AN IMPULSIVE GIANT. 89 



It appears not unlikely that the Pennant-Fish (sometimes 

 called Diamond-Fish) is the young of the Silvery Moon-Fish, 

 The former makes its appearance in our waters a]:)out the 

 end of summer every year. 



Samson-Fish {Seriola hippos). 



Platk lix. 

 Though very j^lentiful in our waters off-shore, examples 

 of this species are not frequently to be seen in our markets, 

 those that do come in being usually taken by hook and line. 

 It is a fine fish, of great potential value. A length of not less 

 than 2 feet is attained. 



Kingfish {Seriola lalandi). 



It will be of interest to mention that this handsome fish 

 is the celebrated Amber- Fish, or Coronado, of America, under 

 another name. It is a great " game-fish " both here and in 

 America, and there can be no doubt that it is destined to be 

 one of Australia's principal sporting fishes; while from a 

 general economic standpoint it must become of immense 

 importance. At the same time it is not likely to be considered 

 as a first-class fish, its flesh not being of such good flavor or 

 consistency as that of the majority of our food-fishes. 



The Kingfish gi'ows to a length of 6 feet, and a weight 

 of about 100 pounds, examples of 4 feet in length being quite 

 common. It is of a highly voracious habit, and is a swift 

 and powerful swimmer. A typical pelagic fish, it moves 

 about in enormous shoals, from which large bodies become 

 detached, entering our harbors either in pursuit of smaller 

 fishes, like the Pilchard, or to escape the attentions of sharks 

 and porpoises (Dolphins), which plaj^ great havoc amongst 

 them. 



The Kingfish is captured in special large-meshed hauling- 

 nets, or by means of hook and line. It is not very particular 

 as to bait and is easily hooked on a line trailing behind a 

 moving boat. Artificial spinning baits are often used, while 

 many anglers use a living Yellowtail. When hooked it makes 

 a good fight before being landed. 



