278 Transactions.— Zoology. 
since then having read Dr. Traquair’s important paper “ On the Assymetry of 
the Pleuronectide,” (“ Trans. Linn. Soc.,” XXV., pt. ii., 1865), I have become 
convinced that they are both monstrosities, which, as I understood since from 
the fishermen, are far from uncommon, 
GALAXIAS GRANDIS. sp. nov. 
Bull-trout. 
B.9;D.13; A.13-15; V.7; P. 14 
Head one-fifth of the total length, and one and one-third the height of the 
body ; dorsal a little in advance of the anal; both jaws of equal length ; eye 
rather small, one-seventh of the length of the head and one-half of the length 
of the snout ; the length of the pectoral fin is two and a half the distance from 
the ventral ; the anal extends beyond the base of the caudal if laid backwards ; 
the least depth of the tail is one and one-fourth the distance between dorsal 
and caudal fins ; teeth on tongue very large. 
Brownish black above, yellowish brown beneath, with yellowish spots and 
short streaks, which are most numerous and best defined on the sides, whilst 
on the back and the head they are small and of rare occurrence; fins brownish 
black with lighter coloured rays. Tt will be seen that this species, although 
similarly coloured to G. alepidotus, is distinguished from it by its great size 
and some other specific differences. 
Total length 19 in. 3 lines. 
I have been informed that even larger specimens have repeatedly been 
taken. Ihave not seen any specimens of G. alepidotus, so that I am unable 
to point out more fully all the specific differences, which I have no doubt 
exist. 
This giant bull-trout was obtained by Mr. E. Jollie in one of the small 
creeks near Lake Ellesmere, which rise as fine copious springs on the plains 
in its neighbourhood, and fall either into that lake or form branches of the 
Little Rakaia. These deep creeks, possessing generally vertical or overhanging 
banks, and having the bottom mostly covered by aquatic vegetation, to which 
the water-cress (Nasturtium officinale) forms in many instances a successful 
rival, are also inhabited by the New Zealand eel (Anguilla aucklandii), and it 
is rather astounding that they should offer shelter to two such voracious 
species—considering that very often the water-way is so narrow that a large 
fish like the bull-trout can scarcely turn round. 
This bull-trout is easily caught with the hook baited with the grass-hopper 
during ihe summer time—and at any time of day. ; 
This species occurs also at the West Coast, where I obtained it in Lake 
Hall, the outlet of which falls into the Paringa river. 
