1 68 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



high up as Port Stephens ; while it has once been observed 

 in the vicinity of Moreton Bay, in Queensland. This last 

 record however must be taken as denoting a very excep- 

 tional occurrence indeed. 



As this species does not "keep" well in a fresh state 

 (and because of the flesh being naturally rather soft), it is 

 not often sold in that condition. However, it takes the 

 smoke well, consequently "Smoked Barracouta" is the usual 

 form in which it is familiar to the majority of the public. 



The teeth are very sharp and formidable-looking ; and I 

 may mention, that there are several finlets as in the 

 Mackerels following both the second-dorsal and anal fins. 



It attains commonly a length of about 4 feet. 



The Australian Hairtail is not often seen by the 

 majority of, even, the fisher- folk. In shape it differs con- 

 siderably from the Barracouta, there being no caudal fin as 

 in the latter; the body being ribbon-like and tapering to a 

 fine point. Neither are there any of the little finlets, as there 

 is one single dorsal fin extending the whole length of the 

 back. There are several long fang-like teeth in each jaw. 



It usually attains a length of about 4 feet. 



The Scabbard-Fish is very similar in the shape of 

 the body to the Hairtail, but differs in that there is a small 

 but well-developed caudal fin. It is a very widespread 

 species; in addition to occurring in Tasmania and on parts 

 of the south-eastern coast of Australia, being found in New 

 Zealand, South Africa and the European Seas. In New 

 Zealand, where it is always known as "Frost-Fish," it is 

 greatly esteemed as a food-fish. 



This fish is considered to be usually an inhabitant of 

 deep ocean waters. 



It grows to a length of about 6 feet. 



The fish known in Cuba as the "Escholar" and in the 

 South Sea Islands as "Palu" (Ruvettus pretiosus) is also 

 a member of this family. I mention this as many Aus- 

 tralians must have seen the so-called "palu-hooks" and won- 

 dered what species they were intended to catch. 



