18 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM. 



conditions, and the records obtained were practically the same as above. Eggs 

 collected at 11 a.m. on the 24th hatched out during the afternoon of the 26th. 

 Owing to a sudden rise in temperature that day — minimum 50°, maximum 

 95° — the water in the hatching shed reached 75°, and all the fry died. The 

 surface of the jars and troughs was covered with oil from the eggs, and a great 

 number of dead fry, about the size of a comma in ordinary newspaper text, were 

 floating at the surface. The shells of the eggs retain their transparency, and 

 quickly dissolve without leaving any sediment or residue. ' ' 



It is much to be regretted that Mr. Anderson's two attempts to elucidate 

 the larval development of this fish met with unmerited failure in both cases 

 through causes entirely beyond his control, and it is to be hoped that the very 

 failure will further stimulate him to carry on future experimental work to a 

 successful conclusion. 



According to Mr, Glencross Smith the Y'ellowbelly is full-roed early in 

 September on the Darling Downs. 



Uses, etc.: — All authorities concur in their appreciation of the edible 

 qualities of this species. Stead writes — ''As an article of food the Golden Perch 

 is very well and favourably known, both in the western areas (of New South 

 Wales) and in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne." Roughley tells us that — 

 ' ' As an edible fish the Golden Perch ranks second only to the Murray Cod amongst 

 our indigenous fresh-water fishes. Its flesh is firm and tasty and is well suited to 

 the many methods of preparation for the table. It is deservedly popular and finds 

 a ready sale in the markets." Glencross Smith, while acknowledging its 

 excellence, places it third in rank among our fresh-water food-fishes, considering 

 it inferior to the catfish {Tandanus tandanus) and the Murray Cod, while 

 Anderson places above it the Trout Cod {OUgorus mitchelli) and the Murray 

 Cod.® However he continues — "I do not desire to dogmatise, as I know several 

 men of wide experience, including Mr. Henry Dawson, late Inland Fisheries 

 Commissioner, who place the Golden Perch the first among our inland fishes." 

 From the little I know gastronomically of the two species I am inclined to agree 

 with Mr. Dawson. 



From the angler's point of view they are held in good repute, being 

 plucky and determined fighters when hooked. Writing of them in this connection 

 Mr. Smith says — "Yellowbellies lurk in weedy patches under the shade of logs 

 and overhanging trees, and dart out upon their food, taking it with a rush, and 

 are more particular about their food than Cod. They prefer frogs, shrimps, 

 yabbies, worms, and the white grub from the River Oak (Casuarina) ; also 

 crickets ; but they do not care for fish bait. They are fine sporting fishes and will 

 take a spinning bait, and were at one time very plentiful in all our streams, but 

 are gradually being wiped out ; dynamite, nets, and no close season being the 



*In Part II of the present volume I hope to deal with the various phases of the genus 

 OUgorus. 



