A GREAT GAME-FISH. 55 



It is as a game-fish, however, that this fine fish principally 

 merits our attention, and it is confidently asserted by many 

 experienced anglers that it is the finest sporting fish in our 

 rivers, indigenous or introduced. It is strong, active, and a 

 great fighter. 



The Freshwater Perch attains a weight of at least 5 

 j)ounds. 



Golden Perch or Yellow-belly {Plectroplites ambiguus). 



Plate XXIII. 

 Second only in importance to the Murray Cod, this 

 fine Perch, which is so well and favorably known as a food- 

 fish, is found occurring in great abundance in the western 

 river system of New South Wales, where it affects principally 

 the still waters of billabongs and lagoons. 



It is a large fish, attaining a weight of 8 pounds or more, 

 and a length of about 2 feet. The head is small; the upper 

 profile rising rapidly to the particularly gibbous back. The 

 tail is fairly large, the fin being rounded, and the scales are 

 of moderate size. 



Though taken by hook and line, the usual method of 

 capture is by means of a short meshing-net or gill-net. 



Macquarie's Perch [Macquaria australasica). 



This, though a valuable fresh-water fish, is not to be 

 compared with the Golden Perch as regards imj^ortance. 

 Attaining a length of from 12 to 15 inches, it is found in 

 abundance in the higher waters of our western rivers, as well 

 as some of the eastern ones. It often goes under the name 

 of Mountain Perch, as well as being miscalled " Bream " and 

 " Black Brearr.." 



As an edible fish, Macquarie's Perch is to be commended, 

 the flesh being decidedly toothsome. 



In distinguishing this species from our other fluviatile 

 perches, it will be noticed that it possesses a very "' snub " 

 nose, while the scales are relatively somewhat larger. 



