56 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



Murray Cod {OUgorus macquariensis). 



Plate XXIV. 



The king of Australian fresh-water fishes, the Murray 

 Cod inhabits the whole of the immense Murray River system, 

 from the limits of tidal influence right up to the small 

 tributaries. In addition, it is to be found in the head waters 

 of some of our larger eastern streams. 



As a food-fish, this magnificent species stands second to 

 none. Attaining, as it does, to such large proportions, and 

 being of such good flavor, this excellent fish long ago came 

 into great prominence; and it may be safely said, that the 

 supply is never likely to exceed or even meet the demand. 



The capture and disposal cf the Murray Cod afford a 

 means of livelihood to a large body of men in various parts 

 of New South Wales, and the annual catch must be very 

 considerable. A la.rge portion of the catch is disposed of in 

 country places, and a considerable amount is forwarded to 

 the Sydney markets. A great quantity also is sent from the 

 Murray to various parts of Victoria. During 1907 the quantity 

 of fresh-water fish — principally Murray Cod — so despatched 

 from New South Wales into Victoria, via five Murray River 

 towns (Albury, Corowa, Moama, Mulwala, and Swanhill), 

 amounted to 213,584 pounds. 



The Murray Cod may be described as a stoutly-built 

 fish; broad, with a large and wide head, the eyes small 

 (exceedingly variable in relative size) and facing obliquely 

 upwards; the snout obtusely rounded, and the mouth wide 

 and capacious. The tail portion is long, while the caudal 

 fin is rounded. The soft or rayed portions of the dorsal and 

 anal fins are comparatively high. 



The colors and their arrangement are variable with 

 location and age. Usually greenish or brownish along the 

 back, with numerous small dark spots scattered over the 

 back and sides, the lower surface being whitish. 



This fine species attains commonly a large size; and 

 specimens cf from 100 pounds to 150 pounds in weight, with 

 a length of from 5 to 6 feet, have been obtained. 



