AUSTRALIAN COUTA — AFRICAN SNOEK. 99 



THE BARRACOUTA FAMILY. 



Barracouta [Thyrsites atun). 



Familiarly known as 'Couta, this large and highly- 

 voracious fish is abundant along the southern ])ortion of 

 the New South Wales coastline. Occasionally large shoals 

 penetrate the waters of Port Jackson (during the cooler 

 months), and even waters nmch farther in a northerly 

 direction. It attains commonly a length of at least 4 feet; 

 the body being highly compressed, very elongate, and almost 

 band-like, while there are a number of small finlets preceding 

 the powerful caudal fin. The mouth is armed with sharp 

 and formidable teeth, well adapted to the predaceous habits 

 of this species. 



Though the Barracouta can never be classed as a first- 

 class table-iish, it is undoubtedly of very great importance 

 and value ; and no account of our edible fishes would be 

 complete without mention of it. Although in its fresh state 

 it is at present practically unsaleable in New South Wales, 

 large quantities are sold annually in a smoked state. Many 

 of these are captured in the waters of Victoria, Tasmania, 

 and New Zealand. Their capture is usually effected by 

 means of hook and line ; and in this no difficulty is experienced, 

 as the Barracouta is neither particular as to the kind of bait 

 used, nor slow about taking it. As I have mentioned else- 

 where, any bright moving object is sufficient to attract the 

 fish, a piece of red flannel fastened to the hook being a 

 first-class bait. 



The " 'Couta " is the '" Snoek " of South African waters. 



Australian Hairtail {Trichinrus coxii). 



This fish is somewhat suggestive of the Barracouta in 

 appearance, and attains about the same length; but differs 

 considerably from that fish, in that there is no caudal fin, 

 the tail tapering to a fine point — hence the generic name 

 Trichiunis. It has a long, attenuated, ribbon-like body 

 of a uniform silvery color. 



