114 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



GURNARDS OR GURNETS. 



Butterfiy Gurnard {Lcpidotrigla papilio). 



As far as records go, this is a small spscies of no present 

 importance as an edible fish. 



Mulhall's Gurnard {Lepidotrigla mulhalU). 



This Gurnard is very common on outside grounds, 

 within the loo-fathom line along the coast of New South 

 Wales; but rarely coming to market, as such localities are 

 not systematically fished. 



It attains a length of about 9 inches. 



Thetis Gurnard {Lepidotrigla modesta). 



This is one of the fishes obtained for the first time by 

 the " Thetis," in 1898. It appears to be fairly common 

 along parts of the coast within the loo-fathom line, but is 

 of rather a small size. I have not so far met with this species. 



Another species of this genus, Lepidotrigla pleitracanthica, 

 which, apparently, dees not attain a large size, has been 

 taken at intervals in our waters, though never in any abun- 

 dance. 



Kumu Gurnard {CheUdonichthys kumu). 



Plate LXXIX. 



This is the most abundant of the New South Wales 

 Gurnards, occurring commonly in our coastal waters, and 

 penetrating to the lower portions of our harbors and 

 estuaries. Notwithstanding this, it is never seen in any 

 abundance in the markets, as it does not often come v/ithin 

 the scope of the fisherman's net, owing to its habit of (in 

 the estuaries at least) frequenting rough ground. The 

 occasional examples which do find their way to market are 

 sold with the " mixed fish." 



It is an excellent table-fish, and grows to a length of 

 nearly 2 feet; two good points which, added to its abundance, 

 should render it an important food-fish in our future fisheries. 



