24 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



As, upon a closer acquaintance with its habits being 

 made, this fish will very probably be found to have much 

 in common with its congener the Tarpon in America, a 

 few words in regard to that famous fish will not be amiss. 

 The Tarpon reaches a length of 6 feet, with a weight of 

 more than 300 pounds. One taken with hook and line on 

 the coast of Florida weighed 209 pounds, while another 

 taken with a harpoon is said to have weighed 383 pounds. 

 Among the names by which this fish is known, is that of 

 "The Silver King." Jordan and Evermann write: "The 

 Silver King is the greatest of game fishes. There is none 

 more celebrated or deserving of higher praise. Only the 

 few fortunate anglers, who, happily situated, are able to 

 spend their winters in Florida or elsewhere on our southern 

 coast, have actually experienced the pleasure of Tarpon- 

 fishing; but every lover of the rod has heard of the Silver 

 King and has hoped that he might some day have an oppor- 

 tunity to test the great fish's strength and skill." As I have 

 suggested, the Ox-eye may some day turn out to be as 

 great a sporting fish as the Tarpon. 



Fig. 7. GIANT HERRING (Elops saurus). 



The Giant Herring is very different in shape to the 

 Ox-eye, having a much rounder and more elongated form. 

 The body is covered with small silvery scales, and the eye 

 is partially covered with a transparent fleshy lid (similar 

 to that in the common Sea-Mullet), which, in the Ox-eye, 

 is absent. The dorsal fin is considerably longer (basally) 

 than that in the last-mentioned species, while the anal fin 

 is very much shorter. There is no prolonged dorsal fila- 

 ment as in the Ox-eye. These comparative differences are 

 worth mentioning ; as they will be found very useful in any 

 examination of these fishes. The Giant Herring has an even 



