10 
NOTES OF THE KDIELK FISHES OF VICTORIA. 
colonists ; it is veiy abundant duilng all tlie year, and is remark- 
able by the extraordinary length of its l(3wer jaw. It is good for 
the table. A 8cinnhve>^ox (Sc, For^teri)^ nearly identical with the 
Eui'ojjean sold, is stated by Professor M‘Coy to inliabit also 
Hobson’s Bay. 
The Gonorhynchiha^: are sino-ular hslies, haviim soiuothirm of 
the appearance of the genus .sciidcRs amongst the saurien reptiles; 
The >^a udcel, as it is usually called, is commonly found here, and is 
considered delicate food; it is the Gottorkijnchm fjvcyl of naturalists. 
CLUPElHyE fomi a numerous family, represented here by — 1st, 
Erchl, a Murray fish, remarkable by the long tiliform 
lower ray of its dorsal ; it is a good edible fish. In my paper 
on the Victorian fishes I was mistaken when I stated that it 
inhabited the sea, as I have since learned that it is exclusively 
duviatile. 
2nd. E)njraalif^ Antavctlcm, or the 'widtebait, is very common 
in the fish market. 
3rd. Culpea Sagcix, or Pilchard, which appears usually in the 
hot season of the year, and is sometimes in such abundance as to be 
carried about Melbourne by cart-loads. Professor M'Coy finds 
that the tongue is armed with teeth, and this shows that he has 
examined a different soil- from the one I have seen, probably 
Meletta Mela^u>d/ict(L 
4th. Meletta Eovee Holla)tdiw, the Smelt, a pretty little fish of 
a very light green, with a silvery streak on each side; it is com- 
monly brought to the mai’ket. All these fishes are suited to the 
table. 
The family of Murenida^: comprises the eels, of which two sorts 
are found in the rivers which flow in Hobson's Bay (AQtguilla 
Australis and Reinhardfii). They are both very similar to the 
European sort. 
A lai-ge Conger, which I believe to be Wilsonl of Bloch, rarely 
appears in Hobson s Bay, but is very common towards Hobart 
Town, and is often brought salted to the Melbourne market. 
Another l>ut very small soit (Congromurena habenata) is scarce, 
and on account of its size is of no economical use. 
The family of Sclerodermi or leather jackets, comprises fishes 
which may almost be considered as belonging to the tropical seas ; 
many are remarkable by their curious forms and the great beauty 
of tiieir colours; but those of the Victorian waters are more 
modest and not generally used as food, although the fishermen say 
that when their thick skin has been removed they are not to be 
despised. The Australian sorts belong to the genus Monacanthus, 
and are not yet well known. 
The Gymodontes are only mentioned here on account of their 
dangerou.s qualities, many being j>oisonous. They are generally 
