56 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
Murray Cod (Oligorus macquariensis). 
Pirate XXIV. 
The king of Australian fresh-water fishes, the Murray 
€ed inhabits the whole cf the immense Murray River system, 
from the limits of tidal influence right up to the small 
tributaries. In addition, it is to be found in the head waters 
of some of our larger eastern streams. 
As a food-fish, this magnificent species stands second to 
none. Attaining, as it does, to such large proportions, and 
being of such good flavor, this excellent fish long ago came 
into great prominence; and it may be safely said, that the 
supply is never likely to exceed or even meet the demand. 
The capture and disposal cf the Murray Cod afford a 
means of livelihood to a large body of men in various parts 
of New South Wales, and the annual catch must be very 
considerable. A large portion of the catch is disposed of in 
country places, and a considerable amount is forwarded to 
the Sydney markets. A great quantity also is sent from the 
Murray to various parts of Victoria. During 1907 the quantity 
of fresh-water fish—principally Murray Cod—so despatched 
from New South Wales into Victoria, via five Murray River 
towns (Albury, Corowa, Moama, Mulwala, and Swanhill), 
amounted to 213,584 pounds. 
The Murray Cod may be described as a stoutly-built 
fish; broad, with a large and wide head, the eyes small 
(exceedingly variable in relative size) and facing obliquely 
upwards; the snout obtusely rounded, and the mouth wide 
and capacious. The tail portion is long, while the caudal 
fin is rounded. The soft or rayed portions of the dorsal and 
anal fins are comparatively high. 
The colors and their arrangement are variable with 
location and age. Usually greenish or brownish along the 
back, with numerous small dark spots scattered over the 
back and sides, the lower surface being whitish. 
This fine species attains commonly a large size; and 
specimens cf from 100 pounds to 150 pounds in weight, with 
a length of from 5 to 6 feet, have been obtained. 
