BEAUTIFUL AND PONDEROUS, 83 
Blue-spotted Groper (Cherops ommonterus). 
PuaTe LII. 
This is one of the largest of our Wrasses, attaining a 
length of nearly 3 feet. It is a denizen of our northern 
waters, where it appears to be not uncommon. As an edible 
fish it is of value. The shape alters considerably with age— 
old examples having a much higher head (and smaller eye) 
than young or half-grown specimens. The glorious colors 
of this magnificent fish simply baffle description ; and they 
must be seen while the fish is fresh, to be properly appreciated. 
Groper (Acherodus gouldit). 
The Groper is a food-fish of considerable value. It is 
one of our most abundant’ Parrot-Fishes, being found in great 
numbers along the greater part of the New South Wales 
coastline. It grows to a length of 3 to 4 feet, and is the 
largest of its family, so far known, to occur in the waters of 
New South Wales. It is essentially a rock-fish, and subsists 
upon animal matter. In its capture either hook and line 
or the trammel-net may be used. Though large examples 
are not usually considered worthy of ranking as_table-fish, 
those up to about 2 pounds in weight are undoubtedly of 
good quality, and are sure to come largely into consumption 
in the near future. 
The Groper is a very ponderous-looking fish. Amongst 
its most noticeable features are the strong canine teeth, 
two pairs of which project forwards from the anterior portion 
of each jaw. 
Red or Brown Groper (Achwrodus badius). 
There is little doubt in my mind (as I mentioned in 
“Fishes of Australia ’’) that the Groper designated popularly 
as above, is not specifically different from the Blue Groper, 
but that the only difference is that of sex—the former being 
normally the female, and the latter the male. It is of a 
uniform reddish color. 
