64 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
As showing the present economic value of our whitings 
(of which this is the one principally obtained), I might mention 
that from 4,000 to 5,000 baskets of them, or 300,000 to 
375,000 pounds, are marketed annually in New South Wales 
alone. 
As I have pointed out in my “ Fishes of Australia,” the 
Sand Whiting is of a yellowish-brown sand color along the 
back, and silvery-white below. All over the sides and back 
are the most lovely purple, green, and gold reflections, and 
altogether it is a truly handsome fish. In addition to this, 
young examples up to about 4 or 5 inches in length, possess 
a number of dark blotches along the upper half, somewhat 
similar to those in the next species to be mentioned—the 
Trumpeter Whiting; but at no time are these blotches so 
pronounced, or so extensive, as in the last-mentioned whiting. 
Trumpeter Whiting (Sillago maculata). 
PraTe XXXIV. 
This whiting, inits habits, is still more of an estuarine or 
harbor fish than the preceding, living in moderately deep 
water, and preferring bottoms which are half-mud, half sand, 
or which are wholly muddy. 
Like the Sand Whiting, it is greatly valued for its excellence 
as a food-fish; :but, not attaining to such dimensions nor 
-being obtained in such profusion, it is not nearly so important. 
‘The usual weight of those marketed ranges from 4 to 5 
ounces, and it attains rarely to a weight of 10 or II ounces. 
It is not so often captured by means of hook and line 
as is the Sand Whiting, but is obtained with a hauling-net of 
small mesh. 
In addition to the difference in color already noted, 
this species is generally darker than the Sand Whiting, but 
at the same time is rather more transparent-looking when 
fresh. There is a prominent, broad silvery stripe down each 
side of the fish, this being comparatively indistinct in the 
