TRICHONOTOID FISHES, 207 



name of "Nillum koranjan" ; meaning "a diver into the 

 mud." 



On the coast of New South Wales it reaches a length 

 of about 15 inches. 



The. Stone-lifter : This species is still more quaint- 

 looking than the preceding; though in its shape it is very 

 similar. The upper parts of the head are very strongly 

 armoured and there are two long, acute and strong spines 

 one on each side at the back of the head over the pectoral 

 fins. There are other spines of a less dangerous character 

 underneath the head. The ventral fins in this as in the 

 mottled Star-gazer are very large and strong; and are 

 used principally in the process of burrowing. 



This fish is of a yellowish colour with, usually, two or 

 three broad dark bands. 



In the waters of Victoria and Tasmania it is quite plen- 

 tiful, but is rather uncommon in those of New South Wales. 

 It. also, is found outside of Australia. 



In Tasmania it is known as the "Cat-Fish." The name 

 of "Stone-lifter" has been derived from the habit credited 

 to this species, of burrowing under stones. 



It attains a length of about 20 inches. 



TRICHONOTOID FISHES. 



( Family : Trichonotidcz. ) 



THESE are small elongate fishes which are very nearly re- 

 lated to the Dragonets. All of them are marine. Three 

 species, of which the names are here given, are known to 

 occur in the waters of New South Wales ; viz. : Creedia has- 

 ivelli, Limnichthys fasciatus and Schizochirus insolens. 

 From an economic standpoint they are of no value. 



