DISCARDED, THOUGH EDIBLE. 79 



but not in sufficient numbers to warrant us in looking upon 

 it as of economic importance. It attains a length of about 

 3 feet. 



Three other species of Lethrinus (each of which is of 

 value from an edible standpoint) have been recorded from 

 the coastal waters of New South Wales, but they may be 

 looked upon as rarities, and are likely to be found in greater 

 abundance in the waters of Queensland. They are Lcthrinus 

 nematacanthiis, Lctkrinus operciilaris, and Lethrinus glyHwdon. 



GOATFISHES, OR RED MULLETS. 



Blue-striped Goatfish {Upeneus porosus). 



Of the three species of Goatfish or Red Mullet, already 

 known to inhabit the waters of New South Wales, that 

 above mentioned is the only one which is worthy of mention 

 at present as an edible fish. It attains usually to a length of 

 about 10 inches, and the adults are to be found chiefly in 

 fairly deep water in the vicinity of headlands or other rocky 

 localities near to the entrances of our estuaries and harbors. 

 It is an exceedingly beautiful species, with a fairly high, com- 

 pressed body and large scales. When freshly taken from the 

 water, the body is of a rich carmine on the sides, darker 

 above, and silvery-white below. On each cheek are several 

 narrow vermiculated bands of a most beautiful blue. All 

 these colors fade considerably a short time after death. 



The Goatfishes or Red Mullets are not greatly esteemed 

 at present in New South Wales, and there does not appear 

 to be much prospect of them becoming of economic importance 

 in the near future. 



THE SWEEP FAMILY. 



Sweep {Scorpis cequipinnis). 



A common fish, of fair quality as a food-fish, attaining a 

 length of 12 or 13 inches. The adults are captured chiefly by 

 line at sea, while the young, up to about 6 inches in length, 

 literally swarm around the rocky portions of the lower parts 



