44 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



locality it is found in gradually increasing numbers as we 

 travel in a northerly direction. 



The vSilver Mullet must be classed as a particularly hand- 

 some species, possessing when taken fresh from the water 

 a most brilliant uniform silvery appearance (with the excep- 

 tion of a narrow strip along the dorsal surface and one on 

 the ventral surface, the former being either a bronze-green, 

 or a deep-brown with intermediate tints, while the latter is 

 whitish-silvery). It is on account of the above-mentioned 

 color that I have applied to this form the name of " Silver 

 Mullet." The irides are of a rich golden tint, splashed with 

 black or brown on the upper parts. 



One of the most easily distinguished features of this large- 

 scaled mullet is the shape of the tail, which — unhke the 

 deeply-forked tails of our other species (with the exception 

 of the rare Mugil waigiensis) — is, when expanded, scarcely 

 emarginate. The thick upper lip is also remarkable. 



Diamond-scaled Mullet {Mugil waigiensis). 



There is only one record* of the occurrence of this species 

 in our waters, this being based on the capture of one example 

 only at the entrance of the Richmond River. It attains a 

 weight of several pounds, and on some parts of the Queens- 

 land coast is well and favorably known as a food-fish. 



The species is notable for its exceedingly large scales, 

 and its broad, flat head. 



Pink-eye Mullet {Trachystoma petardi).-\ 



This is also known as " Richmond Mullet " and " Fresh- 

 water Mullet." 



After a careful study of the matter, with a good series of 

 specimens, I feel convinced that the mullet described by 



* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i,\ 1907 

 p. 7. 



t As will be seen, I have retained Ogilby's genus Trnchi/stoynn. Though the 

 validity of this genus mav ultimately be questioned, I take this course because of 

 the existence of the well-delined patches of villiform teeth on the vomer and 

 palatines. These are referred to in Ogilby's description of the genus {l<ic. ci/.). 

 Castelnau gave a very imperfect description of Mi/f::il pflardi, and he apparently 

 overlooked these teeth, as no mention was made of them. 



