FOOD PRODUCTS OF THE SEA — FISHES. 341 



size, than any other fish. They are a delicious little fish, 

 averaging a quarter of a pound in weight. 



The frost-fish (Lepidopm caudattts) is esteemed the 

 most of all the edible fishes in New Zealand, where it 

 appears to be more frequently caught than in Tasmania. 



The barracouta {Thyr sites atun) is caught all round 

 the coast in the greatest abundance. They are much 

 esteemed and command a ready sale. The fish usually 

 measure about three feet long and average 8 lbs. in 

 weight. Fishermen say that it would pay them if 3s. 

 a dozen could always be got for them, i.e., under Jd. a 

 pound. Another species {T. Solandri) averages from 12 to 

 14 lbs. weight, and sometimes reaches 20 lbs. They ap- 

 pear at times in immense numbers; three fishermen 

 have frequently been known to capture over forty dozen 

 of these fish in a single night The usual price in the 

 market is 5s. per dozen. When abundant they are 

 largely exported. 



The snotgall trevally {Neptonemus hrama, Gunth.), 

 although inferior in quality to the white or silver 

 (Caranx georgianus, Ouv. and Val.), and mackerel trevally 

 (Neptonemus dobula, Gunth.), from its abundance and size, 

 is of much greater importance as regards the general 

 market supply. They are exported in considerable quan- 

 tities to Victoria. 



The rock cod {Pseudophycis barbafus, Gunth.), exist 

 in such wonderful abundance that they are captured 

 during a portion of the year in quantities far exceed- 

 ing the local demand. The rock cod rarely exceeds 

 2^ lbs. weight. The flesh is rather soft, but it is held 

 in fair estimation as food. When smoked with cedar 

 sawdust they are highly prized. 



There are four members of the flat-fish family stated 

 to exist in Tasmanian waters, but only two are found 

 abundantly. These are the sole of the fishermen 

 (Amnotretis rostratus, Gunth.), and the fiounder {Rhombo- 

 solea nwrmpm, Gunth.). They are among the most highly 

 prized fishes for the table, and are taken in considerable 

 quantities all the year round. 



