67 



eating if cooked after being skinned. There are numerous distinct varieties, l^udng different 

 colours and shapes, but all being easily recognisable as members of the same family. It exists 

 in immense quantities in the Bay, and is the angler's curse, as no sooner is the hook in the water 

 than it swarms round and commences to nil)ble the bait. It is easily caught in a hoop net, for 

 which the favorite bait is a piece of raw potato. When dying it has the chameleon characteristic 

 of changing its colours 



The above specimen is one of the varieties known as the " tooth-brusli, 

 ridge of bristles which grow on eacli side of tlie body near the tail. 



from the })ecnliar 



This is another variety ot this species, and differs considerably from the " tooth-brush " 

 vai'iety described l)efore. This variety is generally a very dark-blue, with otlier beautiful iridescent 

 spots, streaks, or lines, whilst the fins are of a l.ieautiful pale yellow. Some of this variety attain 

 a large size, being caught up to 2 feet long. Instead of the "tooth-brush," on each side of the body 

 near the tail may be seen a row of horny excrescences. These seem to be merely a freak of nature, 

 and are not used for offensive or defensive purposes. 



THE COBBLER. 



{Pentaroge marmorata.) 



This little fish is sometimes called the "Scorpion" by the fishermen, and is much dreaded 

 by them when engaged in dragging the nets on tlie grass beds which he frequents. .Each gill 

 terminates in a sharji spine, witli wliicli it inflicts a nasty sting, causing intense pain. 



THE STONE-LIFTER 



( Katlicstostoma keve) 



i?. popularly supposed to })ossess 

 the power of turning over stones tor 

 the purpose of finding its food, but this 

 is doul)tful. The top of the head is 

 covered with very hard plates, which 

 would certainly withstand a great 



