FISH AND FISHERIES. 81 



The Cat-fish. 



Mr. Hill says that they are chiefly nocturnal, or in day-time lie 

 about in secluded spots or on the edge of the fringe weeds. Cat-fish 

 are very numerous at several places, and when out net-fishing they are 

 very troublesome. The head is armed with two or three heavy spines, 

 placed in such a way that they are most effective — one bone on each 

 side of the head, low down and far back, and another at the com- 

 mencement of the dorsal spine, nearly at the back of the head. These 

 sharp bony substances are concealed by a thin membranaceous film the 

 colour of the fish, but which are easily bared, when they appear white. 

 There can be no doubt that these spines are really venomous, and to be 

 punctured by one of them is a serious matter. Not only is the pain 

 intense, but the after consequences are generally grave. All the Siluridse 

 have these spines as weapons of defence, which can be secured by another 

 spine, which acts as a bolt or fulcrum, and a bony ring, along which some 

 sort of virus seems to be secreted. This marine cat-fish is quite black. 

 They are distinguished from other freshwater cat-fish (Copidofjlanis) by 

 having all the gill membranes united below the throat, and attached to 

 the isthmus along the entire mesial line. The mouth is overhung with 

 fleshy cirrus, and this together with their being nocturnal causes them 

 to bear the name of cat-fish. 



" The cat-fishes make a hole or mound, to which the female may retire 

 at the summer season to incubate. I have often seen the blacks get them 

 out with very primitive means. First they procure a straight thin limb 

 or piece of scrub tea-tree or other wood, about the size of a stout ramrod 

 and twice as long. This they point and harden in the fire, and then with 

 another piece of stouter wood or a dingy paddle they proceed to work, 

 two or three stabbing in the same mound or patch, for it is raised only a 

 very few ruches, till one or another has pierced the old one ; then with the 

 short stout piece of wood or paddle they dig it out, and very often as a 

 preliminary they will examine the spot with their foot, but are very 

 careful then, and can readily detect if one is at home. The blacks 

 appear to be very fond of these fishes ; and at this season of the year, 

 while the fish is roasting, and the rich-looking ovaries are bursting 

 through the heat, they look very tempting ; and I think this is the best 

 way to cook them and the proper time to eat them. They give to 

 fishermen a great deal of trouble with their nets, and often get their 

 thorns entangled endeavouring to get through the meshes. William 

 Anan, an aboriginal, accompanied a party net-fishing to the head of 

 Darling Harbour one afternoon ; the place was already celebrated for 

 cat-fish, and after the net had been hauled, and being prepared again 

 for the boat, a part of poor William's hand came in contact with one of 

 the thorns of the cat-fish. This gave him great pain, and soon com- 

 menced to inflame, in consequence of which he had his arm amputated 

 to save his life. He lived long afterwards, and was useful and cheerful 

 when out with fishing parties." — E. S. H. 



The other species of cat-fish Copidoglanis tandanus, Mitchell, will be 

 dealt with amongst the fresh-water fishes. / c/ - 



