40 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



glaiiis tandanus}, and the Salmon-Catfishes (GaleicJit/ivs 

 thalassiniis and Galeichthys australis}. 



The Estuary Catfish is very common along- the 

 coast of New South Wales and probably Victoria also, 

 though in regard to its occurrence in the latter locality little 

 can be said with certainty. It inhabits the waters of our 

 coastal lakes and estuaries, principally affecting muddy and 

 weedy bottoms. Its long eel-like form is quite familiar to 

 most of us, as also its ugly-looking head and mouth, around 

 which depend eight fleshy barbels or feelers. The first 

 dorsal and pectoral fins are supported by long and strong 

 feebly-serrated spines, which are used for purposes of de- 

 fence ; and, probably occasionally offence. Very severe 

 and painful wounds are caused by these spines ; and conse- 

 quently, fishermen look upon this common Catfish as their 

 sworn enemy a pest little better than the troublesome 

 Stingrays. As the fish loves to lurk among the weeds, 

 waders in muddy places are sometimes wounded in the feet 

 through standing on or near one of these dangerously- 

 armed brutes. In this species, the second dorsal fin and 

 the anal fin are confluent with the caudal fin, thus forming 

 a soft fringing fin right round the posterior half of the body, 

 as in eels. 



Though the Estuary Catfish is captured in large num- 

 bers by means of hook and line or hauling-net, both by 

 amateurs and professional fishermen, it is not because it is 

 sought ; as there is no sale for this species. Its horrific 

 appearance has produced a very strong feeling of antipathy 

 in most people, against the tasting of the flesh ; which, this 

 notwithstanding, is of good flavour. For the table, it should 

 be boiled and the skin removed. The flesh is not poisonous, 

 though many people think that it is. 



In colour the Estuary Catfish is usually of a dark brown 

 or a blackish tint, fading into a dirty white along the lower 

 surface. When living in sandy localities, the prevailing 

 colour is a sandy-grey marbled with brown. 



This species attains a length of nearly 3 feet. 



The Fresh-water Catfish, unlike its congener 

 just mentioned, is not despised as a food-fish; but 

 instead, is made full use of ; being regarded as a useful and 



