42 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
easily removed; they form about forty transverse rows along 
the body, from the opercle or gill cover to the root of the tail. 
In color the Sea Mullet is as follows:—Steel blue, with 
a tinge of green or olive, above; sides and lower surfaces 
silvery. There is a small black spot at the root of the pectoral 
fin, and a golden spot—diffused on the edges—on the upper 
angle of the operculum. The dorsal and pectoral fins are a 
dark bluish-grey, while the caudal and anal fins are yellowish- 
green. 
Green-backed Mullet (Mugi dussumieri). 
This species will probably be found to occur at times, in 
considerable numbers, in the waters of our greater northern 
rivers. At present we have only the one definite record* of 
its capture, and this was in February, 1905, when a number 
of specimens running as high as 2 pounds in weight were 
caught in a net in the lower part of the Clarence River. It 
is highly probable that this fish penetrates far up into the 
fresh water. 
The Green-backed Mullet is a large-scaled and small- 
headed species, of robust build. The eyes are partly covered 
by an adipose lid, but not nearly to such a great extent as in 
the Sea Mullet. 
The back is of a somewhat greenish color, lighter and 
more silvery on the sides, while the belly is of a silvery white. 
Flat-tail Mullet (Zugil peronit). 
Puate XIII. 
This mullet cannot be claimed to be nearly so important 
as the Sea Mullet, nor does it grow to such a large size. Still, 
its value must not be underestimated, as it will, most probably, 
for many years to come, hold a prominent place amongst our 
food-fishes. Like the Sea Mullet, it inhabits all the inlets; 
but unlike that species, does not proceed far in the direction 
of fresh water. It usually, also, prefers less muddy ground. 
* Stead: Additions to the Fish-Fauna of New South Wales (No. 1), 1907, 
p- 7- 
