78 



SO kill and disfigure themselves. This renders it more 

 difficult for fish of this class to be brought to market. 

 Fishermen have to cure them partially when they are 

 hindered in any way from reaching market. Although 

 some are caught in nets with the Bastard Trumpeter, they 

 are usually caught by hook and line. The remarks applying 

 to the destruction of the Bastard apply equally to the Perch. 

 It is most probable that the mature fish spawn in five to 

 six fathoms water ; that, like the Trumpeter family, the 

 young immediately after seek the upper shallow banks of 

 estuaries, remaining there until they are half-grown, when 

 they again gradually return to the parent gi'ound, towards 

 the mouths of estuaries. 



The Carp. ( Chilodactylus spectabilis, Hutton : C. All- 

 2)orti, Giinth.) 

 Although the Carp of the fishermen is common in the 

 market, it is not to be depended upon, for the few that are 

 caught are only found at odd times in the gi'aball while 

 fishing at the mouths of estuaries for the Bastard Trumpeter. 

 There is a ready market for all that are taken, however, 

 for, although somewhat coarse-looking fish, they appear to 

 be highly esteemed. They are, moreover, strong fish, and 

 will live a considerable time in the well. They are seldom 

 taken by hook and line. Little is known of their habits. 

 The fish is of a reddish colour, with about six darker trans- 

 verse bars across the sides. It was formerly known as 

 Chilodactylus Allporti ; but Dr. Giinther has recently 

 referred our local form to the C. spectahilis (Hutton), found 

 also in New Zealand. If the description given by Prof 

 Hutton be correct as regards the prevailing form in New 

 Zealand, it may be doubtful whether the suppression of C. 

 Allporti was advisable, as the description of the latter is 

 different in important characters. The Tasmanian form 

 invariably agrees with Dr. Giinther's description : — 



C. spectahilis. C. Allporti. 

 Height of body in total 



length — times more than 3 times 2|-2f 



Longest ray of simple 



pectorals 1st 2nd 



Head contained in total 



lengths 4J times 4 times 



p. , J anterior spinous blackish light red 



Uorsai I posterior soft. . ditto blackish 



If tlie differences as shown are constantly maintained in 

 the New Zealand form, it may be advisable to retain the 

 specific name C. Allporti for tlie Tasmanian species. Like 



