58 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



Brown-spotted Hind {Epinephdus tauvina). 



Plate XXVIL 



Though I only recordetl this fish from our waters as 

 recently as last year* (1907), it has, apparently, been coming 

 into our markets from our northern waters for some years at 

 least. 



Attaining a length of about 4 feet, it is a fine edible fish, 

 which is likely to become of considerable importance in the 

 near future. 



The brown spots which are freely spread over the skin 

 of this species, appear to become less, and more widely 

 separated, with age. 



I have seen one example of the Brown-spotted Hind 

 from as far south as Botany Bay. 



Three other species of Hindf are recorded from New 

 South Wales, but are at present rarely seen. They are 

 Epinephelus sepiem/asciatus, Epinephelus merra, and Epine- 

 plielus fuscoguttatus, 



Queensland Groper {Promicrops itaiara). 



Plate XXVIIL 



This mighty fish is one of the giants among the edible 

 fishes of the world, and certainly it is the largest inhabiting 

 the seas of Australia, + attaining, as it does, a length of not 

 less than 6 feet, with a weight of from 300 to 400 pounds, 

 or even more. 



It is to be found in some abundance along the northern 

 portion of our coastline, being captured principally in the 

 estuaries of the Richmond and Clarence Rivers. 



The flesh of this giant perch is tender and of good flavor, 

 and the species is likely to be of great economic importance 

 in the near future. 



* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. i), 1907, p. 8. 

 1 1 have another, which is new to science and which I have not yet described. 

 + Excepting the Spearfish, which is not used as food in New South Wales at 

 present. 



