EDIULE FISIIKS. 129 



very tame si)ort, but are fair eating, resembling the Eel in flavour. 



The other species (G. attenuatus), which has been figured of the 

 natural size on PI. X. fig. 96, it is proposed to distinguish as the New- 

 Zealand Minnow. It is a little fish constantly seen in most lakes and 

 clear running streams, with very much the same habits as tlie English 

 Minnow. At certain seasons the young fry swarms in incredible num- 

 bers, and forms the Wliitebait of New Zealand,* but is a very poor sub- 

 stitute for the little Herring that is so well known at Greenwich by that 

 name. At Taupo Lake and other places in the interior small fish which 

 the Maoi'is collectively term luanga, but which are chiefly of the species 

 now referred to, form the food of the natives for many months in the 

 year, and are obtained in such abundance as to yield an ample svipply 

 both for daily use and to preserve for other seasons. 



These small fish are caught where streams enter the lake, with fine- 

 meshed nets woven of green flax. Several bushels of them are frecpxently 

 caught at one time, and are immediately piled on hot stones and covered 

 with mats and earth for half-an-hour or so, in the usual manner of Maori 

 cookery, but without the addition of any water. Thus prepared, if not 

 for immediate use, they are firmly packed in tightly plaited baskets, 

 and ill this state will keep for months, at least sufficiently well to suit 

 the Maori taste, which is not fastidious. 



The chief season for thelnanga at Taupo is from October to January, 

 but as late as March all sizes can be found. It may be useful to give 

 a list of the different fishes the Maoris distinguish in the Taupo district, 

 which are as follows : — 



Kokopu. — Common in all rivers and the lake. 



Rawai. — A large kind of Kokopu, |^ a 5) in weight, found only in 



the lake. 

 Manguawai. — A large fish. In rivers only. 

 Ngoho-ngoho. — A large sized Kokopu with bands of colour on the 



sides. 

 Matiwhitu. — A red Kokopu. 

 HaAvai. — A black Kokopu ; probably the Bullhead (Eleotris), which 



is a common inhabitant of all streams in New Zealand. 

 Koai'o. — Not found in Taupo Lake, but only in Rotoaii'a. 

 Para. — A small fish found near the sources of the Wanganui River. 



It is less than 2 inches long when adult. 



• Dr. Powell. Trans. N. Z. Inst., Vol. II., p. 84. 

 R 



