THE PERCH FAMILY. 103 



is usually at once engulfed in the Wirrah's most capacious 

 mouth. 



In addition to being occasionally captured "outside" on 

 rocky-grounds by hook and line or trammel-net and also in 

 lobster-pots, the Wirrah may be taken at low tide in rocky 

 situations, at the lower parts of the harbours, or on the ocean 

 face, in proximity to submerged rock-crevices ; all that is 

 required for its capture, being a strong line, a large hook 

 and a large piece of stout bait. The Wirrah makes such a 

 violent rush, that often one does not get a chance to see him 

 properly; but there is a swish and a swirl (if it be near 

 the surface) and a violent tug and your fish is hooked. No 

 fine art is necessary ; nor does this greedy fish require tempt- 

 ing baits or semi-invisible "silk-twists." 



The name of Wirrah is of native origin. I have heard 

 also the names of "Pepper Cod" and "Peppermint Rock- 

 Cod" applied to this fish. 



The Black Rock-Cod is a native of the coast of New 

 South Wales and Queensland and occurs also at Lord Howe 

 Island. This magnificent food-fish attains a large size and 

 the flesh is of excellent flavour, particularly that of speci- 

 mens of a few pounds in weight. Examples of a weight 

 of from 70 to 80 pounds have been taken, but the usual size 

 of those seen in the fish-markets of New South Wales is 

 far below that ; specimens weighing 20 pounds being con- 

 sidered large. 



The Black Rock-Cod loves to dwell in rocky situations, 

 where it preys upon smaller fishes, crustaceans, etc. It is 

 usually captured by hook and line, but occasionally by means 

 of the trammel-net. In colour, this fish is of a uniform, 

 deep, blue-black ; young examples being of a lighter hue, with 

 darker vertical bars on the body. 



The Queensland Groper: The great fish which is 

 known under this name frequents the coast of Queensland 

 and the northern portions of that of New South Wales. It 

 reaches an immense weight, specimens of from 300 to 400 

 pounds and probably even more, being known, while it grows 

 to a length of about 6 feet. In the minds of most fisher- 

 men and others, this fish is constantly confused with its 

 relatively small relation, the Black Rock-Cod ; which we have 

 just dealt with ; and any examples of the species which are 



