46 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
In form, the nearest ally of this common food-fish is the 
Flat-tail Mullet, but it is far more elongate than that species, 
and the scales are considerably smaller. In color also it 
approximates closely those of the mullet mentioned (that is, 
when in clear water), but the golden spot on the upper half 
of the opercle is not so distinct, being more diffused. 
Yellow-eye Mullet* (Agonostomus forster?). 
This is not to be considered as an important fish as far 
as New South Wales is concerned, as it is a southern species, 
only beginning to appear in any numbers as we approach our 
southern boundary. I am in a position to reccrd isolated 
examples, however, from as far in a northerly direction as 
Lake Macquarie. 
The vernacular name is derived from the yellow iris, a 
very prominent feature in the freshly-caught fish. 
THREADFINS. 
Threadfins or Tassel-Fishes (Polynemus). 
Two species are found in northern waters of New South 
Wales. They are useful as food-fishes, and attain a large size, 
but are quite uncommon. The species are (1) the THREADFIN 
(Polynemus indicus), and (2) the BLinp TassEL-Fisu (Poly- 
nemus macrochir). 
THE PIKE FAMILY. 
Short-finned Pike (Sphyrena nove-hollandia). 
Common along the coast, usually attaining a length of 
2 to 3 feet. Of fairly good flavor, but not much in demand 
as a food-product. Highly voracious. 
* In referring to the occurrence of the Yellow-eye Mullet in the waters of 
Western Australia, | mentioned in my “ Fishes of Australia” that it was usually 
called “‘Swan River Herring.” In this statement however, although my informants 
were persons of repute, I appear to have been mistaken; and, although that name 
may be used in parts, the more general application appears to be ‘Swan River 
Pilchard.” ‘This is a still more unfortunate misapplication of the latter part of the 
name, as the fish is not in any way closely related to the Pilchard, which is a 
species of Herring. 
