THE JEW FISH FAMILY. 115 



about 2 feet in length, and less, and these are much more 

 prized as a table accessory. As the Jewfish may be caught 

 in immensely greater numbers than at present obtains, it is 

 destined in the future to play a very important part in the 

 fisheries of New South Wales at least, and to a somewhat 

 lesser extent in the other States. The by-products from it 

 which are at present disregarded will also be found of 

 great value. Here I refer principally to the "sounds" or 

 air-bladders which in this species are very large indeed, and 

 are commercially of considerable value. At present thou- 

 sands of these are thrown away every year with the offal, 

 and as they require very little primary treatment beyond 

 drying, this is greatly to be regretted. 



Fig. 42. JEWFISH (Sciwia Antarctica). 



When freshly caught, the Jewfish is a most handsome 

 object. The upper surface is dark-blue or brownish, this 

 gradually changing into the light colour of the lower por- 

 tions. All over the sides and upper portions the scales are 

 flecked with silver and golden reflections, while over all 

 there is a general iridescent appearance. 



The Jewfish is sometimes known as "Jewel-fish," be- 

 cause of the so-called "pearls" which are obtained from the 

 head. These "pearls" are the otoliths or "earstones," which, 

 while occurring in the heads of other teleostean fishes, are 

 particularly large in the species of the Scicenidce. These 

 earstones are closely connected with the sense of hearing, 

 hence their name. 



The Jewfish, if not specifically identical, is very closely 

 allied to an important food-fish of Europe known as the 

 Maigre or Meagre (Sci&na aquila). 



The Teraglin is very like its cousin, the Jewfish; but 

 does not attain to the large size of that species. It com- 



