II 



down on to the inferior portion of the caudal peduncle, ending at 

 the insertion of the caudal fin. The whole fish presents a most 

 handsome appearance when fresh. The iris is a beautiful roseate, 

 with some finely-dotted dusky patches. 



Total length of specimen (overall), 370 mm. (14^ inches). 

 According to Day,* this spe3ies ranges from the Red Sea and 

 the East Coast of Africa, through the Seas of India to the Malay 

 Archipelago. Macleayf records it from North Australia and 

 Percy Islands; and Saville-Kentj mentions it as occurring on the 

 Queensland coast, and states that it is known as " Government 

 Bream." 



As the last named author's observations are of some value, as 

 well as of general interest, they are here quoted in full. He 

 writes: "A handsome representative cf the perch family, Gt/ny- 

 oroge sebce, C. & V., commonly taken throughout the Barrier 

 district as far south as Port Denison, and also in the Gulf of 

 Carpentaria, is popularly known as the * government bream ' ; 

 and has received its distinctive title with reference to the broad- 

 arrow-like mark, with the point directed vertically, which decor- 

 ates each side. It grows to a weight of several pounds, is much 

 esteemed for the table, and has been forwarded in some quantities, 

 in a smoked condition, from Sweer's Island, in the 'Gulf,' to the 

 Norman ton and Croydon markets. When alive in the water, or 

 freshly taken from the sea, the ground colour of this fish is nearly 

 white, with pale-pink edges to the scales ; the characteristic broad- 

 arrow-like bands being a bright red. On removal from itsnatixc 

 element these tints quickly darken, the white ground turning to 

 red and the arrow-shaped mark almost to black." 



Day gives as one of the native Indian names for this fish 



" Nai-kerrucki," meaning " smelling like a dog." 



'' 



Since tli3 foregoing was written, a magnificent example of this 

 gorgeous species, measuring 725 mm. (28J inches) was captured 

 at Coff's Harbour and forwarded for sale to the Eastern Fish 

 Market (during November, 1906). Through the kindness of Mr. 

 N. Aceglav, who purchased the fish, I was enabled to secure some 



* Day : Fishes of India, p. 31. 



t Macleay : P.L.S. N.S.W., v, 18S1, p. 328. 



J Saville-Kent : Great Barrier Reef, 1893, p. 283. 



Day : Fishes of India, p. 31. 



