66 THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 
Spotted Whiting (S7/ago punctata). 
PLaTeE XXXVI. 
As far as New South Wales is concerned, this is, com- 
mercially, the least important of our whitings. It is a 
southern species, and begins to be abundant as we approach 
the Victorian coastline. Still, occasionally, a few baskets of 
Spotted Whiting are forwarded to the Sydney markets from 
our southern districts. 
This species grows to a considerable size, examples of 
18 inches or more being not uncommon. In form it is 
elongate (considerably more so than those previously men- 
tioned), while the scales are very numerous, and correspond- 
ingly small. 
The term “spotted” is applied to this fish on account 
of the large number of dark spots with which the sides are 
ornamented. 
THE JEWFISH FAMILY. 
Jewfish (Scc@na antarctica). 
Pirate XXXVII. 
This is, at present, one of our most important food-fishes, 
and it is likely in the future to be of still greater value, as 
the demand for it is constantly increasing, while our resources, 
as far as its supply is concerned, are but just tapped. 
The Jewfish is a voracious and powerful fish, attaining 
often a weight of from 60 to 70 pounds, though the average 
of those principally brought to market would be from about 
20 to 30 pounds. Thousands, ranging from 18 inches up to 
about 5 feet, are captured for food purposes on the coast of 
New South Wales annually. It is common at all times along 
our coastline, inhabiting the estuaries and harbors, and also 
the coastal beaches—particularly in the vicinity of lake- 
entrances. In some cases‘ it ascends some of our rivers, 
going right up into fresh water. Though, as I have said, it 
