FOOD AND FANCY FISHES. 



29: 



are also represented by numerous species in Queensland waters. None of them, however, are of 

 economic account. 



The sea-pikes, family Sphyraenidae, are represented by several Queensland species. The 

 common Moreton Bay variety, Sphyrccna obtusata, C. & Val., is identical with the ordinary pike of 

 the Sydney fish market; while a more recently discovered species, S. dcntatus, De V., has been 

 obtained from the same locality. A third species, Sphyrania langsar, Blk., frequents the northern 

 coast-line; and there is one other variety with a recorded North Australian and South New Guinea 

 habitat, whose distribution, it may be anticipated, extends to Queensland waters. One species, 

 apparently identical with either the Sphyrcrim Forstcri or S. Commersoni, of Cuvier and Valen- 

 ciennes, attains to a height of three or four feet, with an accompanying weight of thirty pounds and 

 upwards. In the neighbourhood of Thursday Island the species is popularly associated with the 

 title of the "barracuta," though, as explained on a previous page, it belongs to a family group 

 distinct from that of the true barracutas — Thysitidae, of the Southern Australian seas. A large 

 Sphyraena, probably identical with the northern species, is occasional!}' taken as far south as More- 

 ton Bay, and is locally associated with the name of "dingo," with reference to its formidable 

 array of teeth. The sea-pikes are highly esteemed for the table, the abundant Victorian species, 

 Sphyroena Novce-Hollandiw, Gth., being extensively taken for the market in Port Phillip and Western 

 Port Bay, with baited hooks, or spoon-baits, trailed astern of the fishing boats sailing under full 

 canvas. 



The Atherinidas, or sand smelts, are shoal fish of small size, numbering in Queensland waters as 

 many as nine species. In shape and dimensions they much resemble sprats, and might, as in the 

 case of the European species, be turned to similar economic use. The Queensland varieties are 

 referable to the two genera, Atherina and Atherinicthys. One of the commonest species, Atherina 

 pinguis, Lac, abundant also in New South Wales, is known to the Sydney fishermen as the hardy- 

 head. 



The family of the grey mullets, Mugilidae, represents one of the most important groups, if not 

 tJie most important, of the Queensland food fishes, its varieties yielding collectively a permanent 

 market supply throughout the year. No less than twelve species of this important famil}', all with 

 one exception referable to the typical genus Mugil, are included in the Queensland fish fauna. Some 

 of these have a high reputation for the table, while others, in consequence of their greater abund- 

 ance, are more valued for commercial purposes. Taken in the order of their economic importance, 

 precedence is almost universally conceded to the sea mullet, a magnificent fish growing to a weight 

 of from 10 to 12 lb. and upwards. This species arrives in Moreton Bay about the last week in 

 April, continues plentiful till the middle of July, and by August has passed away to the North. 

 Some uncertainty has hitherto been associated with the correct technical identification of this 

 species. As known on the New South Wales coast, it has been usually regarded as a distinct 

 form, upon which Castelnau bestowed the title of Mugil grandis. There can, however, be but 



