46 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



In form, the nearest ally of this common food-fish is the 

 Flat-tail Mullet, but it is far more elongate than that specie?, 

 and the scales are ^considerably smaller. In color also it 

 approximates closely those of the mullet mentioned (that is, 

 when in clear water), but the golden spot on the upper half 

 of the opercle is not so distinct, being more diffused. 



Yellow-eye Mullet* {Agonostomus forsteri). 



This is not to be considered as an important fish as far 

 as New South Wales is concerned, as it is a southern species, 

 only beginning to appear in any numbers as we approach our 

 southern boundary. I am in a position to record isolated 

 examples, however, from as far in a northerly direction as 

 Lake Macquarie. 



The vernacular name is derived. from the yellow iris, a 

 very prominent feature in the freshly-caught fish. 



THREADFINS. 



Threadfins or Tassel-Fishes (Polynemus). • 



Two species are found in northern waters of New South 

 Wales. They are useful as food-fishes, and attain a large size, 

 but are quite uncommon. The species are (i) the Threadfin 

 {Polynemus indicus), and (2) the Blind Tassel-Fish {Poly- 

 nemus macrochir). 



THE PIKE FAMILY. 



Short-finned Pike {SphyrcBna novce-hollandicB). 



Common along the coast, usually attaining a length of 

 2 to 3 feet. Of fairly good flavor, but not much in demand 

 as a food-product. Highly voracious. 



* In referring; to the occurrence of the Yellow-eye Mullet in the waters of 

 Western Australia, I mentioned in my " Fishes of Australia'' that it was usually 

 called " Swan River Herring." In this statement however, although my informants 

 were persons of repute, I appear to have been mistaken ; and, although that name 

 may be used in parts, the more general application appears to be " Swan River 

 Pilchard.'' ■ This is a still more unfortunate misapplication of the latter part of the 

 name, as the fish is not in any way closely related to the Pilchard, which is a 

 species of Herring. 



