^8 



So far as the fish market is concerned, the most important 

 members are — 



1. Anthias rasor .... Tasmanian Barber or Red Perch. 



2. Arripis salar .... Native Salmon. 



3. Arripis truttaceus.. Native Salmon Trout. 



The first of these is generally caught in the winter season, 

 along with the Trumpeter (Latris hecateia); and although 

 not taken in great quantity, it is nevertheless, from its 

 quality, highly esteemed. 



The Native Salmon (A. salar) are brought to market in 

 the greatest abundance all the year round. They enter 

 rivers and approach wharves in myriads at certain seasons, 

 chiefly in spring, and afford the angler passable sport, as 

 they dash greedily at bait or artificial fly, and sometimes 

 are known to vie with their noble namesake in the plucky 

 manner in which they play the sportsman's reel. It is 

 almost certain (as stated by Prof. M'Coy) that the Native 

 Salmon Trout (A. truttaceus) is but the immature form of 

 A. salar. In the young state they are barred or spotted, — 

 the markings becoming fainter as they increase in size, and 

 disappearing altogether in the mature forms. They are of 

 handsome shape, sometimes reaching 7 lbs. weight. They 

 are most esteemed for food, however, when they are under 

 1 lb. weight. 



The other members of the group are unimportant either 

 as regards size or numbers brought to market. 



MuLLiDiE. The Red Mullet Family. 



The only known member of this highly-prized family of 

 fishes is the Red Gurnet or Red Mullet of our fishermen 

 (UpeneicJitli .'s porosus). It is very scarce, however, for 

 it is seldom seen in the market. 



Sparid^. Tlie Bream Family. 



Of the Bream family there are five representatives in 

 Tasmanian waters; viz. — 



1. Chrysopkrys australis, The Common or Silver 



Giinth. Bream. 



2. Girellatricusp)idatajC\xw. The Black Bream. 



and Yal. 



3. Girella sijnjjlex, Rich. . . The Sweep. 



4. Pagrus unicolorj Cuv. The Snapper. 



and Val. 



5. Ilaplodaciylus arctidenSj 



Rich. 



