THE "dolphin' of THE POETS. lOI 



DOLPHIN-FISHES AND POMFRETS. 



Common Dolphin-Fish {('oryphcena hippurus). 



This large pelagic fish, which grows to a length ol fully 

 6 feet, and which is familiar to many seafarers, is known to 

 occur in our ocean waters at times. Its magnificent colors 

 have often been described, but, as in the case of many others, 

 they can liardly be satisfactorily painted in a word ])icture. 



The Dolphin-Fish apj^ears in the Sydney fish markets 

 at rare intervals. 



Pomfret [Brama rail). 



Sometimes known as Ray's Bream. Though of consider- 

 able value in portions of its habitat as a food-fish, it is but 

 little known in New South Wales, being of rare occurrence. 

 It is a deep-bodied fish, growing to a length of from 2 to 4 feet. 



THE DORIES. 



Australian John Dory [Zeus australis). 



This excellent edible fish is extremely abundant along 

 the coast of New South Wales in moderate ocean depths. 

 During the trawling carried out by the " Thetis," under 

 Mr. Farnell in 1898, it was captured on no less than thirty- 

 three occasions, being quite as abundant, apparently, in 

 water ranging from 16 fathoms in depth, down to 84 fathoms. 

 Though this grotesque-looking species is known to be a food- 

 fish of an exceptionally high order, there is no special fishery 

 at present for its capture, the few that do come into the 

 markets being captured by line men, while fishing for other 

 species in the vicinity of reefs. 



Such a well-known fish as the John Dor}' needs but little 

 description, but I may state that it attains a length of not 

 less than 18 inches. Undoubtedly there is a great future 

 before it. 



