AN ICHTHYAN JACKASS. 7I 



Jackass-Fish {Dactylosparus macro ■pier us). 



This is often confused with the Morwong by the un- 

 initiated, and one often hears of Morwong being captured 

 by boating parties, when this species has been taken. As 

 far as New South Wales is concerned, of the two species, 

 the Jackass-Fish appears to be the more abundant. Certainly, 

 more of the latter are brought to market. From the Morwong 

 it may be at once distinguished by the comparatively long 

 attenuated head and the wide, saddle-like purple band over 

 the shoulders — the last character being responsible for its 

 vernacular name. In both of these species of Dactylosparus 

 the pectoral fin is of a remarkable shape, one of the lower 

 rays being greatly elongated and somewhat finger-like. 



The Jackass-Fish is somewhat smaller than the Morwong 

 attaining a length of from 18 inches to 2 feet. 



Red Morwong or Sea Carp {Cheilodactylus fuscus). 



Plate XL. 



This is a well-known and valuable food-fish. It is 

 extremely common along the greater part of the New South 

 Wales coast, frequenting rocky shores, sunken reefs, and 

 bomboras, where it obtains for its sustenance crustaceans, 

 worms, shells, and other rock-haunting animals. Although 

 odd numbers of the Red Morwong are taken with the hauling- 

 net amongst other fishes, it is a trammel-net fish par excellence. 

 Large quantities also are taken by means of hook and line. 



By very many fishermen this fish is known as " Carp "; 

 but as it has nothing in common with the Cyprinoid known 

 for so long under that name, the use of the name for this 

 fish can only be misleading, and should always be discouraged. 



The Red Morwong commonly grows to a length of from 

 12 to 15 inches. Being abundant, easily caught, and hand- 

 some, this fish is always in request by aquarium-keepers; 

 and it certainly makes a most attractive object. 



