38 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



a length of about 15 inches, and may be at once distinguished 

 from the other species by its general stoutness, coupled with 

 a very long " beak." Future Fisheries' work will pcobabh' 

 show this species to be far more common in the waters of 

 New South Wales than has previously been supposed. 



Slender Garfish {Euleptorhamphus longirostris). 



Although I have only one record of the capture of this 

 remarkable species in our waters,* there appears to me to be 

 good reason for thinking that it will be found to be quite 

 abundant in our ocean waters. It is a pelagic species, growing 

 to a length of 18 inches and upwards, and is of a gregarious 

 habit. It is already favorably known as a food-fish in other 

 parts. 



Short-beaked Garlish {Arrhamphus sderolepis). 



This valuable species is a native of the northern half 

 of our coastline, and becomes more and more plentiful as 

 we proceed in a northerly direction. It is most abundant 

 in the lower portions of the Clarence and Richmond Rivers. 



In each of those rivers, as well as in other portions of 

 its habitat, it ascends right into the fresh water. 



From all of our other garfishes, this species may be at 

 once distinguished by the relative shortness of its beak, 

 which — comparatively speaking — projects but a short distance 

 beyond the mouth. It is also very stout-looking, and the 

 scales are large and not very deciduous. 



This fish attains a length of about 15 inches, examples 

 of that size weighing about 9 ounces. The approximate 

 average of those brought to market is from 3 to 4 ounces. 



Like its congeners, the Short-beaked Garfish is a most 

 delicate fish, and is highly appreciated for table purposes. 

 During the cooler months, large numbers are captured and 

 are brought from the Clarence and Richmond Rivers to 

 the Sydney Fish Markets for disposal, there finding a ready 

 sale. 



* Stead : Additions to the Fish-Fauna of N.S.W. (No. i), 1907, p. 4. 



