing, ranging from about 2h to 4J inches in
length, captured at one haul of a garfish net on Grotto Beach,,
at the entrance to Middle Harbour, Port Jackson.

Owing to the possession of a series of rusty-red diagonal
blotches with which the upper part of each side is adorned y.
this fish is sometimes dubbed " Red-spotted Whiting."

Though the smallest of our known whitings, attaining:
usually, when full-grown, a length of only g or 10 inches,
the School Whiting is a fine little table fish, of delicious
flavor.

I have recently discovered a new species of whiting,
which I have named Sillago robusta, and which I propose to call
the Stout Whiting. So far I have only one small example,,
which was captured by Mr. H. C. Dannevig in Rose Bay,.
Port Jackson. The specimen obtained is apparently immature.
It is considerably heavier in build than our other whitings,
and the scales have very prettily-pencilled outlines.

C6 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Spotted Whiting {Sillago punctata).

Plate XXXVL

As far as New South Wales is concerned, this is, com-
mercially, the least important of our whitings. It is a
southern species, and begins to be abundant as we approach
the "Victorian coastline. Still, occasionally, a few baskets of
Spotted Whiting are forwarded to the Sydney markets from
our southern districts.

This species grows to a considerable size, examples of
i8 inches or more being not uncommon. In form it is
elongate (considerably more so than those previously men-
tioned), while the scales are very numerous, and correspond-
ingly small.

The term " spotted " is applied to this fish on account
of the large number of dark spots with which the sides are
ornamented.

THE JEWFISH FAMILY.

Jewfish {Scicena antarctica).

Plate XXXVIL

This is, at present, one of our most important food-fishes,
and it is likely in the future to be of still greater value, as
the demand for it is constantly increasing, while our resources,
as far as its supply is concerned, are but just tapped.

Th2 Jewfish is a voracious and powerful fish, attaining
often a weight of from 60 to 70 pounds, though the average
of those principally brought to market would be from about
20 to 30 pounds. Thousands, ranging from 18 inches up to
about 5 feet, are captured for food purposes on the coast of
New South Wales annually. It is common at all times along
our coastline, inhabiting the estuaries and harbors, and also
the coastal beaches — particularly in the vicinity of lake-
entrances. In some cases it ascends some of our rivers^
going right up into fresh water. Though, as I have said, it

JEWFISH OR MAIGRE? 67

is always common, at certain times it makes its appearance
in large droves or shoals, consisting of thousands of individuals.
An instance of this occurred quite recently (during December,
1907), when great quantities of Jewfish were captured along
ocean beaches a little to the south of Sydney.

In " Fishes of Australia " I have already drawn attention
to the large, and commercially valuable, " sounds " or air-
bladders possessed by this species, which are suitable for the
manufacture of isinglass, and, as I stated then, at present
thousands of these are thrown away every year with the
offal, notwithstanding that they require very little primary
treatment beyond drying.

Young jewfish up to a length of about 2 feet are known as
" Silver Jews."

The Jewfish is captured by means of both line and net.
If the former method is employed, Mr. R. E. Eastway
considers that the following should be used: — A No. 27 cord
line, 100 yards long; 7/0 or 8/0 hook; a sinker that will just
take the line to the bottom, and no more. The hook is best
snooded on a piece of the line, although some anglers use
hooks for Jewfish-fishing snooded on twisted gut and phos-
phor-bronze wire.

This handsome and valuable species is a very close ally of
the common " Maigre," or " Meagre," of Europe.

Teraglin {Cynoscion alelodus).

Plate XXXVIII.

Though closely allied to the Jewfish, this species does
not grow to anything like the size of the latter, a length of
2 feet being considered the common maximum size. It may
be at once distinguished from the young of the latter by the
smallness of its scales, as well as by the relative position of
the small anal fin, which is placed much further back in the
Teraglin. Other differences of note also occur, but those
given are sufficient to enable the observer to at once separate
the two.

68 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

The Teraglin is not a constant visitor to the markets,
and suppUes are intermittent. Usually scarce, at times large
shoals make their appearance. It is looked upon as a fine
edible fish, and when more is learnt in regard to its movements
it will probably be numbered among our most important
food-fishes.

Australian Salmon {Arripis trutta).

If this species is not one of the most important of New
South Wales, it is certainly one of the most abundant.
Attaining a length of 2 to 2J feet, it often reaches a weight
of 8 or 9 pounds. It is in no wise related to the. true Salmon
of Europe or America, but has probably received the name
in the first place chiefly because of its somewhat salmon-like
markings and form. These salmon- or trout-like markings
are still more pronounced in the young or half-grown fish,
which has been termed, consequently, " Salmon-Trout," a
name by which it is well and familiarly known. Like the
true Salmon, this species has the habit of congregating at
times in shoals of vast extent.

Though the adult fish is not at present esteemed as a
food-fish, the " Salmon-Trout " stage is usually considered to
be far more palatable, and is consequently more eagerly
sought after. But whatever valiie is at present placed upon
this species, there can be little doubt that it is destined to be
of considerable importance in the future fisheries of New
South Wales. It is to be obtained easily, and in prodigious
numbers.

, In addition to being taken by means of the hauling-net
(particularly on sandy ocean beaches), the Australian Salmon
is now greatly sought after as a game-fish, as it always gives
some exciting sport when hooked. When fishing from a
boat, the practice of trolling is commonly followed ; but
large numbers are caught by line off the many fine sea beaches
along the New South Wales coastline. The most suitable
beach-fishing line is a No. 20, 100-yard white beach-line, a
4/0 hook, snooded on twisted gut or hard- twisted line — one

TRUMPETERS. 69

hook only at the bottom, with a flat sinker above it. One
of the principal places for boat fishing is the entrance to
Port Hacking, a small port a few miles to the south of the
historic Botany Bay.

South Australian Roughy {Arripis georgianus).

A southern fish, rare in the waters of New South Wales.
It has no affinity with the ordinary " Roughy " of New
South Wales, which is a small unimportant fish of the Nanny-
gai family.

THE SILVERBELLIES.

Silverbelly [Xystcema ovatum).

A harbor or estuary fish of small size, growing excep-
tionally to a length of about 10 inches, and possessing highlj'
deciduous scales. Though not an important species, it is a
food-fish of no mean order, its flesh being very tender and of
good flavor. It is sold under the name of Silver Belly,
Silver Bidd)', or, occasionally, Silver Bream.

THE TRUMPETERS.

"Real" or " Hobart Town" Trumpeter {Latris hecateia).

Rumors of the occurrence of this fine edible fish on the
coast of Xew South Wales have from time to time reachec'
me, but, though this appears to me quite likely, I have noi,
so far, seen a specimen captured in our waters. Mr. J. G.
Batchelor, Commissioner of Fisheries, and also a well-known
fish salesman, is particularly emphatic in stating that he has,
at odd times, received examples with fish sent in from our
southern waters and as high up as the Shoalhaven. I think,
therefore, that it may be quite, justly added to our Fauna.

70 THE EDIBLE FTSHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Bastard Trumpeter {Latris ciliaris).

Plate XXXIX.

This Trumpeter is fairly abundant in ocean waters along
our southern seaboard. It grows to a length of 2 feet or
more, and, as a table-fish, is of medium quality. It is captured
usually in the vicinity of rocky places.

Silver Bastard {Latris forsteri*).

This species, which attains about the same size as the
preceding, is found at rare intervals in our markets. It is
a handsome fish (with yellow longitudinal bands), of con-
siderable edible value. Like the Bastard Trumpeter, it is an
inhabitant of our southern districts.

Kelp-Fish {Ckironemus marmoratus).

A common " rock-fish " of carnivorous habit, growing to
a length of about 12 inches. It is to be obtained with hook
and line, or by means of the trammel-net, but as a marketable
fish is not of much importance at present. Like a number
of other rock-fishes, however, its value from an edible point
of view warrants a more frequent appearance in our markets;
and later on. with a more general use of the trammel-net>
this will, no doubt, be brought about.

THE MORWONG FAMILY.

Morwong {Dactylosparus carponemus).

Though not commonly seen in any numbers in our
markets, this food-fish is fairly abundant along our southern
shores in rocky places, where it may be taken either by hook
and line, or with the aid of the trammel-net. When outside
fishing is more generally carried out, this and the next species
will probably be forthcoming in larger numbers.

The Morwong grows to a length of at least 2 feet 6 inches.

* I use the specific name forsteri on the supposition that Ogilby's Latris
ramsayi is identical with Castelnau's Latiis forsteri.

AN ICHTHYAN JACKASS. 7I

Jackass-Fish {Dactylosparus macro ■pier us).

This is often confused with the Morwong by the un-
initiated, and one often hears of Morwong being captured
by boating parties, when this species has been taken. As
far as New South Wales is concerned, of the two species,
the Jackass-Fish appears to be the more abundant. Certainly,
more of the latter are brought to market. From the Morwong
it may be at once distinguished by the comparatively long
attenuated head and the wide, saddle-like purple band over
the shoulders — the last character being responsible for its
vernacular name. In both of these species of Dactylosparus
the pectoral fin is of a remarkable shape, one of the lower
rays being greatly elongated and somewhat finger-like.

The Jackass-Fish is somewhat smaller than the Morwong
attaining a length of from 18 inches to 2 feet.

Red Morwong or Sea Carp {Cheilodactylus fuscus).

Plate XL.

This is a well-known and valuable food-fish. It is
extremely common along the greater part of the New South
Wales coast, frequenting rocky shores, sunken reefs, and
bomboras, where it obtains for its sustenance crustaceans,
worms, shells, and other rock-haunting animals. Although
odd numbers of the Red Morwong are taken with the hauling-
net amongst other fishes, it is a trammel-net fish par excellence.
Large quantities also are taken by means of hook and line.

By very many fishermen this fish is known as " Carp ";
but as it has nothing in common with the Cyprinoid known
for so long under that name, the use of the name for this
fish can only be misleading, and should always be discouraged.

The Red Morwong commonly grows to a length of from
12 to 15 inches. Being abundant, easily caught, and hand-
some, this fish is always in request by aquarium-keepers;
and it certainly makes a most attractive object.

72 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Brown-banded Morwong {Cheiloiactylus spectabilis).

I published a full description of this Morwong recently
in a paper, (already referred to),* wherein I recorded it for
the first time from our shores. The record was based upon
two examples — one measuring I5|- inches and the other
22^ inches — taken from near the entrance to Port Hacking
and at the mouth of the Wonboyn River, respectively. I
have received no further evidence respecting this species
since then, but think it likely that a greater familiarity with
our rock-haunting fishes will prove that it is not altogethei
uncommon.

Banded Morwong or Magpie Perch {Goniistius gibbosus).

Plate XLL

An edible fish, but rarely obtained. A most beautiful
species, charmingly colored, and quite unique (amongst the
Morwongs) in shape. From just behind the eyes the upper
profile rises rapidly, the highest point being above the end
of the opercle or gill-cover. From this point there is a
gradual descent all the way to the tail. The highest point
of the back is surmounted by the high spinous dorsal fin,
the spines of which are very acute.

Cockatoo Fish {Aplodactylus lophodon).

Of all our outside reef fishes this is one of the most
abundant. Though this is so, it is not familiar to the average
angler, as it does not usually take a bait. The only proper
and really effective manner of capture is by means of the
trammel-net, but as very few men use this net at present,
only a comparative few Cockatoo- Fish are brought to market.

This species is herbivorous, subsisting principally upon
the gelatinous seaweeds, which abound in rocky situations.
Though I have described it as an "outside" species, it is
to be obtained commonly in the lower and deeper parts of
our harbors.

* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i), 1907,
pp. 12-15. ' ■ • . . •

ALMOST A LILIPUTIAN. 'JZ

The head of this fish is of a most pecuhar shape; very
suggestive of that of a cockatoo — hence its common name.

As a food-fish the Cockatoo- Fish is of value, and as it
grows to a useful size (i8 inches or more), the time is not
far distant when its use will be far more general than at
present.

GRUNTERS AND BOAR-FISHES.

Trumpeter Perch {Tempon quadrilineatus).

This small species, though unimportant, is not to be
despised as a food-fish, as it is excellent for the table. This
has been recognised more of late years, consequently it finds
a more ready sale. Properly speaking, it is an estuary or
harbour fish, flocking in large numbers round the shores.
It attains, commonly, a length of about 8 inches.

In general build the Trumpeter Perch is somewhat
similar to the Silver Perch.

Silver Perch or " Gruntsr " {Tempon ellipticus).

Plate XLII.

This is an important edible fish, inhabiting, the western
streams of New South Wales in considerable abundance. As
a table-fish it is greatly esteemed, while it is also elegant
in shape and beautiful in color. In many parts it is
familiarly known as " Gruntcr," on account of the snorting
or grunting sound made by it when captured. In this habit
it is not unique, as other fishes of the sanie, and some other,
families also possess the faculty of sound-production.

The Silver Perch, attains a. weight of about 5 pounds.
It is usually taken' by means of the gill-net.

In color it is of a generally silvery appearance, the
edge of each scale being darker; the latter character giving
a beautiful imbricate appearance to the scales generally, which
are of moderate size.

The outline of this fish is, as the specific name suggests,
rather elliptical, the ■ back not being gibbous or humped,
as in the Golden Perch.

74 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Queensland Trumpeter or Javelin-Fish [Pomadasis hasta).

Plate XLIIL

Judging by present indications, this fine food-fish is not
common in the waters of New South Wales, being essentially
a northern species. However, examples appear occasionally
in our markets, from the North Coast districts. In our waters
it attains a length of about 2 feet.

The Queensland Trumpeter is not related to the true
Trumpeters, previously mentioned. Fishes of the genus
Pomadasis will be familiar to Americans under the collective
name of " Burros."

Giant Boar-Fish {Histiopterus labiosus).

A veritable " pig " in appearance, this fish, like the
familiar animal of that name, is naturally a " grubber,"
its snout being specially adapted for the purpose of fossicking
amongst sand and stones for its prey, which consists mainly
of small marine organisms that dwell in sandy localities.

Though an edible fish of considerable value, it does not
appear in our markets very often; not because it is not
common, but because it frequents outside sandy bottoms,
which are — comparatively — seldom fished.

The Giant Boar-Fish grows usually to a length of more
than 2 feet.

Richardson's Boar-Fish {Histiopterus recurvirostris).

This highly remarkable looking fish is uncommon in
New South Wales waters, only occurring, as far as we know,
in the most southern portions. Like its congener, just
mentioned, it is an outside fish, frequenting the bottom in
fairly deep water. It attains a length of about 2 feet, and
is highly esteemed as a food-fish. The curious shape of the
snout at once arrests attention, as it is drawn out somewhat
after the fashion of that of a Sea-horse. The very large
eyes, which it possesses, denote the deep-water character
of this species.

THE REDUNDANT " CH.' 75

Short Boar-Fish {Histioplerus elevatm).

Plate XI. IV.

Originally described from a sjiecimen measuring ii\
inches in length, captured by means of the trawl-net in
70 fathoms of water off Port Jackson in 1888, this species
was subsequently obtained b}' the " Thetis," in 189S, in
sufficient numbers to warrant the idea that future investi-
gation will prove it to be one of our common offshore fishes.
It is very different to the two preceding, in that the body
is very high and com})aratively short.

Farnell's Boar-Fish {Histioplerus farnclli).

This species was described from a single example,
measuring about 8 inches in length, taken by Mr. Farnell's
" Thetis " Expedition, before referred to. It was captured
with the trawl at a depth of about 15 fathoms, off Shoalhaven
Bight. As no trawling has been carried out since that date,
no particulars as to distribution, or relative abundance, are
available.

THE BREAM FAMILY.
Snapper (Schnapper) [Pagrosomus auratus).

Plate XLV (Both Fijiures).

This is generally looked upon as one of the choicest
of New South Wales fishes, and it is undoubtedly the highest-
priced fish in our markets. At the same time, it is one of
the most important, as it occurs abundantl}- in the waters
along our coast. While the young stages are to be found
commonly in the deeper water of our estuaries, the adults
p.refer the sea itself; particularly in the neighbourhood of
rocky shores and bomboras.

The Snapper is the principal fiih sought for by " outside "
fishing parties. It is hardly possible to estimate the quantity
taken in this way by amateur anglers; but it is undoubtedly
very great. The quantity which passes through our markets
is from 300,000 to 400,000 pounds p^r annum.

76 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

In capturing this fish at sea, according to Mr. Eastway,
the following adjuncts are the most suitable: — A 200-yard
36- or 27-cord line, with three hooks snooded on hard-twisted
line (about 8 inches long), and a i|- pound sinker. The
hooks are fixed above the sinker, and three different sizes
should be used, viz., 6/0, 5/0, and 4/0.

The Snapper is exceedingly elegant in form and very
beautiful in color, and this, coupled with the fact that it
bites well, has no doubt assisted it very materially in winning
its well-merited popularity.

As I stated in my " Fishes of Australia," up to about
4 or 5 inches in length, the 5^oung fry of the Snapper, which
are then characterised by the possession of dark vertical
bars on the body, are very often known as " Cockneys."
I should have mentioned that the prevailing color of the
Snapper throughout life is a most delicious pink; which
becomes, usually, richer and a little deeper in tint with
increased age.

Bej^ond the " Cockney " stage and up to a weight of
about a pound and a half, the Snapper is known as Red
Bream, that is ih the restricted sense qf the term. At the
beginning of this stage, the vertical bars gradually disappear
and most beautiful pale-blue spots, which before were quite
noticeable, novv^ become very prominent; particularly on the
lipper surface' of the body. Later on in life and up to a
fairly large size, this species is known to the fishermen first
as " Squire " and then as " School Snapper "; while beyond
this stage, we get what is known as the " Old-Man Snapper."
At che last-mentioned stage, the fish is characterised by a
tremendous, bony protuberance at the top of the head; and,
at the same time, a flabby, fleshy nose, of almost hiiman
appearance, is formed. At this time, the' likeness of the
Old Man Snapper's countenance to a human face is often
most remarkable, particularly when — as is so often the
case — the nose has the bloated appearance of an inebriate's.
The' Old- Man Snapper- is ■ sometimes caught of a weight of
over 30 pounds. -It is found on sandy bottoms in fairly

THE BELOVED " DARKIE. 77

deep water, where it sul^sists chictly upon starfishes, sand-
worms, crustaceans, &c. One would think that the condition
of the teeth at this stage might have something to do with
this change of habitat, as they are then worn and often
decayed.

Black Bream {Chrysophrys australis).

Plate XLVI.

Of all the commercial fishes of New South Wales, this
fine food-fish is undoubtedly the most important, while it is
also the recognised premier of our coastal sporting-fishes.
Wily and careful of nature, often the most tempting baits
and finest of tackle have to be used before the Black Bream
or " Brim." as it is familiarly called, can be inveigled into
taking the angler's hook, and when he is hooked, he is a
stubborn and courageous fighter. Handsome in appearance,
and of fine flavor and consistency when cooked, as well
as growing commonly to a good marketable size, there is
little wonder that this fish has climbed so high in the public
estimation; while, because of the characters previously
mentioned, more devotees amongst our anglers are to be
found worship})ing at its shrine than falls to the lot of any
other Australian fish.

In a commercial way this species is captured usually
by net (hauling or meshing), in or near the mouths of our
harbours and estuaries, as well as in the coastal (salt water)
lakes. In these localities immense hauls are often made.
While it may properly be termed an estuary fish, large
quantities are distributed at times along our beaches and
around the rocky shores of our coastline; but it is rarely
taken on what arc termed the outside, or Snapper, grounds.
It subsists mainly upon small crustaceans and mollusca
(being at times highly destructive to young oysters), and
is easily able to reduce to fragments even fairly stout shells,
by means of the powerful molars on each side of its jaws.

Some idea of its- great importance as a food-fish may
be gathered when I mention that a weight of about 1,350,000

y8 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

pounds is at present sold annually through the fish markets
of New South Wales. Added to this, of course, would be
the large quantities taken by thousands of amateurs, fishing
by line, and of which no official record can be kept.

In line-fishing for Black Bream, Mr. Eastway informs
me that practically the only lines used are the " varnished
silk-twists"; experts using Nos. 30 and 28, medium fishers
using 24, 20, and 18, while the general public are satisfied
with 16 and 14. To the line is attached a 6-feet long
Japanese gut, a 2/0 or 3/0 hook, and a very small bullet,
fixed on the gut at a distance of 1 inch from the hook.

The Black Bream attains a weight of at least 6 pounds.

Probably the most productive water for its size on our
coast is Lake Macquarie, a little to the south of Newcastle.

Tarwhino [Chrysophrijs sarha).

Plate XLVII.

Not nearly so important as the preceding, nor is it of
such good flavor. It does not occur in such abundance as
the Black Bream, and is found chiefly along the northern half
of our coastline. By many it is confused with the Black
Bream, but not by the fishermen, who recognise the distinct-
ness of the two species. From, its congener it may at once
be distinguished, among other characters, by the following: —
The scales are slightly smaller ; it has a number of golden-
yellow longitudinal stripes, which are most prominent along
the upper parts of the sides; the spinous rays of the anaj
fin are very weak, when compared with those of the Black
Bream ; it has eleven soft rays in the anal fin, as against
eight in the latter; while, most noticeable of all, the Tar-
whine is, what is termed, more " bull-nosed," having a bold
rounded nose, somewhat similar to that of the young Snapper.

The largest Tarwhine yet seen by me was a little under
4 pounds in weight.

Yellow-mouthed Perch {Lethrinus chrysostomus).

A large and beautiful fish, of good quality as an edible
species. Obtained occasionally in our northern coastal waters,

DISCARDED, THOUGH EDIBLE. 79

but not in sufficient numbers to warrant us in looking upon
it as of economic importance. It attains a length of about
3 feet.

Three other species of Lethrinus (each of which is of
value from an edible standpoint) have been recorded from
the coastal waters of New South Wales, but they may be
looked upon as rarities, and are likely to be found in greater
abundance in the waters of Queensland. They are Lcthrinus
nematacanthiis, Lctkrinus operciilaris, and Lethrinus glyHwdon.

GOATFISHES, OR RED MULLETS.

Blue-striped Goatfish {Upeneus porosus).

Of the three species of Goatfish or Red Mullet, already
known to inhabit the waters of New South Wales, that
above mentioned is the only one which is worthy of mention
at present as an edible fish. It attains usually to a length of
about 10 inches, and the adults are to be found chiefly in
fairly deep water in the vicinity of headlands or other rocky
localities near to the entrances of our estuaries and harbors.
It is an exceedingly beautiful species, with a fairly high, com-
pressed body and large scales. When freshly taken from the
water, the body is of a rich carmine on the sides, darker
above, and silvery-white below. On each cheek are several
narrow vermiculated bands of a most beautiful blue. All
these colors fade considerably a short time after death.

The Goatfishes or Red Mullets are not greatly esteemed
at present in New South Wales, and there does not appear
to be much prospect of them becoming of economic importance
in the near future.

THE SWEEP FAMILY.

Sweep {Scorpis cequipinnis).

A common fish, of fair quality as a food-fish, attaining a
length of 12 or 13 inches. The adults are captured chiefly by
line at sea, while the young, up to about 6 inches in length,
literally swarm around the rocky portions of the lower parts

8o THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

of our harbors — more particularly Port Jackson. It possesses
a very compressed or narrow, high body: the scales are quite
small and adherent, the eye is fairly large and the mouth is
small. When freshly captured the body is seen to be some-
what of a uniform silvery blue, but this quickh^ changes to
a dusky blackish tint — hence the vernacular name. Large
numbers of the young of this fish are captured by boys
around Port Jackson and are taken home and cooked, and
there is no doubt that, though small, they make a very
tasty dish.

Batfish {Monodactylus argenteus).

A common fish, most abundant in our northern harbors
and estuaries. Although edible, and said to be of good
quality, it is net at present of importance. It is such a deep-
bodied fish that (exclusive of fins) the height is nearly as great
as the length. It attains a length of 8 or 9 inches.

CORAL FISHES.

Butter-Fish {Epkippus muUijasciatus).

Plate XLVIIL

This species is very abundant in the estuaries of our
northern rivers, and, occasionally, shoals of fair size have been
noticed in the waters of Port Jackson; However, as it is not
greatly esteemed as a table-fish, it forms but a small portion
of the food-supply. The Butter-Fish attains exceptionally a
length of 15 or 16 inches.

It is an exceedingly pretty fish. The ground color is
bright silver, and on this are displayed, at intervals, broad
vertical broken bands of a dark-green color. These bands
are composed of large elongated spots, and between them are
shorter and narrower . bands composed of smaller spots.

Spotted Butter-Fish {Ephippus argus).

This Butter- Fish is rare in New South Wales waters. In
general form it is somewhat similar to the preceding, but may
be at once distinguished by the presence of numerous dark
rounded spots, of a fairly large size, on each side.

A POPULAR MISNOMER, 8l

BLACK TREVALLY.

Black Trevally {Siganus nebidosus).

Plati; XLIX.

This is not related to the true Trevallies belonging to
the Yellowtail family. The popular name is, therefore, as in
a number of other cases, decidedly misleading. Though fre-
quently not to be seen in the markets for months at a time,
large shoals occasionally appear in Port Jackson and the
waters in the neighborhood, when comparatively small
quantities are captured and brought in for sale. Not being
recognised as a choice fish, and being usually of small size,
it does not command a high price, though finding a ready
sale.

The family of fishes to which this one belongs is essentially
a somewhat tropical one, and in the present instance, the
species is found to be more abundant as we proceed in a
northerly direction.

The Black Trevally attains a length of about lo inches.

A closely allied fish, known as Siganus javiis, and which
is commonly classed with the Black Trevally just mentioned,
also occurs on our coast. It is very similar in structure and
habits to the latter.

THE POMACENTRIDS.

Scalyfin {Parma microlepis).

i'l.ATE L.

This is the only one of the New South Wales Pomacentrids
which at present merits any attention as an edible fish. It
is a small iish, attaining commonly a length of about 8 inches,
and is found swarming around our rocky shores in great
numbers. It can hardly be recognised as a market fish,
although odd examples are to be seen occasionally mixed in
with the products of the trammel-net.

82 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. *

PARROT-^FISHES OR WRASSES.

Spotted Pigfish {Diastoion unimaculatus).

This is well known to coastal anglers as a fine edible
fish ; of beautiful api:)earance, and growing to a length of
about 15 inches. Like most of the Parrot-Fishes or Wrasses,
it is a rock-fish, dwelling habitually in the vicinity of sunken
reefs or rocky headlands. It is one of the species commonly
grouped together by New South Wales anglers under the
heading of " Redfish," this term applying principally to
the Sna})per (Red Bream), Nann3'gai, and the Pigfish. In
the Spotted Pigfish the body is of a deep scarlet on the upper
parts, and pinkish or yellowish below. On each side and
just beneath the first part of the soft portion of the dorsal
fin, there is a large pinkish patch; while there is a large
dark-blue spot about the centre of the spinous part of the
same fin. The scales are very large, as in so many other
Labroids.

I think this fish, and the one which follows, are destined
to play a more important part in our future fisheries than
they do at present, and certainly their value, from an edible
standpoint, warrants such a development.

Banded Pigfish {Diastodon heUis).

Plate LI.

As I stated in " Fishes of Australia," this Pigfish is
probably not a distinct species, but merely a color variety
of the Spotted Pigfish, which is the more common form.
In habits it appears to be similar to the latter, but is generally
of a somewhat smaller size. It may be distinguished from
the Spotted Pigfish by the presence of three rows of large
elongate oblong spots on each side.

Crimson Groper {Harpe vulpina).

This Wrasse appears to be uncommon, though further
knowledge in regard to its haunts may prove the opposite
to be the case. It grows to a considerable size, and is pos-
sessed of a strikingly beautiful appearance.

BEAUTIFUL AND PONDEROUS. 83

Blue-spotted Groper {Chcerops ommopterus).

Plate l.II.

This is one of the largest of our Wrasses, attaining a
length of nearly 3 feet. It is a denizen of our northern
waters, where it aj)pears to be not uncommon. As an edible
fish it is of value. The shape alters considerably with age —
old examples having a much higher head (and smaller eye)
than young or half-grown specimens. The glorious colors
of this magnificent fish simply baffle description ; and they
must be seen while the fish is fresh, to be properly appreciated.

Groper {Achcerodus gouldii).

The Groper is a food-fish of considerable value. It is
one of our most abundant- Parrot- Fishes, being found in great
numbers along the greater part of the New South Wales
coastline. It grows to a length of 3 to 4 feet, and is the
largest of its family, so far known, to occur in the waters of
New South Wales. It is essentially a rock-fish, and subsists
upon animal matter. In its capture either hook and line
or the trammel-net may be used. Though large examples
are not usually considered worthy of ranking as table-fish,
those up to about 2 pounds in weight are undoubtedly of
good quality, and are sure to come largely into consumption
in the near future.

The Groper is a very ponderous-looking fish. Amongst
its most noticeable features are the strong canine teeth,
two pairs of which project forwards from the anterior portion
of each jaw.

Red or Brown Groper {Achcerodus hadius).

There is little doubt in my mind (as I mentioned in
" Fishes of Australia ") that the Groper designated popularly
as above, is not specifically different from the Blue Groper,
but that the only difference is that of sex — the former being
normally the female, and the latter the male. It is of a
uniform reddish color.

84 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Whito-spotted Parrot-Fish [Pseudolahrus gijmnogenis).

Plate L.III.

This is one of our common rock-fishes, though not often
to be seen in our markets. As an edible fish it is hkely to
become of some importance, when tranmiel-nets are more
freely used along our coastline. It commonly attains to a
length of 8 or 9 inches.

Crimson-banded Parrot-Fish {Pseudolahrus nigromarginatus).

Though for convenience sake I have used the specific
designation which has, in the past, been applied to this
fish, I have no doubt that it is specifically identical with
Pseudolabnis gymnogenis, and that the differences in color
and size are no more than sexual, the Crimson-banded Parrot-
Fish being the male and the White-spotted Parrot- Fish the
female. Contrary to the general rule amongst our fishes
in which secondary sexual characteristics occur, the male
attains a considerably larger size than the female.

Green Parrot-Fish {Pseudolahrus laticlavius).

Common in shallow water, and at moderate depths
round rocky shores, lurking amongst seaweed. Grows to a
length of 12 or 13 inches. Not likely to become of economic
importance.

Lilac-banded Parrot-Fish {Pseudolahrus cyanogenijs).

At present rare. It attains a length of 18 inches or
more.

King Parrot-Fish {Coris rex).

Little is known in regard to this rock-fish, which attains
a good marketable size — nearly 18 inches.*

Maori {Coris lineolatus). , .

Plate LIV.

This is one of the most abundant of our Parrot-Fishes,
and is a good food-fish. It is easily captured by means of
hook and line or the trammel-net, in the vicinity of sunken

* There is a fine specimen of this handsome fish, measuring 175^ inches, in
the collection of the New South Wales Department of Fisheries. It was captured
off Fairy Bower (Manly), not far from Sydney Heads.

A WHITING THAT IS NOT A WHITING. 85

reefs. The Maori takes the smoke admirably ; and there
should be a considerable demand for it later on in the smoked
condition. It grows commonly to a length of 15 or 16 inches.
The body is elongate and compressed, and is beautifully
colored.

This species appears to have received the designation
used above on account of the presence of irregular blue bands
which traverse the head on each side^ giving to the fish the
appearance of having been tattooed.

During the spring of the year 1907, enormous shoals
of the Maori were present in the ocean waters between Port
Jackson and Broken Bay. These were chiefly half-grown
fishes.

Rock Whiting [Odax richardsonii).

Plate LV.

This, as I have before pointed out, is not a Whiting,
in the j)ropcr sense of the word, as restricted to our Australian
Whitings of the family Sillaginidce ; though, considering
that the latter and the fish under discussion belong to two
totally different families, having but little in common with
one another, the bodily resemblance is really remarkable.

The Rock Whiting is very abundant along parts of our
coastline, more particularly the southern portion, and grows
commonly to a length of 12 or 14 inches. It is exquisitely
colored.

In some parts of New South Wales and in Victoria, this
food-fish is known under the title of " Stranger."

Herring-Kale {Olisthops cyanomelas).

Plate LVI. (Both fieures.)

Of all those New South Wales edible fishes which come
under the popular general heading of " rock-fish," this species
appears to be the most abundant. It is to be found along
the greater part of our coastline, wherever weedy, rocky
localities exist.

In regard to the value of the Herring-Kale as an edible
fish, I may, perhaps, quote from my " Fishes of Australia,"

86 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

wherein I stated that this species possesses considerable
value, being of good flavor and consistency, and that only
a better knowledge of its good qualities is needed to ensure
its consumption, as food, on a very much larger scale than
at present, the supply — both present and prospective —
being practically without limit. In its capture the proper
gear would be, as in most other rock-dwellers, the trammel-
net. It is seldom taken by hook and line, the principal
reason being that it subsists chiefly upon the gelatinous
seaweeds obtained in rocky situations.

The Herring Kale furnishes a fine type of species in
which secondary sexual characters are displayed. The males
are of a uniform bluish-black, with a bright blue, or bluish-
green, band near the outer margin of each caudal lobe and
on each pectoral fin; the form of the body also is miore
elongate than that of the female, while the lobes of the caudal
fin are more produced, sometimes greatly so. In the female
the head and body are beautifully mottled with brown,
orange-gold, and blue, while on the sides of the head are
orange and bluish vermiculated bands. Viewed in an
aquarium the female is seen to be a strikingly beautiful object,
and under the same circumstances, it may be pointed out,
the male appears to be of a uniform French-grey color
(excepting the colored bands on caudal and pectoral fins).

THE YELLOWTAIL FAMILY.

Yellowtail {Trachurus declivis).

Exceedingly abundant along the coast of New South
Wales, though not much used as food. Notwithstanding
this, its flesh is very tasty. Most of those captured by the
fishermen and brought to market are immature, and are used
as bait by line fishermen in the capture of more highly-prized
species. The largest usually seen on this coast would run
to about 12 or 13 inches.

This fish is sometimes known as " Scad."

DOUBTFUL ORTHOGRAPHY. 87

" Cowanyung "* {Decapfenis leptosomus).

Though the young fry of this species are always present
in greater or lesser numbers in our harbor and estuarine
waters, the adults are not so often seen. The reason for this
is that the adult fish is essentially pelagic in habit, and roams
freely in our outside coastal waters. At times vast shoals
of these put in an appearance — their individuals ranging up
to as much as 18 inches or more in length. Our knowledge
in regard to the periodicity of this species (as in the case of
a number of others, amongst our pelagic fishes) is unfor-
tunately not sufficiently advanced to enable us to speak
authoritatively in regard to its movements, but ample evidence
is available to show that it may be looked upon as one of
the important fishes of the future — and there is no good reason
why it should not be the near future.

In a general way, the young of the Cowanyung may be
distinguished from the common Yellowtail, among which they
are often captured, by the more rounded and shallower,
elongate body, and by the general greenish hue of the upper
parts; the latter being light-brown or Yellowish in the yellow-
tail.

Trevally {Caranx georgianus).

Plate LVII.

This is the common " Trevally " of the Sydnej' fish
markets, where it is almost constantly to be seen. It is
captured in large numbers by means of hauling-nets, in most
of our coastal inlets, always commanding a ready sale in the
markets. Notwithstanding its great abundance in the inlets,
it is to a certain extent a pelagic fish, making its appearance
at intervals in prodigious shoals. The trevally is a smooth-
skinned and small-scaled fish, deep-bodied and slab-sided. It
grows commonly to a fine marketable size, the ordinary run
of what are usually termed large Trevally averaging about
2 or 3 pounds in weight. Much larger ones than that size
are, however, often obtained, and examples of as much as
9 pounds in weight, with a length of about 2 feet 6 inches,
have been obtained.

* The correct rendering of this name is doubtful.
1)

88 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Like others of the Yellowtail family, this species deterio-
rates very rapidl}" after death, if high temperatures prevail,
and unless it is gutted. It takes the smoking process well,
and large numbers are preserved by this means.

The Trevally is of a beautiful silvery-white on the sides,
and bluish above, with golden reflections towards and on the
head.

Blue Trevally {Caranx hippos).

This is a large fish, attaining apparently a length of
about 3 feet. Very little evidence in regard to the occurrence
of this fme species in our waters has been forthcoming so far,
and it is looked upon as being scarce; but as I have pointed
out in the case of others among our food-fishes, of a more or
less pelagic or oceanic nature, there has been so little outside
work carried out, that we are not justified in accepting present
information as conclusive — indeed, far from it. Future in-
vestigation will, very probably, I think, reveal the presence
of the Blue Trevally in our nortliern waters, at least, in
considerable numbers.

This is the " Cavalla " or " Jack " of the United States,
where, according to Jordan and Evermann, it is the most
abundant, and one of the most valuable of the genus.

Noble Trevally {Caranx nobilis).

I have not met with this Trevally, which was described
by Sir William Macleay in 1881. The description was founded
on a specimen, captured in Port Jackson, which measured
24 inches.

Silvery Moon-Fish {Caranx ijallus).

Plate LVIII.

This species, which is well known as a food-fish in certain
tropical parts, has only recently been recorded by me from
New S.outh Wales waters, the example upon which the record
was based having been captured at Evans River (in salt
water), on the northern portion of our coast. This example
measured about 18 inches, but the species is known to reach
a length of not less than 3 feet.

AN IMPULSIVE GIANT. 89

It appears not unlikely that the Pennant-Fish (sometimes
called Diamond-Fish) is the young of the Silvery Moon-Fish,
The former makes its appearance in our waters a]:)out the
end of summer every year.

Samson-Fish {Seriola hippos).

Platk lix.
Though very j^lentiful in our waters off-shore, examples
of this species are not frequently to be seen in our markets,
those that do come in being usually taken by hook and line.
It is a fine fish, of great potential value. A length of not less
than 2 feet is attained.

Kingfish {Seriola lalandi).

It will be of interest to mention that this handsome fish
is the celebrated Amber- Fish, or Coronado, of America, under
another name. It is a great " game-fish " both here and in
America, and there can be no doubt that it is destined to be
one of Australia's principal sporting fishes; while from a
general economic standpoint it must become of immense
importance. At the same time it is not likely to be considered
as a first-class fish, its flesh not being of such good flavor or
consistency as that of the majority of our food-fishes.

The Kingfish gi'ows to a length of 6 feet, and a weight
of about 100 pounds, examples of 4 feet in length being quite
common. It is of a highly voracious habit, and is a swift
and powerful swimmer. A typical pelagic fish, it moves
about in enormous shoals, from which large bodies become
detached, entering our harbors either in pursuit of smaller
fishes, like the Pilchard, or to escape the attentions of sharks
and porpoises (Dolphins), which plaj^ great havoc amongst
them.

The Kingfish is captured in special large-meshed hauling-
nets, or by means of hook and line. It is not very particular
as to bait and is easily hooked on a line trailing behind a
moving boat. Artificial spinning baits are often used, while
many anglers use a living Yellowtail. When hooked it makes
a good fight before being landed.

go THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

This fish is elongate in form, the body not being highly
compressed. The skin has a smooth feeling, the scales being
small.

Runner [Elagatis hipinnulaius).

Plate LX.

The only record of the occurrence of this fine species in
our waters is that made by me last year,* when I chronicled
the capture of a specimen, measuring 27-J- inches, which had
been captured off North Head, Port Jackson. The species
is gregarious, and the example captured was probably one
of a large shoal.

Tailer {Pomatomus saltatrix).

Fl.ATE LXL

This is the important food-fish which is so familiar to our
American brothers as " Blucfish," and here I might be per-
mitted to illustrate its abundance in the waters of New South
Wales by suggesting that, should the American supplies ever
give out, the plant for its capture may safely be transferred
here, as the supply, both present and prospective, is apparently
without limit.

In the following I have quoted largely from mj' article
on the Tailer in " Fishes of Australia," wherein I dealt pretty
fully with it.

Though adult Tailer (or Tailor) are adapted for roaming
over large areas of water — and do so — the young are found in
great profusion in many of the inlets embraced within its
habitat. Particularly is this so in Port Jackson, where large
numbers of immature examples are enclosed in almost every
haul of the " garfish " — or " hauling " — net. Even in the inlets
themselves, the young often mass themselves together so as
to form large shoals, particularly when small fishes like the
young of the Pilchard are present in great quantities.
Amongst these the young Tailer, trying to emulate their
older relatives, play great havoc. When the Tailer are

* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i), 1907, p. 17.

AN IMPORTANT FOOD-FISH. QI

roaming about in the harbor ol' Port Jackson in shoals,
hundreds of men and boys Hne the wharves, all endeavour-
ing to entice the lish to take their liait — which is not a very
difficult feat to accomjilish, as a Tailer is usually too hungry
to stop to see whether there is anything attached to the bait.
Shoals of the full-grown fish also often make their appear-
ance in the harbors, but, as a rule, these prefer the oi)en
sea. However, the adults arc nearly always present — either
singly or in small groups — in the harbors and lakes. In
Port Jackson and other localities when a net is hauled
ashore, not unconmronly half a mullet will be picked out of
the net; usually the head part. When one sees this he knows
that " Master Tailer " has been busy ; for it is a habit of
this fish, that when he cannot take in the whole of a fish
he takes as large a portion as he can comfortably — or,
perhaps, uncomfortably — swallow: snapping it off with his
wonderful steel-trap-like jaws. It is a most absorbing and
interesting sight to see two or three Tailer " rushing " a
small shoal of mullet on, sa}', a shallow, sandy flat. They
race along with almost lightning speed, sweeping round now
and again in the most graceful curves, cleaving the water
at the surface with their blue backs, and sending the little
ripples and eddies away on each side of them. Though at
times great numbers of large fish could be captured by our
fishermen, no special iishery for this species 3'et exists on
our coast; the principal reason being that the fish decomposes
so rapidly after death, this rendering it what is called a " bad
fish for market." This is very regrettable, as a freshly
caught and cooked Tailer is of fine flavor and fit to grace
the best tables.

By the foregoing remarks I do not wish to imply that
the Tailer is not already recognised as an important food-
fish, because in the yearly aggregate a considerable amount
is sold (and it is well-known that a freshly caught and cooked
Tailer is of fine flavor, and is fit to grace the best tables,/,
but these are chiefly captured with other species, and form
but an infinitesimal proportion of the enormous shoals which
abound in our waters. Under present conditions, if these

92 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

fishes were gutted before being forwarded to market, they
would arrive in a very different state to that in which they
are often to be seen. At the present time, the average
fisherman feels rather aggrieved if a few Tailer are enclosed
in his net, as they have a troublesome habit of rushing the
net, snapping at it with those awful jaws and making holes
to let themselves and other fishes out.

As a smoked fish the Tailer is " really excellent," that
being the universal opinion; and from an economic point of
view, undoubtedly there is a great future before it. In the
United States of America, at the present time, great quantities
are captured and sold, either in a fresh condition or preserved
in a smoked or pickled state; the amount consumed annually
in the country mentioned aggregating many millions of pounds
in weight.

In New South Wales waters the Tailer attains a length
of about 3 feet.

Dart [Trachinotus russelli).

Plate LXII.

This food-fish is not often represented in our m.arkets,
being a northern species. Occasionally, however, it makes
an , appearance in waters as far south as Port Jackson or
Botany Bay, when small quantities are forwarded to market.
During the winter of 1907, several baskets* were taken in
one haul at Botany Bay. As an edible fish it is of considerable
value, and as it is very pleasing to the eye, its importance
in our future fisheries should be very m.uch greater than at
present.

From other edible fishes the Dart may be at once dis-
tinguished by its long " swallow-tail," and the greatly pro-
duced and pointed dorsal and anal fins. For the benefit of
those who are familiar with American food-fishes, it may be
mentioned that it is the species of the same genus as this
{Trachinofus) which are known in America as Pompanos.

The average length of those marketed in New South
Wales is from 12 to 15 inches.

* A basket is equal to a weight of about 75 pounds.

QUEEN, PILOT, AND SERGEANT. 93

Snub-nosed Dart {Trachinolus ocalus).

This Dart is much higher in the body, is more snub-
nosed, and has shorter fins than the more abundant form
just mentioned. It appears to be of rare occurrence in New
South Wales waters, but will be found more abundantly on
the coast of Queensland.

Queen-Fish {Scomheroides sancti-petri).

Somewhat uncommon in New South Wales waters, attain-
ing about 20 inches in length.

Pilot-Fish [Naucrates ductor).

This well-known and widely distributed fish is usually
only captured (by line) in any numbers during the warmer
weather, when the great predaceous sharks are present in
large numbers. It is not at present used here for food
purposes. It is known to attain a length of about 2 feet.

THE SERGEANT-FISH.

Sergeant-Fish {Rachycentron canadus).

Plate LXIII.

This is a powerful and voracious fish, not uncommon on
the New South Wales coast. It attains a large size, and is
of some value as a food-fish, though at present sparingly
obtained. I have seen three examples of this fish taken at
different times, each of which measured about 4 feet in length;
while I have observed many others from about 2 feet 6 inches
in length, downwards.

The Sergeant-Fish is already known as an edible fish on
the coasts of the United States of America.

94 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

THE MACKERELS.

Common Mackerel {Scomber colias).

Plate LXIH.

The Mackerel of Australia is identical with the " Thimblc-
eyed Mackerel," or " Chub Mackerel," of America, and the
so-called " Spanish Mackerel " of England. The last men-
tioned must not be confused with the large mackerels men-
tioned later under that name.

While this species is already well and favorably known
in our waters as a game-fish, and, to a limited extent, as a
food-fish, its potential importance in the latter capacity can-
not be too highly estimated. As I have already stated in
" Fishes of Australia," the Common Mackerel is extensively
and abundantly distributed in our waters, only a little enter-
prise being needed to raise it to a position of great importance
amongst our economic fishes, at the same time creating a
fishery of boundless extent. Always present in our waters,
at certain times it swarms along our coastline and in our
harbors and estuaries in countless myriads. Most of those
that enter the inlets are immature, the larger fishes usually
preferring the open waters of the ocean itself, though
occasionally large shoals of those also put in an appearance.

The Common Mackerel usually attains a length of 12 to
14 inches.*

Horse Mackerel {Sarda clulensis).

Plate LXIV.

This large species is not so often seen as the Common
Mackerel, but, at irregular intervals, shoals of great extent
put in an appearance in our coastal waters, and at these
times, comparatively small bodies find their way into our
harbors and estuaries, thus coming within the scope of the
fisherman's hauling-net. It is of some value as a food-fish

* That is the size of the larger run of those seen in our harbors ; but it is likely
that the species attains, in our ocean waters, a much s'^ater size. In the waters
of Japan, where this Mackerel gives rise to a great fishery, it attains a length of
18 to 20 inches.

THE MIGHTY ALBACORE. 95

in other parts of the world as well as in our own waters,
and the comparative few which are brought to New South
Wales markets find a ready sale.

The Horse-Mackerel is a strikingly handsome fish, and
attains a length exceptionally of nearly 3 feet, the average
size of those brought to market being about 18 inches. It
is of importance as a game-fish, and is not particular as to
bait, being highly voracious.

Bonito {Gymnosarda pelamis).

This species is ordinarily somewhat larger than the pre-
ceding, and is more robust in form. It is strictly pelagic in
habit, and appears to be less abundant than the Horse
Mackerel. That, however, may not be the case, as we know
so little in regard to the occurrence of our oceanic fishes.
A great sporting fish.

Little Tunny {Gymnosarda alletterata).

In general form this is somewhat like the Horse ^lackerel ;
the arrangement of the colors, however, is quite different.
Little is at present known regarding its occurrence in the
waters of Xew South Wales, and it is regarded at present as
rare.

Albacore {Thunnus [Germo] germo).

This is allied to the large Tunnies, from which it differs
chiefly in having the pectoral fin very long and sabre-like,
in the adult the length of this fin being about two-fifths of
that of the body.

We have only one definite record of the occurrence of
this fish in New South Wales waters so far, one example a
little over 4 feet in length having been taken at Port Mac-
quarie in 1903. Reference to this incident will be found in
my " Fishes of Australia." As the fish is highly gregarious,
it is probable that there were many others in the vicinity
at the time.

96 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Southern Tunny {Thunnus [Gemio] mzccoiji).

During June of last year (1907) large shoals of this
mighty mackerel were discovered to b-c present in our coastal
waters in the immediate vicinity of Port Jackson and Port
Hacking; and some of the fishes made their way into the
mouth of Port Jackson. The individuals in these shoals
averaged from 5 to 7 feet in length, and were of a great
weight. The first example taken was harpooned off the mouth
of Port Hacking by a party out in pursuit of porpoises
(Dolphins). This was examined by me and identified with
Castelnau's ThynntLS maccoyi. I found it to measure 4 feet
io| inches to the fork of the tail, and it weighed 139 pounds.
During the next few days succeeding, a few of those which
entered Port Jackson Heads were captured by a fisherman
in the vicinity, using a " Kingfish net " ; and these were said
to be about 7 feet long. On both occasions, the water off
shore v/as stated to be literally alive with these Tunnies.

Again, during September, the men (Goldsmith Brothers)
who harpooned the first one, happened on a large shoal of
the young of this species, and about twenty were captured.
One of these preserved by me weighed I2|- pounds.

Though these are the only definite records of the occur-
rence of this mighty and useful food-fish in New South Wales
waters, it is highly probable that they are, and have been
often present, but unrecognised, and it seems to me very
likely that the young at least have been confused at times
with the Bonito.

A statement of the colors as noted by me at the time
that I identified the first specimen, mentioned above, will not
be out of place: — -Upper parts, deep bluish-black, becoming
steel-blue towards the sides, and working into a deep-brownish
tinge on the top and upper part of the sides of the head;
sides ashen-grey, dusted over with darker. (No very distinct
line of demarcation between color of back and sides.) Lower
surface, coral-white. Iris, yellowish-orange, sparsely dusted
over with darker. Projection on each side of tail, orange-
yellow with a bluish-green niaigin. A somewhat leaden or

IS IT A MACKEREL ? 97

dull silvery sheen on the sitlcs of the body and on the sides
and lower parts of the head. Fins: pectoral, greenish-black,
first dorsal likewise; the membrane washed over with greyish.
Anal fin with the forepart (edge) greenish-blue, the rest of
the fin greyish-white, dusted over with darker. Ventral,
somewhat similar to anal. Caudal, greenish-black, — not
uniformly so, however, as there was a tendency for a little
dirty grey to show through in parts. Finlets, of a bright
orange, edged with greenish-black.

I might add that a very fine cast was made of this
magnificent specimen at the Technological Museum, Sydney,
where it now is. This cast was nicely colored under my
observation.

Frigate Mackerel {Auxis thazard).

During IQ03, and towards the latter end of last year,
small shoals of this species made their appearance in the
waters of Port Jackson. They were from 12 to 15 inches in
length. As this widely-distributed fish usually roams about
in large shoals, it is highly }:)robable that they were present
in considerable quantities in the vicinity of Port Jackson.

When freshly taken, these examples had the appearance
of polished lead, and they appeared to be familiar to some of
the Sydney fishermen, who called them " Leadenalls."

Butterfly-Fish [GasterocMsma melampus).

Pl.ATF. LXV.

First recorded by me from these waters last year, the
record being based upon two examples captured a short
distance to the southward of Sydney, at the latter end of
August, 1906. The larger of these two measured 16 inches.

This remarkable fish is a rather aberrant form of Mackerel.
Its body is highly compressed or slab-sided, suggesting tha:t
of the Tailer. The ventral fins are exceedingly large and
fan-like. The scales are of moderate size, thin and deciduous,
and are concentrirallv striated.

qS the edible fishes of new south wales.

I have received no further evidence of the existence of this
species in our waters since the capture of those first recorded.

Spotted Spanish Mackerel {Scomberomorus guttatus).

Though they are not turned to much account in our
])resent fisheries, the Spanish Mackerels (of both the known
species) must be considered as being amongst the most
important of our fishes. Occurring at intervals in prodigious
shoals and attaining a large size, they can hardly fail to be
of great commercial value in our future fisheries; and there
appears to be every probability of a very lucrative fishery
being established on this coast.

The Spanish Mackerels are very well known, and greatly
esteemed, in the United States of America, as food-fishes,
and there is absolutely no reason why they should not come
as prominently forward (or even more so) in our own waters,
where they are so abundant.

Of elegant and beautiful form, these fishes are the very
essence of speed; and they are essentially pelagic or oceanic
n habit, roaming freely over large areas of sea.

The Spotted Spanish Mackerel attains a length of about
6 feet, and is very elongate in shape. In color it is bluish
above and silvery on the sides, the latter being ornamented
with fairlv large, somewhat ovate or circular, dark spots.

Barred Spanish Mackerel {Scomheromorus commersoyiii).

I'l.ATE LXVl.*

This species is somewhat higher in the body than the
preceding. The color of the body is very like that of the
Spotted Spanish Mackerel, but instead of spots, the sides
are very prettily ornamented with more or less wavy vertical
bars of a deep bluish tint.j It grows to a length of about
4 feet or more.

A large shoal of these was present in our waters at the
end of January of this year. One of this shoal, which I
handled, measured about 4 feet 6 inches.

* ."^ee also the special desi^^n on the front of the cover of this work, which
gives an inni)ression of a shoal of these Tshes in full tilt.

t These hais are broader ani straighter in young and half-grown examples.

AUSTRALIAN COUTA — AFRICAN SNOEK. 99

THE BARRACOUTA FAMILY.

Barracouta [Thyrsites atun).

Familiarly known as 'Couta, this large and highly-
voracious fish is abundant along the southern ])ortion of
the New South Wales coastline. Occasionally large shoals
penetrate the waters of Port Jackson (during the cooler
months), and even waters nmch farther in a northerly
direction. It attains commonly a length of at least 4 feet;
the body being highly compressed, very elongate, and almost
band-like, while there are a number of small finlets preceding
the powerful caudal fin. The mouth is armed with sharp
and formidable teeth, well adapted to the predaceous habits
of this species.

Though the Barracouta can never be classed as a first-
class table-iish, it is undoubtedly of very great importance
and value ; and no account of our edible fishes would be
complete without mention of it. Although in its fresh state
it is at present practically unsaleable in New South Wales,
large quantities are sold annually in a smoked state. Many
of these are captured in the waters of Victoria, Tasmania,
and New Zealand. Their capture is usually effected by
means of hook and line ; and in this no difficulty is experienced,
as the Barracouta is neither particular as to the kind of bait
used, nor slow about taking it. As I have mentioned else-
where, any bright moving object is sufficient to attract the
fish, a piece of red flannel fastened to the hook being a
first-class bait.

The " 'Couta " is the '" Snoek " of South African waters.

Australian Hairtail {Trichinrus coxii).

This fish is somewhat suggestive of the Barracouta in
appearance, and attains about the same length; but differs
considerably from that fish, in that there is no caudal fin,
the tail tapering to a fine point — hence the generic name
Trichiunis. It has a long, attenuated, ribbon-like body
of a uniform silvery color.

TOO THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

There are no dorsal or anal iinlets like those of the Barra-
couta. The mouth is armed with a number of long, fang-like
teeth.

The Hairtail is not often obtained. It probably occurs
in abundance in moderate ocean depths.

SWORDFISHES OR SPEARFISHES.

Spearfish (Tetrapturus indicus).

Pi.ATi, Lxvn.

Though there appears to be no prospect of the fiesh
of this fish being used as food in New South Wales in the
near future, the use of Swordfishes and Spearfishes in general
for this purpose, in other parts of the world, is sufficient
justification for its inclusion here, particularly as my own
acquaintance with this fish leads me to the idea that future
investigation into its occurrence in our waters will tend to
show that it is far more abundant than has pre\aously been
thought. Though of a pelagic or oceanic nature, occasionally
examples of this Spearfish find their way into the waters of
Port Jackson; and during the month of January, iqoS, a
large one was found dead, jammed between a pontoon and
a wharf, at a distance of about lo miles up from the entrance
to the Port — surely an ignominious death for such a lord
of the ocean.

The largest of these Spearfishes which has come under
my personal notice measured about 12 feet 6 inches.

It may be mentioned that the snout in this species is
produced to form a powerful, rounded, spear-like weapon of
offence.

The example here illustrated is the one referred to in
"Fishes of Australia" (pp. 170 and 171) as having been
captured in Port Jackson during 1905.

THE "dolphin' of THE POETS. lOI

DOLPHIN-FISHES AND POMFRETS.

Common Dolphin-Fish {('oryphcena hippurus).

This large pelagic fish, which grows to a length ol fully
6 feet, and which is familiar to many seafarers, is known to
occur in our ocean waters at times. Its magnificent colors
have often been described, but, as in the case of many others,
they can liardly be satisfactorily painted in a word ])icture.

The Dolphin-Fish apj^ears in the Sydney fish markets
at rare intervals.

Pomfret [Brama rail).

Sometimes known as Ray's Bream. Though of consider-
able value in portions of its habitat as a food-fish, it is but
little known in New South Wales, being of rare occurrence.
It is a deep-bodied fish, growing to a length of from 2 to 4 feet.

THE DORIES.

Australian John Dory [Zeus australis).

This excellent edible fish is extremely abundant along
the coast of New South Wales in moderate ocean depths.
During the trawling carried out by the " Thetis," under
Mr. Farnell in 1898, it was captured on no less than thirty-
three occasions, being quite as abundant, apparently, in
water ranging from 16 fathoms in depth, down to 84 fathoms.
Though this grotesque-looking species is known to be a food-
fish of an exceptionally high order, there is no special fishery
at present for its capture, the few that do come into the
markets being captured by line men, while fishing for other
species in the vicinity of reefs.

Such a well-known fish as the John Dor}' needs but little
description, but I may state that it attains a length of not
less than 18 inches. Undoubtedly there is a great future
before it.

102 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Silvor Dory {Cijttus australis).

Plate LXVIIL

Though this magnificent and quaint-looking fish has
earned for itself the popular name used above, it is when
freshly taken of a beautiful Nannygai-pink. This pinkish or
reddish tint, however, quickly fades after capture, leaving the
fish of a uniform whitish-silvery. Like the John Dory, it
is an outside or ocean fish, and is rarely captured.

The Silver Dory bears a general resemblance to the John
Dory, but the whole body is more diamond-shaped. The
mouth is highly plescopic, though not to such a degree as
that of the latter.

This food-fish attains a length of about 15 or 16 inches,
and is considered to be of good quality.

FLOUNDERS AND SOLES.
Larg3-tODthed Flounder {Paralichthys arsius).

Plate LXIX.

This is one of the most abundant of New South Wales
flat-fishes. It is distinctly a northern species, and becomes
more common as we proceed in a northerly direction from
Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson), being particularly abundant
in the estuaries of our great northern rivers. It attains
a length of about 15 inches, and is a fine table-fish. In
the aggregate, considerable quantities of the Large-toothed
Flounder are brought to market annually in New South
Wales.

Apart from other differences and considerations of color,
this species may, as I have already pointed out in " Fishes
of Australia," be readily distinguished from its near ally, the
Small-toothed Flounder, by (i) the presence of several com-
paratively-large canine teeth near the front of the jaw (while
in the latter the teeth are fairly-uniform in each jaw, being but
slightly enlarged at the front of the upper jaw); also (2) the
slightly increased number of dorsal and anal rays, as compared

EYES LEFT ! I03

with the Small- toothed Ploundcr, and the presence upon the
lower jaw of a pronounced knob, with (usually) a slight notch
beside it; the projection, when occurring at all in the other
kind, being not at all prominent.

It may be mentioned that the eyes of both this and the
following species are on the left side.

Small-toothed Flounidt {Par alichthi/s novcc-cambricc).

This Flounder appears to be more restricted in its habitat
than the Large-toothed Flounder. It is particularly abundant
along the central and southern })ortions of our coastline.
Like the preceding species, it is practically an estuary fish, and
it occurs in shallow water; at times lying on the "flats" in
water that will barely cover its thin body. It is sometimes
called " Spotted Flounder," but, generally speaking, in a
commercial way no notice is taken of any differences which
exist between this and the Large-toothed Flounder, the two
being grouped together and sold as simply " Flounder."

The Small-toothed Flounder grows to a length of 16
inches (and a weight of at least 2 pounds), though those
brought to market average considerably less than that.

Spiny-headed Flounder {Plato phri/s spiniceps).

This is a species of Flounder which (with the exception
of the type specimen) I have not met with so far. It was
described by Sir William Macleay, father of Australian
Science, from a small example obtained in Port Jackson.
Knowledge in regard to extent of growth, distribution, and
abundance has yet to be obtained.

The eyes of the Spiny-headed Flounder are on the left
side.

Long-snouted Flounder {Ammotrdis rostrahis).

Plate LXX.

A good food-fish, abundantly distributed along the New
South Wales coast, more particularly on that portion lying to
the south of Port Jackson. It is the " Sole " of the Melbourne
market. The very young fry are very abundant in the

104 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

vicinity of sandy sea-beaches in shallow water, but as they
become older they make their way into the estuaries, in
which the adults are usually found on muddy or sandy
bottoms. The color varies considerably according to the
situation in which the fish is found, those in sandy localities
being much lighter than those on muddy bottoms. The
range is from a deep black to a very light brown or fawn
color, dusted over with darker. The very young are, almost
without exception, of the lighter color. The eyes are on the
right side.

The Long-snouted Flounder grows commonly to a length
of about 10 inches, and exceptionally to about 12 inches.

Southern Flounder* {Rhombosolea flesoides).

This is, as the vernacular name implies, a southern species,
most abundant on the coasts of Tasmania and Victoria, where
it is extensively used as food. It occurs also on the southern
portion of the New South Wales coast, but is not at present
of sufficient importance in these waters to be recognised as a
commercial fish.

The Southern Flounder grows to a length of about 12 or
13 inches. The eyes are on the right side.

Crested Flounder {Lophonectes gallus).

A small species, which is extremely abundant in moder-
ately deep water at sea. It was first taken by the great
*' Challenger " expedition, and a little later (1882) one example
was taken in the waters of Port Jackson in a large Otter
Trawl, which was then being tried for the first time. At this
trial Sir William Macleay was present, and it is worth
mentioning that in the one short drag of the net no less than
seven species of Flounders and Soles were taken. In i8g8,
and during the trawling cruise of the " Thetis," this species
was found to be particularly abimdant off the New South
Wales coast, in depths ranging from 10 to 84 fathoms.
Specimens captured ranged up to 7I inches in length.

* In my " Fishes of Australia,'' the name Southern Flounder is applied to
the spjcies known as Rhnml'osolea moiinpus. Though this species does, apparently,
occur in the waters there indicated, the species //csou/m is the most abundant form.

SMALL BUT USEFUL. IO5

The first rays of the dorsal fin are elongated, giving some-
what the appearance of a crest, hence the vernacular name
here used. The eyes are on the left side.

In color the Crested Flounder is of a light brown, with
some indistinct darker markings, all the fins being minutely
speckled.

Small-headed Flounder {Lwops parviceps).

This species was taken on our coast by the " Challenger "
expedition. Nothing is known regarding distribution or
habits, and I have not personally met with this flounder so
far. It is probably a deep-water fish. Eyes on the left side.

Small-headed Sole {Solea microcephala).

I'l.ATi: LXXL

This fish is to be found in our estuarine waters, usually
on muddy bottoms, and is not uncommon. Relatively speak-
ing it is the thickest (stoutest) of our flat-fishes, though it is
a small species of little importance at present. It grows
usually to a length of 7 to 8 inches. The eyes are on the right
side.

In color the Small-headed Sole is of a light brown, with
about 12 irregular cross-bands, much broader than the inter-
spaces. The fins are very dark.

Narrow-banded Sole {Aseraggodes macleayana).

Plate LXXU.

Originally taken in 1880 from the waters of Port Jackson,
we now know that this useful food-fish extends over a great
part of our coastline, it having been obtained from Port
Macquarie, on the north, to a locality off Shoalhaven River
on the south. From the latter locality, in 15 fathoms of
water, it was trawled by the " Thetis," while the northern
record is my own. It is most common in sea water of a few
fathoms in depth, though it has been taken in absolutely
fresh water in the Richmond River. Through the operations
of the " Thetis " in 1898, it was found to be quite abundant
in certain localities ranging down to as much as 20 fathoms.

I06 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES,

It attains a length of about ii inches, and may be con-
sidered as likely to be of some use as an adjunct to our food-
supply in the near future.

The eyes of this fish are on the right side.

In color the Narrow-banded Sole is of a light brown,
crossed by narrow dark- brown irregular bands, about as wide
as the interspaces, extending on to the fins. Some of the
bands are forked.

Peacock Sole {Achirus pavoninus).

This beautifully ornamented species is not of present
economic importance. It appears to be purely an estuarine
fish, affecting sandy bottoms, and occurring in the waters
along the greater part of our coastline. It is rarely seen in
our markets, and is not often captured. A length of about
7 inches is commonly attained. This flat-fish is closely allied
to the American " Hog-choker." The eyes are on the right
side.

Black Sole {Synaptura nigra).

Pi.ATi; LXXIII.

Of all the New South Wales flat-fishes the Black Sole is
at present the most imjjortant. It is plentifully distributed
along our shores, being most abundant in the comparatively
shallow waters of our estuaries and coastal lakes, where it
seeks the m.uddy bottom.s. Though always to be seen in the
fish markets, where it finds a ready sale at a high price, it
is captured in its greatest abundance during the warmer
months of summer, which is its spawning period. It is fairly
thick, for a sole, and attams a length of about 14 inches,
with a weight of about 2 pounds, that being the size of the
largest seen by me. The average size of those marketed,
however, would be about 9 to 10 inches.

In the capture of the Black Sole, the spear and the
hauling-net are commonly used. However, if the soles are
known to be congregated together in large numbers, the
trammel-net may be used with great execution.

In shape, the outline of the Black Sole is of a fairly
regular oval. The scales are very highly ctenoid, and make

EYES RIGHT ! I07

beautiful objects for the microscope. (An illustration of one
of these will be found on i^age 12 of my " Fishes of Australia.")
The eyes are on the right side.

The normal colors of this fine food-fish are as follows: —
The l)lind side is whitish or yellowish-white. The upper side
is of a rich olive-brown, mottled over with large, irregular,
darker blotches. There is a very great amount of variation
in the colors and their arrangement according to the situa-
tion, and I have seen " Black " Soles taken on clean sandy
ground which were of a light fawn color.

Zebra Sole {Synaptura zebra).

Rarely met with, and at present of no importance. It
is of a yellowish ground color, with a number (about eleven)
of brown zebra-like broad cross-bands.

The eyes are on the right side.

Many-banded Sole {Synaptura fasciata).

This flat-fish was described in 1882 by Sir William Macleay
from a single small example measuring 5 inches, trawled in
the waters of Port Jackson on the occasion before referred
to. Since then it has been captured occasionally in the same
harbor in moderately' deep water and up to a length of
about 8 inches. It is probable that the species is to be found
usually in fairly deep water at sea. In support of this idea,
I might mention that a single specimen was taken in the
trawl at a depth of 28 fathoms by the " Thetis," in 1898.
The e^'cs are on the right side.

The color is a pale brown, with about twenty dark, narrow
cross-bars, about equidistant from one another, distributed
over the head and body.

Tonguo-Fish {SympJiurus unicolor).

Pl.ATF. LXXIV.

Though not at j)rcsent of special importance, the Tongue-
Fish is quite common on sandy bottoms at shallow depths
along the coast of New South Wales, where it attains a length
of about 13 inches. In form it is that of a very long oval,

I08 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

pointed at the tail end, and is well-named " tongue " fish.
The upper part of the snout is produced backwards over the
mouth, into a long hook-shaped flap, known as the " rostral
hook." The eyes are on the left side.

The color is a pale yellowish-brown, with numerous
round spots of a creamy tint.

In capturing the Tongue-Fish, it is necessary to have a
net which is so arranged as to " bite " the bottom well,
owing to the habit of this species of clinging so close to the
sand.

THE RED ROCK COD FAMILY.

Red Gurnet Perch {Sebasta pistes percoides).

This is a rock-frequenting fish usually obtained by hook
and line in the vicinity of reefs at sea. It enters but little
into the food-supply of New South Wales, as it only appears
in any numbers along the most southern portion of our coast-
line, being usually rather uncommon in the vicinity of Sydney.

Like so many of the scorpgenoid fishes, the Red Gurnet
Perch is exceedingly beautiful in coloration.

It attains exceptionally a length of about 12 inches.

Thetis-Fish {Sebasiodes thetidis).

This name has been given to a fish, allied to the preceding,
which was first captured during the trawling of Mr. Farnell's
" Thetis " Trawling Expedition in 1898. As it may prove
later to be of some importance, I have included it in this list.
It was obtained on four occasions by the " Thetis," in depths
ranging from 55 to 78 fathoms, and up to a length of about
12 inches.

Red Rock Cod {ScorpcBna cruenta).

Plate LXXV.
Under the name of Red Rock Cod are commonly included
two species, that mentioned above, and an allied form known

as ScorpcBna cardinalis. As the latter is rather rare, it is

A USEFUL NET. lOQ

with Scorpccna cruenta that we are more dkectly concerned
here. This is a very common object in the fish markets of
New South Wales, and, as its flesh is usually considered to be
of very good quality, the fish always finds a ready sale.

It is a large-eyed species, of somewhat fierce — or, perhaps
I should say, grotesque — mien. Between the eyes is a deep
groove, and scattered over the skin of the head and the
rounded, robust body, are numerous short, skinny appendages.
The head is heavily armed, and is covered with hard bony
ridges and sharp spines. The grotesque shape of this fish,
coupled with its beautiful protective coloration, are very
effective aids to concealment when it is amongst rocks and
weeds— its natural surroundings — and must assist it greatly
also, in obtaining a large part of its food, which consists of
small rock-frequenting organisms generally.

As I mentioned in " Fishes of Australia," the general
color is a rich carmine — very bright towards the back, while
the lower parts are a pearly-white. There is a broad trans-
verse pink spot, which is narrowest in the middle, immediately
at the back of the head on the occiput. The lower surface of
the head is a pale red, marbled with yellow, with which color
the lips are banded. On the sides are scattered many dark
chocolate-colored spots, particularly over the lower portions.

The Red Rock Cod is usually captured by means of hook
and line, with a flesh bait. It may also be taken with that
valuable net, the " Trammel," which, as I have before
mentioned, is so little used here at present.

It commonly grows to a length of 12 inches, though
examples up to 18 inches in length are not infrequently
obtained.

Bynoe's Rock Cod {Scorpcena bynoensis).

This is a smaller species than the common Red Rock
Cod, to which it is closely allied. It is of little economic
importance at present in New South Wales waters, as it is
rarely obtained, and it does not appear to me probable that
it will ever add largely to our food supply.

no THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Bullrout {Notesthes robusta).

Plate LXXVI.

Though but httle used, the BuHrout is of considerable
value from an edible point of view. The reason that it is
not usually regarded with favor is because of the dread in
which it is held, on account of its power of inflicting the most
painful of wounds, by means of two sharp spines on each
side of the head. These spines are erectile at will, when they
become really formidable weapons. One of them is short and
triangular, while the other is long and thornlike. Owing to
the Bullrout's habit of lurking quietly in muddy localities
amongst weed, the unwary wader is liable to feel the fish
before he sees it; and if he once feels it he is never likely to
forget it.

This fish is distributed along the greater part of the New
South Wales coastline, inhabiting the estuaries, particularly
their upper portions, and penetrating right up into the fresh
waters of creeks and rivers.. As instances of this, I might
mention that specimens are sometimes taken in the salt water
of Botany Bay, while at the same time they are captured
in the fresh water above the Canterbury Dam, while the species
is found occurring in the waters of the Hawkesbury River
from the lower part of its estuary right up into the Nepean.
It appears to be most abundant, however, in the regions of
brackish water.

In appearance, the head of this grotesque-looking fish is
strangely suggestive of a rhinoceros, there being a prominent
" hump " on the snout before the eyes.

As I mentioned in " Fishes of Australia," there is an idea
in certain quarters that the flesh of the Bullrout is poisonous,
but this fear is altogether unwarranted, the flesh being both
wholesome and usually palatable.

The color is brownish, marbled with blackish.

The Bullrout grows to a length of lo to 12 inches.

FOR WAYS THAT ARE DARK. Ill

FLATHEADS.

Dusky Flathead {Platycephalus fuscus).

Pl.ATK l.XXVII.

Somewhat repulsive in appearance, the Flatheads,
generally, must undoubtedly claim a highly important place
among the food-fishes of the States of the Commonwealth of
Australia in general, and of New South Wales in particular.
As far as New South Wales is concerned, that which is of the
greatest value at present is the Dusky or Common Flathead,
being, as it is, one of the principal market fi.shes. A quantity of
about 525,000 pounds weight (or 7,000 baskets) is brought
to market annually, and in addition a very considerable
quantity is captured by anglers using handlines.

As an edible fish, it is of very good quality, the flesh
being white, firm, and flaky, though just a little dry.

This Flathead is a fish of the estuaries, and it is plenti-
fully distributed along the whole of the New South Wales
coastline, being found most abundantly in water of from
3 or 4 fathoms in depth up to a few inches at low tide, and
on bottoms which are composed wholly, or in part, of mud.
(I have described the habits of this species in " Fishes of
Australia," page 197).

In color it varies according to situation, from a dark-
brown or blackish with cross-bands of black in muddy
localities, to a light sandy-grey with somewhat darker bands
in sandy places.

The Dusky Flathead attains a large size, specimens of
a length of 4 feet being not unknown; those of a length of
from 2 to 2i feet, however, are considered large, while the
average of those marketed would be much less.

Being of a highly carnivorous nature, nothing comes
amiss to this hungry fish, even the young of its own species
being occasionally taken.

112 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Mr. R. E. Eastway, the authority before-quoted, con-
siders that in fishing for common Flathead with hook and
line, the following is most suitable: — A No. 12 varnished
silk twist, or a No. 40 thread, line, about 50 yards long; with
a 4/0 or 5/0 hook, on twisted gut, phosphor-bronze wire,
or gimp. A medium running sinker is best for most places;
but if the boat is moored, the bait should be kept on the
move all the time.

Rock Flathead {Platycephalus Icsvigatus).

This Flathead does not enter largely into consumption
in New South Wales, as it — being a southern species — only
begins to occur in abundance (as far as New South Wales
is concerned) along the southernmost portion of the coastline.

It is a smaller species than the preceding, and is much
narrower and rounder in the body.

Sand Flathead {Platycephalus bassensis).

Pi.ATi; LXXVin.

Sometimes known as Red Flathead. It is captured in
abundance by line at sea, on sandy bottoms, in water of
from a few fathoms deep down to moderate ocean depths.
It is an important food-fish growing to a large size, and
occurring in such abundance as to warrant a much greater
amount of attention being given to its capture than is the
case at present.

This species is reddish in color, with bluish spots dis-
tributed over the upper surface.

Long-spined Flathead {Platycephalus longispinis).

This is the smallest of our commercial species. 11 i.->
usually captured by line at sea in much the same situations
as the Sand Flathead, though not so abundantly. Only the
largest examples may be termed marketable as the species
only grows to a length of 12 or 13 inches, and is sexually
mature at a length of 7 or 8 inches. The name " Spikey "
is applied to this fish by the comparatively few fishermen
who come in contact with it, on account of the huge and

A NEW FISH — PROBABLY. Il'3

dangerous spine on tlie lower side of each gill-cover, and
with which a very nasty wound may be inflicted.

Tiger Flathead {P/att/cephaliis sp.).

This Flathead attains a fairly large size. It is occasionally
captured by line, in fairly deep water at sea, and has been
termed " Tiger " by some of the fishermen, because of the
sharp teeth, which are more prominent in this species than
in its allies. The eyes are ])rominent and large, and the
body is covered thickly with small vermilion spots. [In
regard to identity, I prefer to leave iae species open at
present. The New South Wales Flatheads are in need of a
general revision; and I think it not unlikely that this species
is yet undescribed. In any case I will leave it open until
I am able to bestow more attention to the whole family of
Australian Flatheads {Platycephalida).]

The Tiger Flathead is probably more abundant in a
southerly direction.

Ogilby's "Sand F\a.thea,d " {Platycephalus arenarius).

In 1886 Ogilby described a flathead under the above
name, which was trawled in Middle Harbour, Port Jackson.
The type measured 10 inches. Ogilby stated about the same
time that it was the Sand Flathead of the Sydney market.
In this, however, he is, I think, somewhat mistaken, as the
fish commonly known in our markets as Sand Flathead is
the species previously mentioned by me.

This fish may be at once identified by its colors, which
are as follows: — Light yellowish-brown above, white below.
Spines and rays of dorsal fins with chestnut bands. Ventral
and pectoral ra3''s banded. Ground color of tail fin pure
white ; the upper half with three or four oblique parallel
brown bands, the lower with two much broader black stripes.

Variegated Flathead {Platycephalus cirronasus).

A rather small and comparatively short and stout species,
of little importance, and rarely obtained. It is found in the
vicinity of rocky localities.

114 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

GURNARDS OR GURNETS.

Butterfiy Gurnard {Lcpidotrigla papilio).

As far as records go, this is a small spscies of no present
importance as an edible fish.

Mulhall's Gurnard {Lepidotrigla mulhalU).

This Gurnard is very common on outside grounds,
within the loo-fathom line along the coast of New South
Wales; but rarely coming to market, as such localities are
not systematically fished.

It attains a length of about 9 inches.

Thetis Gurnard {Lepidotrigla modesta).

This is one of the fishes obtained for the first time by
the " Thetis," in 1898. It appears to be fairly common
along parts of the coast within the loo-fathom line, but is
of rather a small size. I have not so far met with this species.

Another species of this genus, Lepidotrigla pleitracanthica,
which, apparently, dees not attain a large size, has been
taken at intervals in our waters, though never in any abun-
dance.

Kumu Gurnard {CheUdonichthys kumu).

Plate LXXIX.

This is the most abundant of the New South Wales
Gurnards, occurring commonly in our coastal waters, and
penetrating to the lower portions of our harbors and
estuaries. Notwithstanding this, it is never seen in any
abundance in the markets, as it does not often come v/ithin
the scope of the fisherman's net, owing to its habit of (in
the estuaries at least) frequenting rough ground. The
occasional examples which do find their way to market are
sold with the " mixed fish."

It is an excellent table-fish, and grows to a length of
nearly 2 feet; two good points which, added to its abundance,
should render it an important food-fish in our future fisheries.

AN AKMOKED CRUISER. II5

Sharp-beaked Gurnard {Pferi/(/o(n'</fa pohjommata).

Though Ihis (iiirnard is not so often obtained as the
preceding, there is good reason for thinking that it is ahnost
as abundant — at least along the southern half of the coast-
line. Normally it is to l)e found, in its greatest abundance,
in deej)er water than that in which the Kumu Gurnard
is principally found, though stray specimens are captured
occasionally in the deeper water of our harbors. The most
northerly locality from which I have obtained this species,
so far, is Camden Haven. From here it becomes more
abundant as we proceed south. At times it is very abundant
on sandy bottoms in deep water, from about 20 to about
60 fathoms, in the vicinity of Sydney, New South Wales,
when considerable numbers are captured by line.

The Sharp-beaked Gurnard is heavier in build than the
Kumu Gurnard; the eyes are larger also, suggesting a deep-
water existence, while the head is more heavily armed with
strong and sharp spines. Two of the latter, which are
powerful, flattened, and project in front of the snout; hence
the name here used. The general color is a beautiful reddish-
pink, the lower parts whitish, and with a broad silver band
along each side.

It attains a length of at least 20 inches. .

As I pointed out in " Fishes of Australia," this fish is
often called " Flying " Gurnard, a name which properly
applies to the next species.

FLYING GURNARDS, OR SEA ROBINS.

Flying Gurnard {Cephal acanthus spinarella).

Sometimes familiarly known as " Sea Robin." It is
well known to mariners on account of its habit of coming
to the surface in shoals, skimming along, and taking flying
leaps into the air, somewhat after the fashion of the true
Flying-fishes, which are, normally, surface-fishes.

It may be distinguished by its squarish head, the upper
surface and sides of which are entirely hard and bony, and
from the hinder portion of which, on each side, is an enormous

Il6 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

acute spine directed backwards. The pectoral fins, which^
as in the true Flying-fishes, form the so-called " wings,"
are greatly enlarged in the adult, though comparatively short
in the young. The body is somewhat stout and squat, and
the scales are exceedingly rough.

Though not likely to become of economic importance
on this coast, this species is already favorably known as
an edible fish. It attains a length of 12 inches, or more.

NOTOTHEMIOID FISHES.

Congolly or Sandy {Pseudaphritis urvillii).

A somewhat Whiting-like fish of no present importance.
It has a most curious geographical distribution, occurring
both in the Murray River, in fresh water, and along the
sea-coast as well. It has an elongate, cylindrical body, and
grows to a length of about 12 inches.

BLENNIES.

River Blackfish {Gadopsis marmoratus).

Plate LXXX.

One is usually inclined to regard the Blennies as, alto-
gether, a " little people," and quite beneath notice from an
edible point of view, but there are a few giants among them.
The largest of all is well known to Europeans as the " Sea
Wolf," or "Sea Cat"; and the greatest Australian Blenny
is the River Blackfish, familiar to many country-folk by the
name of " Slippery."

This is a fresh water fish occurring in the upland streams
of the southern tableland of New South Wales, where it
attains a length of at least 24 inches. It is of considerable
value as an edible fish, and of some importance as a game-
fish, fighting well when hooked.

The exact systematic position of the genus Gadopsis is
still, I think, open to some doubt, though it appears to have
more in common with the Blennies than with any other
group of fishes.

UNCOUTH, BUT EDIBLE. II7

THE AUSTRALIAN ROCKLING.

Australian Rockling {(iemjpterus blacodes).

Pi. ATI-. LXXXI.

This eel-shaped lish is rarely taken on the coast of New
South Wales. It is a southern species, occurring more plenti-
fully in the waters of Victoria, and growing to a length of
over 3 feet. As in the other members of this family of fishes,
there are no true ventral fins, these being replaced by a pair
of bifid filaments or barbels, which are placed beneath the
lower jaw. In this connection, I may mention that in an
example of the Australian Rockling which I received some
time ago and which was captured at Ulladulla, N.S.W., the
barbels were conspicuous by their absence, their loss having,
apparently, been brought about by some accident, as there
is a very pronounced contusion in the vicinity of, and a"
little behind the position in which the}^ should naturally be.*

THE LEATHERJACKETS.

Yellow Leatherjacket {Monacanthus ayraucU).

Of the many species of Leatherjacket inhabiting the coastal
waters of New South Wales, this is one of the most abundant.
Always to be captured in greater or lesser numbers, at fairly
frequent intervals vast shoals make their appearance. While
undoubtedly a veritable pest to line fishermen, its good
quality as an edible fish is rapidly bringing it to the fore, and
I feel sure that the time is not far distant when it will be in
very great demand as an article of food, and when it will be
looked upon as one of our important food-fishes. Even at
the present time quite a considerable quantity is consumed
annually, and boiled or fried leatherjacket is a common item
on the " bill of fare," whereas only a few years ago most

* I have previously drawn attention to this : ndr my " Additions to the Fish-
Fauna of New South Wales'' (No. i), 1907, p. 25.

Il8 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

people would not look at them. Those captured, particularly
those of a larger size, are principally taken by hook and line.
The young are very commonly taken by the fishermen in the
estuaries, when hauling their nets for other species. The pro-
fessional fisherman, it may be added, cordially detests leather-
jackets of whatever species, as they become entangled in the
meshes of the net by the large dorsal sp)ine, thereby causing
considerable waste of time and labor in extricating them.

The Yellow Leather] acket may grow to a length of as
much as 2 feet, but examples of half that length would be
nearer the average of those captured.

Orange-spotted Leatherjacket {Monacanthus hippocrepis).

This large and handsome species is essentially an outside
fish, and is captured by line in the vicinity of reefs and rocky
shores. It is a fairly large fish, attaining a length of about
18 inches, and is useful as a food-fish, though not nearly so
important as the Yellow Leatherjacket.

I described the colors of this beautiful fish in " Fishes
of Australia," and may, perhaps, again refer to them here.

When alive it possesses the most lovely tints, the upper or
dorsal surface being of an olive-green or yellowish-green, and
shading into a lighter tint below. On the middle of each
side is a large, irregular blotch, of a bright orange color,
within which a horseshoe-shaped band is sometimes present.
The lips are surrounded by two or three dull, blue, yellow-
edged bands, and the sides of the abdomen with narrow
waving bands of an intense blue.

River Leatherjacket {Monacanthus tracJiylepis).

While the two previously mentioned species are denizens
of the lower portions of the harbors and the outside grounds,
the River Leatherjacket is to be found abundantly all the
year round in the higher parts of our estuarine and harbor
waters as well as in the coastal lakes. At the same time,
and whether they remain there for any length of time or not,
there is no doubt that the adults appear in our ocean waters
at times (in the warmer months) in vast numbers.

stingrays' wings. 119

From an edible point of view the flesh of this species is,
like that of the Yellow Leather] acket, of considerable value.

This is the species mentioned by Ogilby under the name
of Yellow-linned Leatherjacket.

Many other species of Leather] ackets occur in our waters,
and a number of them may be regarded as of more or less
importance as edible fishes.

SHARKS AND RAYS.

It is not my intention to deal exhaustively with these
fishes, and, generally speaking, they are popularly regarded
as being altogether " outside the pale " from an edible stand-
point. But this is not altogether the case, as there is, even
at the present time, a slight, and perhaps growing, demand
for the pectoral flaps or " wings " of the Common Stingray
{Trygoiwptera lestacea), while for many years there has been
a small export of dried shark's fins, per medium of the Chinese
merchants. In addition to these, there are three fishes which
may, and I think should, come into prominence in the near
future, when deep-sea fishing is carried out in a practical
manner. Those which I refer to are three species of true
skate : the Common Skate {Raja ausiralis), the Great Skate
[Raja scabra), and another known as Raja nitida. The first
is very common along our coast, where it attains a length of
about 20 inches. It was described by Sir William Macleay
in 1884, and during the short trawling cruise of the " Thetis "
in 1898, it was found to be exceedingly abundant at depths
ranging from 10 to 84 fathoms. The second is a much larger
species, often weighing over 60 pounds. In regard to Raja
nitida, the third species mentioned, little is known. It was
dredged by the " Challenger " Expedition off Twofold Bay at
a depth of 120 fathoms.

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Edible Fishes of New Sorrn Walks.

Pr.ATE XXVIII.

OuEENSLAXD Groper (Promicrops itaiara]

(Attains a weiglit of iiion- tlian 400 pounds.)

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Plate XLV

SxAPPER {Pagrosomiis aiiratus).

Upper: "School" Snapper.
Lower : " Old :\Ian " Snapjier.

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MAP
NEW SOUTH WALES

Scale of M

EX PLAN AT ION.

RED.— Area drained by Etisler/i streams.
BROWN.-Area drained h Western streams.
YELLOW.-Area drained h Southern streams.

HOT E. — The Eastern streams till find their way to the coast of
New South Wales: the Western m.s alt ultimately combine in the
Murray River, which enters the Soiilhcrn Ocean at South Australia:
while those /lowing South pass lhriii(,i:h Victoria to the Tosman Sea.

121

INDEX TO COMMON NAMES.

tG==

-=x3

Page

Page.

Albacore ...

■•• 95

Common Mackerel

... 94

American Brook Charr .

... 28

Conger Eel

• 32

Anchovy ...

... 28

CongoUy or Sandy

... 116

Australian Gravling

... 32

Cowanyung

... 87

Australian Hairtail

... 99

Crested Flounder

.. 104

Australian John Dory

... lOI

Crimson -banded Parrot-Fish

... 84

Australian Rockling

... 117

Crimson Groper ..

.. 82

.Australian Salmon

... 68

Cucumber-Fish ...

•• 3?

Cuvier's Sea Perch

••• 59

Banded Morwong or Magpie Pe

rch 72

Banded Sea Perch

■ 59

Dart ...

... 92

Banded Pigfish

... 82

Diamond-scaled Mullet

... 44

Bartucouta

... 99

Dorab

... 24

Barred Garfish ..

•■• 37

Drummer

••• 53

Barred Spanish Mackerel

... 98

Dusky Flathead ..

... Ill

Bastard Longfin

■ 59

Dusky Perch

••• 53

Bastard Trumpeter

... 70

Batfish

Beaked Salmon ...
Beardie or Ling ...

.. 80
... 29

.. 48

Estuary Catfish .
Estuary Perch

.. 29
■•• 53

Black Bieam

... 77

Blackfish

... 49

Farnell's Boai-Fish

• 75

Black Kock Cod

••• 57

Flat-tail Mullet

... 42

Black Sole

... 106

Flute-mouth

■•• 34

Black -spotted Sea Perch ..

.. 61

Flying Fishes

... ,-9

Black Trevally

... 81

Flying Gurnard ...

115

Bluefish ...

■ 52

Freshwater Catfish

... 30

Blue-spotted Groper

... 83

Freshwater Herring

.. 26

Blue-striped Goatfish

... 79

Freshwater FVrch

■■• 54

Blue Trevally

... 88

Frigate Mackerel .

... 97

Bonito

Bony Bream or Pibrie

Brown-banded Morwong

Brown-spotted Hind

Brown Trout

BuUrout ...

Bull's-eyes

Butter-Fish

Butterfly-Fish

Butterfly Gurnard

■•• 95
... 24

... 72

■ 58
... 28
no
... 49
... 8c
... 97
... 114

Giant Boar-Fish ...

Giant Herring

Golden Perch or Vellow-belly

Government Bream

Green-backed Mullet

Green Eel

Green Parrot- Fish

Groper

... 74
... 24

55

• 60

• 42

■ 32

Bynoc's Rock Cod

... 109

Hairback or Gizzard Shad

34

Californian Rainbow Trout

.. 28

Half-banded Sea Perch ...

■•■ 59

Clouded Eel

32

Hardyhead

... 40

Cockatoo-Fish

... 72

Herring...

... 26

Common Dolphin-Fish ..

... roi

Herring-Kale

... 85

Common Eel

31

Horse Mackerel ... ,..

... 94

122

THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Jackass-Fish ... ... ... 71

Jewfish ... ... ... ... 66

Kelp-Fish ... ... ... 70

Kingfish .. ... ... .. 89

King Parrot-Fish... ... ... 84

Kumu Gurnard ... ... ... 114

Large-toothed Flounder ... ... 102

Lilac-banded Parrot-fish . ... 84

Little Conger Eel ... ... 32

Little Tunny ... ... .. 95

Loch Leven Trout ... ... 28

Longfin ... 59

Long-finned Pike... ... ... 62

Long-snouted Flounder ... ... 103

Long-spined Flathead ... ... 112

Macquarie's Perch
Many-banded .Sole

Maori 84

Morwong...

Mountain Minnow

Mulhall's Gurnard ... ... 114

Murray Cod ... ... 56

Nannygai... ... ... ... 48

Narrow-banded Sole ... ... 105

Noble 'I'revallv 88

Ogilby's Sand Flathead ... ... 113

Old Wife 62

Orange-spotted Leatherjacket ... 118

Ox-eve or Big-e\ed Herring ... 24

Painted Eel

32

Peacock Sole

... 106

Pearl Perch

61

Pilchard or Maray

■ 25

Pink-eye Mullet ...

44

Pilot- Fish

••■ 9,3

Pomfret ...

... lOI

Queen-Fish ... ... ... 93

Queensland Groper ... .. 58

Queensland Trumpeter or Javelin-
Fish. .^ ,,, , 74

" Real " or " Hobart Town

Trumpeter
Red Bull's-eye ...

Red Cod

Red Gurnet Perch
Red or Brown Groper
Red Morwong or Sea-Carp
Red Rock Cod ..
Red-speckled Hind
Richardson's Boar-Fish
River Blackfish . . .
River Garlish
River Leatherjacket
Rock Blackfish ...
Rock Flathead ...
Rock Whiting
Roundhead
Runner ...

Salmon Catfish ...
Salmon Herring ...
Salmon Trout
Samson-Fish
Sand Flathead
Sand Mullet
Sand Whiting ...
Sandy Sprat
Scalyfm ...
School Whiting ...
Sea Garfish
Sea Mullet
Sergeant Baker ...
Sergeant- Fish
Serpent Eel
Sharks and Rays ..
Sharp-beaked Gurnard
.Short-beaked Garfish
Short Boar-Fish ...
Shoit-finned Pike
Silver Bastard
Silverbelly
Silver Dory

Silver Eel

Silver Perch or Grunter
Silver Mullet
Silvery Moon- Fish
Skipper Garfish ...
Slender Garfish...
Slender Long Tom
Small-headed Flounder
Small-headed Sole
Small-toothed Flounder
Snapper (Schnapper)
Snub-nosed Dart ..
South Australian Roughy

69
60
48

108
83
71

108

57

74

116

37
118

51
112

85
60
90

30
24
28

45
63
27
81
65
35
40

33
93
32

119

"5
3-^
75
46
70
69

102

32
73

43

88

39
38

34
105
105
103

75
93

INDEX.

T23

Southern Flounder

. 104

'longue-Fish

... 107

Southern Tunny ...

96

Trevallv

... 87

Spear fish ..

. IOC

Trumpeter Perch...

■•• 73

Spin\-headed Flounder ...

• 103

Trumpeter Whiting

... 64

Spotted Butter-Fish

. .So

Spotted Pigllsh

. S2

Spotted Spanish Mackerel

98

Vai legated Flathead

... 113

Spotted Whiting...

. 66

Striped Pike

• 47

Stout Long Tom ..

35

Whario

... 47

Stout Whiting

• 65

White-spotted Parrot-Fish

... 84

Sweep

■ 79

Wirrah

■■• 57

Tailer

■ 90

Yellow-eve Mullet

46

Tarwhine .

78

^'ellow Leatherjacket

.. 117

Teraglin ...

• 67

^'ello-.v-mouthed Perch ...

... 78

Thetis Gurnard ...

■ i'4

Vellowtail

... 86

Thetis- Fish

. 108

Thieadfins or Tassel-fishes

. 46

Tiger Flathead ..

• "3

Zebra Sole

... 107

SYDNEY :
ILLIAM APPLEGATE GULLICK, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.'

■<

3 2044 072 194 657