I06 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 



It attains a length of about ii inches, and may be con- 

 sidered as likely to be of some use as an adjunct to our food- 

 supply in the near future. 



The eyes of this fish are on the right side. 



In color the Narrow-banded Sole is of a light brown, 

 crossed by narrow dark- brown irregular bands, about as wide 

 as the interspaces, extending on to the fins. Some of the 

 bands are forked. 



Peacock Sole {Achirus pavoninus). 



This beautifully ornamented species is not of present 

 economic importance. It appears to be purely an estuarine 

 fish, affecting sandy bottoms, and occurring in the waters 

 along the greater part of our coastline. It is rarely seen in 

 our markets, and is not often captured. A length of about 

 7 inches is commonly attained. This flat-fish is closely allied 

 to the American " Hog-choker." The eyes are on the right 

 side. 



Black Sole {Synaptura nigra). 



Pi.ATi; LXXIII. 



Of all the New South Wales flat-fishes the Black Sole is 

 at present the most imjjortant. It is plentifully distributed 

 along our shores, being most abundant in the comparatively 

 shallow waters of our estuaries and coastal lakes, where it 

 seeks the m.uddy bottom.s. Though always to be seen in the 

 fish markets, where it finds a ready sale at a high price, it 

 is captured in its greatest abundance during the warmer 

 months of summer, which is its spawning period. It is fairly 

 thick, for a sole, and attams a length of about 14 inches, 

 with a weight of about 2 pounds, that being the size of the 

 largest seen by me. The average size of those marketed, 

 however, would be about 9 to 10 inches. 



In the capture of the Black Sole, the spear and the 

 hauling-net are commonly used. However, if the soles are 

 known to be congregated together in large numbers, the 

 trammel-net may be used with great execution. 



In shape, the outline of the Black Sole is of a fairly 

 regular oval. The scales are very highly ctenoid, and make 



