89 



month of May. Certain shallow banks seem to be favourite 

 localities, probably because their food — small squids and 

 crustaceans — exist in such places in great abundance. There 

 is one minute pretty colored pea-shaped crab which seems 

 to be eagerly sought after by them, for during capture large 

 numbers of these tiny crustaceans drop from their capacious 

 mouths while unhooking them. Their numbers entering 

 estuaries during different seasons vary to a remarkable 

 degree. It is not easy to account for this, but it has been 

 noticed that they are most abundant when the '^brit" and 

 other crustaceans appear in greatest numbers. It is quite 

 conceivable, therefore, that the seasonal variation of tem- 

 perature and meteorological conditions may determine to a 

 great extent the development of the small crustaceae, and 

 through them regulate the natural increase of the Rock-cod 

 and other fishes which so largely subsist upon them. The 

 Rock-cod rarely exceeds 2J lbs. weight, although its appear- 

 ance would be apt to lead one to suppose that the ordinary 

 mature individuals are at least double this weight. The 

 prevailing colour is tawny brown on back, creamy or pinkish- 

 white on belly. The dorsal has only two divisions, the 

 anterior one composed of from 9 to 11 soft simple rays. 

 The flesh is rather soft, but it is held in fair esteem as food. 

 It will cure well. When smoked with cedar sawdust they 

 are highly prized. It is stated by experienced fishermen 

 that if greater care were taken in the modes of smoking 

 and curing, our fish w^ould be held in much greater 

 esteem. As the Rock-cod may be caught during the 

 season in quantities far exceeding local demand, it would 

 be well if gi-eater attention were paid to the preservation 

 of this fish, and so secure a wider market. 



Ophidiid^. Ling Family. 



There are two membei's of this family in Tasmanian 

 waters ; viz. : — 



The Ling Genypterm Australis, Cast. 



(hlacodes ?) 

 Ditto Fierasfer Ilomei, Rich. 



The first of these is alone important as regards the 

 market supply. These fish usually are captured on a weedy 

 or rocky bottom, in from 3 to 8 fathoms water, with hook 

 and line. The average weight is about 7 lbs., but indivi- 

 duals are known to reach a weight of 15 lbs. They are 

 sometimes captured on the surface. It-would appear that 

 if in pursuit of prey they happen to breach on the surface, 

 they rupture the air-bladder or sustain some other injury. 

 They are held in fair esteem in the market, but are only 



