A GROUNDLESS FEAR. 35 
Stout Long-Tom (Tylosurus macleayana). 
Pirate X (Lower Figure). 
This Long-Tom appears in the markets a little more 
often than the previously-mentioned species, being more 
abundantly taken in estuarine or lake (coastal) waters. In 
appearance it is considerably different to the latter, being 
relatively much shorter or thicker, as well as far more robust 
in general build. It grows to a length of 3 or 4 feet, but 
examples of from 2 to 3 feet in length are more commonly 
seen. 
Like the Slender Long-Tom, it is a highly voracious fish; 
but its jaws are more powerful than in that species, and the 
teeth are very much stronger, though not so numerous. 
Though all examples of both of the common Long-Toms 
are very readily bought up in the markets, there is in certain 
quarters a very strong antipathy to them on account of the 
greenness of their bones; but any feelings of suspicion as to 
their desirability as focd engendered by this character, it is 
worthy of mention, are quite groundless. 
The colors of the Stout Long-Tom are as under:—Back, 
uniformly dark green; anterior half of the sides, iridescent 
whitish-silvery, with a fairly well-marked line of demarcation 
between the dorsal surface and the sides. In the posterior 
half, the upper part of the sides are yellowish, fading into 
green. 
Two other species of Long-Tom are found in the waters 
of New South Wales. One of these, which I have named the 
Barred Long-Tom, or Tylosurus ceruleofasctatus, is probably 
abundant at times at sea. It is undoubtedly a purely pelagic 
fish. 
Sea Garfish (Hemirhamphus intermedius). 
This highly important food-fish occurs in great abundance 
in the coastal waters of New South Wales. From an economic 
standpoint it must be considered as one of our most valuable 
