FISHES. 



By Edgar 1{. AV^mtk, F.L.S., 



Zoologist, Australiuii IMuseuni. 



(Phites i.-xxx.) 



The fauna of an}^ place collected in 50 fathoms and under,, 

 will be best known by its fishes, as such are sought for economic 

 purposes. The greatest results, as measured by the number of 

 new species and rare forms, will obtain among the less-worked 

 Invertebrata. 



The least depth tested was 10 fathoms, and although the trawl 

 once reached 90 fathoms (Station 16) it is to be noted that on 

 this occasion fishes were not taken, due to an accident in shooting 

 the net. The extreme productive depth was 84 fathoms, twice 

 reached (Stations 4 and .5), but no species were there taken not 

 known in shallower water. At three Stations, 6, 7 and 56, 

 80 fathoms was reached, but at the first named the net was 

 again rendered almost inoperative, and at the other two no fishes 

 peculiar to that depth were obtained. It is not necessary to carry 

 the observations further, for it will be sufficiently apparent that 

 no claim can be made to scientific deep sea trawling. It is 

 further to be observed that the few new forms afterwai'ds recorded, 

 were secured within the depths commonly attained by line fisher- 

 men: the number of new or rare species is therefore in excess of 

 what was expected. It will be apparent, and this I suspect will 

 be much more evident among the Invertebrata, that those forms 

 previousl}^ known only from more southern or colder latitudes in 

 shallow water are here taken in greater depths. 



The following Stations were barren as far as fishes are con- 

 cerned : — 3, 14, 16, 19, 45; mainly due to the net becoming" 

 twisted, or otherwise getting out of order, while being lowered. 

 At Stations 6, 18, 29, 30, 31, 36, very few fish were taken, the 

 net or otter boards having fouled obstructions, such as rocks or 

 wreckage. 



One hundred and seven species were taken, representing ninety- 

 five genera, including a new one, namely, Paratrachicthysi.. 

 proposed for Trachlclithys trailli. 



