BEAUTIFUL AND PONDEROUS. 83 



Blue-spotted Groper {Chcerops ommopterus). 



Plate l.II. 



This is one of the largest of our Wrasses, attaining a 

 length of nearly 3 feet. It is a denizen of our northern 

 waters, where it aj)pears to be not uncommon. As an edible 

 fish it is of value. The shape alters considerably with age — 

 old examples having a much higher head (and smaller eye) 

 than young or half-grown specimens. The glorious colors 

 of this magnificent fish simply baffle description ; and they 

 must be seen while the fish is fresh, to be properly appreciated. 



Groper {Achcerodus gouldii). 



The Groper is a food-fish of considerable value. It is 

 one of our most abundant- Parrot- Fishes, being found in great 

 numbers along the greater part of the New South Wales 

 coastline. It grows to a length of 3 to 4 feet, and is the 

 largest of its family, so far known, to occur in the waters of 

 New South Wales. It is essentially a rock-fish, and subsists 

 upon animal matter. In its capture either hook and line 

 or the trammel-net may be used. Though large examples 

 are not usually considered worthy of ranking as table-fish, 

 those up to about 2 pounds in weight are undoubtedly of 

 good quality, and are sure to come largely into consumption 

 in the near future. 



The Groper is a very ponderous-looking fish. Amongst 

 its most noticeable features are the strong canine teeth, 

 two pairs of which project forwards from the anterior portion 

 of each jaw. 



Red or Brown Groper {Achcerodus hadius). 



There is little doubt in my mind (as I mentioned in 

 " Fishes of Australia ") that the Groper designated popularly 

 as above, is not specifically different from the Blue Groper, 

 but that the only difference is that of sex — the former being 

 normally the female, and the latter the male. It is of a 

 uniform reddish color. 



