THE REDUNDANT " CH.' 75 



Short Boar-Fish {Histioplerus elevatm). 



Plate XI. IV. 



Originally described from a sjiecimen measuring ii\ 

 inches in length, captured by means of the trawl-net in 

 70 fathoms of water off Port Jackson in 1888, this species 

 was subsequently obtained b}' the " Thetis," in 189S, in 

 sufficient numbers to warrant the idea that future investi- 

 gation will prove it to be one of our common offshore fishes. 

 It is very different to the two preceding, in that the body 

 is very high and com})aratively short. 



Farnell's Boar-Fish {Histioplerus farnclli). 



This species was described from a single example, 

 measuring about 8 inches in length, taken by Mr. Farnell's 

 " Thetis " Expedition, before referred to. It was captured 

 with the trawl at a depth of about 15 fathoms, off Shoalhaven 

 Bight. As no trawling has been carried out since that date, 

 no particulars as to distribution, or relative abundance, are 

 available. 



THE BREAM FAMILY. 

 Snapper (Schnapper) [Pagrosomus auratus). 



Plate XLV (Both Fijiures). 



This is generally looked upon as one of the choicest 

 of New South Wales fishes, and it is undoubtedly the highest- 

 priced fish in our markets. At the same time, it is one of 

 the most important, as it occurs abundantl}- in the waters 

 along our coast. While the young stages are to be found 

 commonly in the deeper water of our estuaries, the adults 

 p.refer the sea itself; particularly in the neighbourhood of 

 rocky shores and bomboras. 



The Snapper is the principal fiih sought for by " outside " 

 fishing parties. It is hardly possible to estimate the quantity 

 taken in this way by amateur anglers; but it is undoubtedly 

 very great. The quantity which passes through our markets 

 is from 300,000 to 400,000 pounds p^r annum. 



