“MISTAKEN IDENTITY.” 47. 
Striped Pike (Sphyrena lineata). 
Puate XV. 
This handsome Pike is not uncommon along the New 
South Wales coast. I believe it to be the form which has in 
the past been referred, by writers dealing with New South 
Wales fishes, to the species described by the French authors 
Cuvier and Valenciennes as Sphyrena obtusata.* The matter 
of identity will be discussed, and a complete description will 
be given, in another place, as it is hardly suitable for this 
production. 
There are three dark longitudinal bands on each side, the 
first running from the back of the head along the back, and 
ending on the tail-shaft at the insertion of the caudal fin; 
the second starting from just above the eye, following the 
course of the lateral line, and becoming indistinct towards the 
end of the body; the third, beginning from the lower border 
of the eye, running along the body a little above the pectoral 
fin and well below the lateral line, joining the latter below 
the posterior portion of the second dorsal fin, and following 
its course on to the base of the caudal fin. 
It is from the above-mentioned stripes that I have taken 
the name “ striped,” here applied to this species; as well as 
the specific name (lineatus : streaked). The description of 
them, here given, will enable anyone to positively identify 
this species, as they are a constant character. 
From an edible point of view, I think the Striped Pike 
is rather superior to its congener, previously mentioned. 
THE WHARIO FAMILY. 
Whario (Seriolella brama). 
This well and favorably known food-fish is probably 
present at times in large numbers in our offshore waters, but, 
like most of our other fishes of a more or less pelagic habit, 
little is known of its distribution in our waters. 
The Whario or Warehou (New Zealand names) ‘ takes 
the smoke ” admirably. 
* I do not deny the existence of Sphyrena ollusata itself in our waters. 
