70 



Tasmania lacks the deep fringing reefs which seem to be 

 the favoured resort of the Snapper. This may account for 

 the rare appearance of this fish on our northern coasts, 

 where, from other considerations, it might be expected to be 

 found. 



The fifth representative ( Haplodactylus arctidens) is 

 referred to by Dr. Richardson as found at Port Arthur, but 

 it is seldom seen in the market. It has simple lanceolate 

 incisors, and is a vegetable feeder, like the Sweep and 

 Black Bream. 



Sq[tamipinnes. 



It is very doubtful whether we have any representative 

 of this family in Tasmanian waters, although the species 

 Scorpis Georgianus (C. et V.) has been stated to have been 

 seen. It is, consequently, of little interest as regards the 

 local fish market. Dr. Giinther states with respect to this 

 family, that they abound chiefly in the neighbourhood of 

 coral reefs ; and that the beauty and singularity of distribu- 

 tion of the colors of some of the genera are scarcely surpassed 

 by any other group of fishes. Comparatively few are used 

 as food. They are carnivorous, feeding on small inverte- 

 brates. 



CiRRHiTiDiE. TJte Perch and Trumpeter Famihj. 



This is by far the largest and most important family, so 

 far as the edible fishes of Tasmania are concerned. It 

 comprises 6 genera and 13 species, chief among which 

 are — 



The Real Trumpeter ( Latris hecateta)y Rich. 



The Red and Silver Bastard (Latris Forsteri)^ Cast. 



The Black and Silver Perch ( Chilodactylus macrop- 



terusjy Perkins. 

 The Carp (Chilodactylus AUporti), Giinther. 

 The Magpie Perch ( Chilodactylus r/ibbosus), Rich. 

 The Real Bastard Trumpeter ( Mendosoma AUporti), 



Johnston. 



The first of these, the Real Trumpeter, or Hobart 

 Trumpeter, is brought to market in considerable abundance 

 all the year round, and is deservedly held in repute as the 

 finest of the Australian edible fishes. It commands a ready 

 market in the neighbouring Colonics, whether fresh, smoke- 

 dried, or salted. Many, indeed, consider the smoked 

 Trumpeter equal, if not superior, to the Finnon Haddock 

 of Scotland (Gadus cefjlejinnis). It is therefore worthy 

 of special notice. 



