AN EXCELLENT FOOD-FISH. 37 
Wirrah (Acanthistius serratus). 
A fine-looking fish of rather inferior edible qualities, 
occurring in rocky situations along the New South Wales 
coast. It attains to a length of about 20 inches, and is a 
most voracious feeder. It is not likely to become of economic 
importance. 
Black Rock Cod (Epinephelus demelii). 
PLaTE XXV. 
This excellent food-fish is to be found in our harbors 
and along our coastline in rocky places. It attains a large 
size, examples of a weight of from 70 to 80 pounds having 
been taken. The usual size of those marketed, however, is 
far below that, specimens weighing 20 pounds being con- 
sidered large. 
The flesh is of excellent flavor, particularly that of 
specimens of a few pounds in weight. 
In color it is a mottled brownish or blackish, with 
darker, slightly oblique bars across the body and a black 
spot on the back of the caudal peduncle. 
As a marketable fish there is a great future before this 
fine species. 
Red. Speckled Hind (EL pinephelus undulatostriatus). 
Soe Prats XXVI. 
_ >, A fine species, of considerable edible value, captured by 
line; more particularly on the northern half of our coastline, 
in rocky locations. It is not often obtained at present, and 
1 think it probable that the species will be obtained more 
plentifully in water of, say, from 80 to 100 fathoms in depth. 
I use the name ‘“‘ Hind” for all species of Epinephelus 
which have not yet received a common name at the hands 
of the fishermen, as “‘ Rock Cod ”’ is misleading. 
The Red-speckled Hind is a beautifully-colored species, 
the ground color being light; speckled over with reddish 
dots running in undulatory lines. In some, these form 
continuous reddish streaks. 
