a THE EDIBLE FISHES OF NEW -<SOUTH WALES. 
GURNARDS OR GURNETS. 
Butterfly Gurnard (Leprdotrigla papitio). 
As far as records go, this is a small species of no present 
importance as an edible fish. 
Mulhall’s Gurnard (Lepidotrigla muthall). 
This Gurnard is very common on outside grounds, 
within the 100-fathom line along the coast of New South 
Wales; but rarely coming to market, as such localities are 
not systematically fished. 
It attains a length of about g inches. 
Thetis Gurnard (Lepidotrigla modesta). 
This is one of the fishes obtained for the first time by 
the “ Thetis,” in 1898. It appears to be fairly common 
along parts of the coast within the 100-fathom line, but is 
of rather a small size. I have not so far met with this species. 
Another species of this genus, Leprdotrigla pleuracanthica, 
which, apparently, dces not attain a large size, has been 
taken at intervals in our waters, though never in any abun- 
dance. 
Kumu Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu). 
Pirate LXXIX. 
This is the most abundant of the New South Wales 
Gurnards, occurring commonly in our coastal waters, and 
penetrating to the lower portions of our harbors and 
estuaries. Notwithstanding this, it is never seen in any 
abundance in the markets, as it does not often come within 
the scope of the fisherman’s net, owing to its habit of (in 
the estuaries at least) frequenting rough ground. The 
occasional examples which do find their way to market are 
sold with the ‘“ mixed fish.” 
It is an excellent table-fish, and grows to a length of 
nearly 2 feet; two good points which, added to its abundance, 
should render it an important food-fish in our future fisheries. 
