TRICHONOTOll) FISHES. 207 



name of "Nillum koranjan" ; meaning "a diver into the 

 mud." 



On the coast of Ne\v South Wales it reaches a length 

 of about 15 inches. 



The Stone-lifter : This species is still more quaint- 

 looking than the preceding; though in its shape it is verv 

 similar. The upper parts of the head are very strongly 

 armoured and there are tAvo long, acute and strong spines- 

 one on each side at the back of the head over the pectoral 

 fins. There are other spines of a less dangerous character 

 underneath the head. The ventral fins in this as in the 

 mottled Star-gazer are very large and strong ; and are 

 used principally in the process of burrowing. 



This fish is of a yellowish colour with, usually, two or 

 three broad dark bands. 



In the waters of Victoria and Tasmania it is quite plen- 

 tiful, but is rather uncommon in those of New South Wales. 

 It, also, is found outside of Australia. 



In Tasmania it is known as the "Cat-Fish." The name 

 of "Stone-lifter" has been derived from the habit credited 

 to this species, of burrowing under stones. 



It attains a length of about 20 inches. 



TRICHONOTOID FISHES. 



(Family : Trichonotida;.) 



THESE are small elongate fishes which are very nearly re- 

 lated to the Dragonets. All of them are marine. Three 

 species, of which the names are here given, are known to 

 occur in the waters of New South Wales ; viz. : Creedia ha-s- 

 zvelli, Limnichthys fasciatus and Schizochirus insoleus. 

 From an economic standpoint they are of no value. 



