^:^» 

 ?=^. 



54 



THE PAKROT FISH 



( Liibrirlithi/ft) 



Obtains its u-eiicric iiniiie tVoin its niMiiy iuid liriu'lit colourations so simibir to its fentliered 

 compeers. It woiilil lie iilmost impossilile to dt'srrilic rite iii;iiiy varieties ami ditt'erences of tliis 



family. It jiossesses all the 

 colours — sometimes mottled, 

 sometimes in bands, and occa- 

 sionally almost all one colour. 

 Its natural habit is to "roost" 

 or rest on the rocks or bottom 

 of the tanks, and make sudden 

 excursions in search of food. 

 It is provided with sharp pro- 

 •- '" ' ' ' t^ " minent teeth, and is very fierce, 



^^^^ ' fighting like the Kilkenny cats 



until generally only one specimen is left in any tank in which they are ]ilaced. Visitors will note 

 that nearly all specimens carry scars, silent witnesses to their combative valoiu\ 



THE FLATHEAD 



( Plaf>/c<'j>liahif< hcr/i/af/f.-:) 



Is almost too well known to need desta-iption, as it is the commonest fish in Hobson's Ray. 

 There are several varieties. The Sand Flathead (wliich is here figured) is the commonest, and 

 can lie caught uearlv all over the Bav. 



The Grass I'^hitliead frequents the grass beds along the coast line, while the Rock Flathead 

 may be found amongst the sea_-weed growing in the rocky reefs, whenever such occur. The latter 

 variety attains a large size, scaling up to iS or !) lbs., and is, if anything, of a lietter flavour than 

 the other varieties. The colour varies, as they have the same property as the Flounder of 

 assimilating their tint to that ujion which they rest. 



THE ROCK LING 



( Genypterus Australis) 



Must not be confounded with the 

 "salted ling" of commerce, which is 

 a different thing altogether. This 

 fish is jirovided with barbels, is of 

 a light-pink colour, marbled with 



