, EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTK WALES. 151 



This curious fish is common in many of the rivers of the Colony, 

 inhabiting both those of the eastern and western watersheds. It is 

 generally known as the " Fresh-water Blackfish" ; but this is so complete a 

 misnomer that we have changed it to that given at the head of this article. 

 A-t Guntawang, I am informed by Mr. Alexander Gr. Hamilton, it is known 

 as the " Tailor." They are also abundant in all the strenms of Victoria and 

 South Australia, as far west as the Murray Eiver, beyond which we have no 

 record of their occurrence. 



" In Tasmania," writes Johnston, "tliey are abundant in the Eingarooma, 

 Forrester, Piper, and other rivers of the north-east, where they grow to a 

 considerable size, and are highly esteemed as food. The species has been 

 introduced from the north-east into the North and South Esk Rivers, and 

 probably other streams, where they are now abundant, and afford ample 

 sport to the angler, who cares to linger over a calm still waterhole during 

 the hours of the night. The angler must be careful, however, to provide 

 himself with a lantern, or his labors will be fruitless." Elsewhere the 

 same author remarks: — "The Blackfish somewhat resembles a small Ling 

 (Geni/pferus ausfr-alis) in markings and general appearance. It is much 

 esteemed as food, and is a welcome addition to the fare of bushmen and 

 settlers who are far removed from the centres of population. The fishes 

 are usually taken in considerable numbers by rod and line all the year 

 round, the hook, baited often with the large white grub of a species of 

 moth obtained from the 'wattle' or 'honeysuckle' (^Acacia dealbata — BanJcsia 

 marr/iiiata). A good take can always be relied upon in most of the northern 

 streams, especially in the Kingarooma. * * * * i''he average weight 

 runs from three to four pounds, except in the North Esk, where they run 

 smaller than elsewhere." In connection with the natural distribution of 

 this species in Tasmania, Johnston remarks: — "The Blackfish is found in 

 nearly all the rivers of Tasmania which flow into Bass' Straits; their original 

 absence in some northern streams, such as the South Esk is somewhat 

 puzzling ; but the total absence from all the other rivers and streams of 

 Tasmania where conditions are identical, can only be explained on the principles 

 of geographical distribution as illustrated by Darwin and Wallace." With 

 the latter part of this quotation we cannot agree, and we think the solution 

 of the " puzzle" will be found in the different character of the geological 

 formations through which the stream flows, or the different composition of 

 the water constituting such streams. As somewhat confirming this view 

 Johnston's remark that in the North Esk, into which they were introduced, 

 they do not grow to such a size as in their natural streams, may be quoted 

 agraiust him. 



*o- 



Discussing the sexual characters of Gadopsis, he tells us : — " Mr. Brown 

 and others, who have observed our freshwater fishes closely, assert that they 

 cannot distinguish the male from the female, although they have purposely 

 opened hundreds of them. I have opened a good number myself, but at the 

 time I did not know of the fact, and naturally supposed that they were ordi- 

 nary females. I am inclined now to consider that they are bisexual." With 

 this view^ we cannot coincide, since the specimens from Wellington men- 

 tioned were both normally developed, fuU-roed females, 



These fishes are sometimes taken in the brackish water of tidal rivers. 



The Marbled Eiver Cod attains to a length of tw^euty five inches in the 

 southern colony, but in New South Wales half that size would be considered 

 very large. 



