52 THE EDIBLE FISHES’ OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
The Rock Blackfish grows commonly to a comparatively 
large size. It is present in its greatest abundance in the 
vicinity of rocky shores and headlands, in the lower (salter) 
portions of our harbors and estuaries, and along the “ outside”’ 
rocks. Like its congener, the Blackfish, it is herbivorous; 
but, unlike the latter, it subsists upon the gelatinous weeds 
which abound so plentifully in the regions which it frequents. 
At all times of the year the prettily-mottled young fry of 
this species are to be obtained in tidal pools, or in the shallow 
water around the rocks, along portions of our coastline. I 
have found them to be plentiful at Bondi, Kurnell (Cook’s 
Landing Place), and Stanwell Park 
This species appears to congregate in shoals, principally 
about winter time. During June, 1907, large shoals were 
present near the entrances of Port Jackson and Port Hacking. 
A quantity of five baskets was taken in one haul on George’s 
Beach, Port Jackson, at this time; while a haul made on 
Jibbon Beach, Port Hacking, resulted in two and a half 
baskets being captured. The individuals in these shoals 
averaged from 4 to 5 pounds in weight. 
When freshly taken, the Rock Blackfish is of a dull 
slaty-blue, shortly becoming uniform brownish or brownish- 
black (lighter on the lower surface). 
Bluefish (Girella cyanea). 
Pirate XXI. 
Though this fish does not appear to be wswally abundant 
on the coast of New South Wales, there are times when it 
occurs in fair quantities. It is to be found in the open ocean 
waters in the vicmity ef reeis and rocky, weedy Iccalities, 
where it subsists upon a diet of gelatinous weeds, varied with 
all sorts of rock- and weed-dwelling organisms. 
From its congeners, the Blackfish and the Rock Black- 
fish, the Bluefish may be at once differentiated by its beautiful 
cerulean blue skin and its particulariy elegant shape. Its 
body is more elongated, the tail is very prettily forked and 
is large and powerful, Along the upper part of the sides 
are a number of golden-yeilow snots. 
