THE HERRING FAMILY. 31 



This species is often captured by rod and line, taking a 

 bait freely. 



It attains a length of about 9 inches. 



In New South Wales, it is very abundant in the 

 Hawkesbury, Clarence and Richmond Rivers. During the 

 Winter-time it migrates from the fresher portions down 

 towards the more open waters of the estuaries; there to 

 deposit the spawn, which is probably pelagic (or floating) 

 in its nature. At this time they are enormously distended 

 (both males and females), with milt and roe. 



The Anchovy is one of those fishes that "we have 

 always with us"; but which, like other clupeids, at times 

 congregates in enormous shoals. It attains to a size usually 

 but little larger than the Sandy Sprat. Amongst the her- 

 rings, it may usually be recognised by the relatively enormous 

 gape of the mouth. 



It probably occurs plentifully over the greater part of 

 the Australian coast ; certainly along the Eastern portion. 



Out of the shoaling season, it usually frequents 

 fairly-deep water in our harbours, lakes and estuaries. 



For all practical and economic purposes, there is no 

 difference between our Anchovies and the famous fishes of 

 that name in the Mediterranean Sea. 



The Salmon-Herring is a very large species, 

 exceeding a length of 4 feet. Being rather a tropical 

 species, it is somewhat rare on the coast of New South 

 Wales, but is fairly common along the Queensland coast. It 

 occurs also in India and in other localities. It enters fresh- 

 waters, such as the Hawkesbury, Clarence and Richmond 

 Rivers ; and, in parts where it is known, the flesh is highly 

 esteemed as food. 



This species is known in parts of Queensland as "Milk 

 Fish," a name which has originated amongst Europeans in 

 India; "where," according to Day, "Hyder AH introduced 

 it from the sea into tanks of fresh and brackish water, where 

 it still thrives." 



The Salmon Herring possesses a large and powerful 

 tail. 



The Bony Bream called by the native name of Pibrie 

 in parts of the lower Murray (in South Australia), has re- 



