AN EXCELLENT FOOD-FISH. ^7 



Wirrah {AcaiUhistius serratus). 



A fine-looking fish of rather inferior edible qualities, 

 occurring in rocky situations along the New South Wales 

 coast. It attains to a length of about 20 inches, and is a 

 most voracious feeder. It is not likely to become of economic 

 importance. 



Black Rock Cod {Epinepkelus dcemelii). 



Plate XXV. 



This excellent food-fish is to be found in our harbors 

 and along our coastline in rocky places. It attains a large 

 size, examples of a weight of from 70 to 80 pounds having 

 been taken. The usual size of those marketed, however, is 

 far below that, specimens weighing 20 pounds being con- 

 sidered large. 



The flesh is of excellent flavor, particularly that of 

 specimens of a few pounds in weight. 



In color it is a mottled brownish or blackish, with 

 darker, slightly oblique bars across the body and a black 

 spot on the back of the caudal peduncle. 



As a marke^:able fish there is a great future before this 

 fine species. 



Red Speckled Hind {Epinephelus undulatostriatus). 



Plate XXVL 



A fine species, of considerable edible value, captured by 

 line; more ])articularly on the northern half of our coastline, 

 in rocky locations. It is not often obtained at present, and 

 I think it probable that the species will be obtained more 

 plentifully in water of, say, from 80 to 100 fathoms in depth. 



I use the name " Hind " for all species of Epinephelus 

 which have not yet received a common name at the hands 

 of the fishermen, as " Rock Cod " is misleading. 



The Red-speckled Hind is a beautifully-colored species, 

 the ground color being light ; speckled over with reddish 

 dots running in undulatory lines. In some, these form 

 continuous reddish streaks. 



