122 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



means of the trammel-net. Though, as I mentioned, this 

 is an outside fish, still it is not uncommon about the rocky 

 portions of the lower waters of our harbours. 



GRUNTERS AND BOAR-FISHES. 



( Family : Pristipomatidcp.') 



THIS family is very well represented in Australian waters, 

 amongst the number being several food-fishes. Of the 

 "Grunters" I might mention; the little Trumpeter Perch 

 (Tempo n qiiadriliucatns) , the Silver Perch (Terapon 

 ellipticus}, and the Queensland Trumpeter (Powadasis 

 Jiasta) ; while of the four species of Boar-Fish the most 

 important are Richardson's Boar-Fish (Histioptents recur- 

 virostris) and the Giant Boar-Fish (Histioptents labiosus). 



The Trumpeter Perch is a very widely distributed fish. 

 In addition to being found over the greater portion of the 

 New South Wales coastline, and probably the whole of that 

 of Queensland, it occurs in the waters of New Guinea, th<" 

 seas of India, the Malay Archipelago and China. Though 

 it is quite a small species, usually attaining a length of 

 about 8 inches, it may be quite properly classed as one of 

 our edible fishes, as it is excellent for table purposes. This 

 has been recognised more of late years, consequently more 

 of them are consumed. 



The Trumpeter Perch is quite common in many parts 

 of Port Jackson, particularly on shallow, sandy bottoms 

 covered with sea-grass, against gently-sloping beaches. 



In common with the real fish of that name, this little 

 species is often called "Mado," principally by juvenile 

 anglers ; but the fishermen usually recognise the difference 

 between these two, and apply to the Trumpeter Perch the 

 name of "Trumpeter." This is, however, misleading; as it 

 has no close affinity with the Trumpeters properly so-called. 

 The term is given to it because of its habit of making a 

 half-grunting half-buzzing sound after capture. 



