78 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



The Flat-tail Mullet cannot claim anything like 

 the commercial importance of the previously-mentioned 

 species, nor does it grow to a very large size; still, it must 

 not be despised, as it must always merit a prominent place 

 amongst the fishes which are used as food. 



It occurs very rarely on the coast of Victoria, gradually 

 increasing in numbers as we travel northward along New 

 South Wales and the greater part of Queensland. Like the 

 Sea Mullet, it inhabits all the inlets ; but unlike that species, 

 does not proceed far in the direction of fresh-water. It 

 usually also, prefers less muddy ground. 



This species may be captured by means of hook and 

 line a worm or dough-bait being used ; while the adult 

 Sea Mullet seldom or never is. I have often captured the 

 young Sea Mullet with a dough-bait, using a cork for a float 



Fig. 28. FLAT-TAIL MULLET (Miujil i>nonii). 



and allowing 6 inches of the line to hang down into the 

 water. 



In Queensland this species is known as "Tiger" or 

 "Tygum" Mullet ; the last name being an aboriginal title. 



Like the Sea Mullet, the Flat-tail Mullet reproduces by 

 means of a pelagic egg, but this being deposited at or within 

 the mouths of the inlets, there is no necessity for, nor do 

 we find, any northward spawning migration. The spawning 

 takes place during or about the months of February, March 

 and April. 



The Flat-tail Mullet grows exceptionally, to a length 

 of nearly 18 inches, with a weight of 2 pounds. The usual 

 length of those marketed is from about 10 to 12 inches. 



This Mullet has no fleshy eyelid, and the scales are 



