36 THE EDIBLE FISHES. OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
food-fishes. Great numbers are captured during the summer 
months in the lower parts of the harbors and estuaries; the 
usual means of capture being the so-called garfish net (also 
known as “‘ Balloo net,” from the Port Jackson aboriginal 
name of ‘“ Balloo,” which was applied to garfish), a hauling 
net which possesses a mesh of 1} inch in the bunt or central 
portion, the wings or ends being of 2-inch mesh. This may 
be used either (1) as a simple hauling net, when the garfish 
are on the weedy bottoms, or (2) asa meshing, or gill, net, 
when the fishes are in large schools at the surface of the water. 
In the latter case, the process known as “ Bull-ringing”’ is 
followed, the net being thrown in a circle right round the 
school. The Sea Garfish may also be captured by hook and 
line, in that way affording sport to quite a number of amateur 
fishermen. From an edible point of view, this species and the 
River Garfish are second to none, the flesh being white, flaky, 
firm, and delicious. 
These fishes also keep sound, under natural conditions, 
for a longer period than do most others. Of the two species. 
here mentioned, the Sea Garfish is usually by far the larger, 
attaining a total length cf more than 18 inches, with a weight 
of those marketed, is, 
) 
of up to 10 ounces; the usual “ run’ 
however, considerably below that size. 
The Sea Garfish may be distinguished from the River 
Garfish in a rough-and-ready manner by the following char- 
acteristics. In the former the body is far more elongate 
or slim; the scales are much smaller and very deciduous, 
coming off with the least handling; and the upper jaw has 
a considerably greater length when compared with its width 
at the base. 
The colors of the Sea Garfish are:—Back, bright green, 
with three narrow dark brown or blackish streaks from the 
back of the head to the dorsal fin, immediately in front of 
which the three meet. There is a silvery band, broadest 
posteriorly, and margined above by a narrower lead-colored 
band, running along each side. The lower surface is a pale’ 
greenish-silvery. 
