LIDRICK-BLACKFISH, 5I 



of what he regarded as the two species (Blackfish and 

 Ludrick), and in describing the " Ludriciv," said: — 



" This species is not nearly so plentiful as is the preceding 

 (Blackfish), from the daik variety of which it may usually 

 be distinguished by its generally lighter colors, and from the 

 lighter variety by the absence of bands, which, if present at 

 any stage of growth, do not appear to be ever persistent, as 

 in its congener, which it resembles in all respects in habits, 

 &c., and with which it is confounded by the fishermen." 



As far as coloration is concerned, my experience does 

 not agree with this statement, as I find the bars to be just 

 as often present in the females (that is, the " Ludrick " form) 

 as in the males. Certainly the males appear to be in the 

 majorit}-. 



At the time that I wrote my " Fishes of Australia " 

 (1906), I had my doubts as to the existence of the " Ludrick " 

 as a separate species, and consequently did not mention it 

 at all. 



So far as I am aware, this is the first record of the occur- 

 rence of secondary sexual characteristics (at least as regards 

 the teeth) in any member of the family KyhhosidcB — to which 

 the Blackfish belongs. 



In the light of my researches, " Ludrick," as a separate 

 species, must now be erased from the list of Australian fishes. 



Rock Blackfish {Girclla elevata). 



Platk XX. 



This is a species which is but little known, but which, 

 I have good reason for believing, is quite common. It is 

 somewhat similar in form to the common Blackfish, but may 

 be at once separated from that fish by the much heavier 

 build, the more elevated body, and the " bolder " nose — 

 this being essentially more like that of the Drummer, with 

 which species the Rock Blackfish is sometimes confused by 

 the fishermen. The scales, too, are larger than those of the 

 Blackfish. 



