THREADFINS OR TASSEL-FISHES. 81 



drawn-out are they in some species, that they are as much 

 as twice the length of the fish itself ; while in others, they 

 are not longer (and sometimes they are even shorter) than 

 the pectoral fin itself. Giinther in speaking of the Tassel- 

 fishes says : "It is evident from the whole organisation of 

 these fishes, that they live on a muddy bottom* or in thick 

 water, such as is found near the mouths of great rivers. 

 Their eyes are large, but generally obscured by a filmy skin, 

 so that those feelers must be of great use to them in finding 

 their way and their food." 



Some of these Tassel-fishes reach a length of 4 feet; 

 and are useful as food or for the isinglass to be obtained 

 from their air-bladders or "sounds," as in the case of the 

 Jewfish family (page 113). 



Fig. 29. COOKTOWN "SALMON" (Polynemus tetradactylus) . 



On the coast of Queensland there is a fish known as 

 the " Cooktown Salmon '' (Polynemus tetradactylus) 

 which is a member of the family under discussion. In this 

 species the four free pectoral rays are quite short. It has 

 earned its very unsuitable common name, according to 

 Saville-Kent, "on account of its external shape and the pink 

 tint of its flesh when cooked." This fish is taken plenti- 

 fully in the estuary of the Endeavour River ; examples aver- 

 aging commonly 10 to 12 pounds in weight. It is found 

 also in India, the Malay Archipelago, China, etc. ; in India 

 attaining according to Day a length of 6 feet and upwards. 

 Another species occurring in Queensland waters, is Poly- 

 nemus sheridani ; which is stated to grow to the great weight 

 of one hundred pounds. Amongst others, two species which 



* Some species are fovind on sandy bottom >. 



