200 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



be curved somewhat like fingers as a kind of legs ; but at 

 times certain of them seek the surface waters, from which 

 they take short flying-leaps (with their pectoral fins spread 

 out), skipping over the surface for considerable distances. 

 From this habit equally with their possession of the large 

 pectorals various species in different parts of the world 

 have derived the name of "Flying Gurnard" a name, how- 

 ever, which it is better to restrict to the "Sea-Robin" or 

 Dactylopterus (page 202). 



Amongst the Australian Gurnards may be mentioned 

 the Red or Kumu Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) and 

 the Sharp-beaked Gurnard (Pterygotrigla polyommatd). 



The Kumu Gurnard is an inhabitant of many waters ; 

 having a very extensive geographical range. It is found 

 along the whole of the eastern coast of Australia as well 

 as in Tasmania, and has been recorded from Western Aus- 

 tralia. Outside of Australia it occurs in the waters of New 

 Zealand (where it is abundant), South Africa, the Malay 

 Archipelago, China and Japan. It appears highly probable 

 that it will be found to be distributed in suitable localities 

 right round Australia. Along the coast of New South 

 Wales, this Gurnard is quite common ; though, as it fre- 

 quents rough ground, it does not often come within the 

 scope of the fisherman's net and consequently is not brought 

 to the markets in any quantity. Young examples are com- 

 mon on bottoms around rocky headlands in places like the 

 lower parts of Port Jackson,* being occasionally captured 

 by "prawners" using a sunken-net. 



The upper parts of the Kumu Gurnard and the sides 

 of the head are of a reddish or reddish-brown colour; the 

 lower surface being whitish. The large fan-shaped pec- 

 torals are exceedingly beautiful, but must be seen to be 

 properly appreciated. 



In New Zealand this is known by the Maori name of 

 Kumu (or Kumukumu) and I have here used that prefix: 

 in preference to that of "Red" as the latter is rather mis- 

 leading ; the Sharp-beaked Gurnard, though very different, 

 having a tint ot red also as the prevailing colour. 



The Kumu Gurnard is an excellent table fish, and 



* Ogilby was evidently not familiar with this fact, as he stated in his 

 " Kilible Fishes'" (page 110) that "the fry are never seen in our harbours.'' 



