624 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
Of the Fam. Cottoidece, there are six enumerated, of these 
the Gurnard ( kumu-kumu ) is most common, and the Trigla 
Volitans ( korama ) the most beautiful. 
Of the Fam. Scioenoidece , the Latrisciliaris moki and mohiki, 
it is distinguished by a triangular black patch on each side of 
the shoulder, and is one of the best of the New Zealand fish. 
Of the Fam. Mugiloidece, Mugil Fosteri, ( kanae ,) this is a 
delicious fish, it frequents the mouths of rivers, but it is not 
usual to find it beyond the influence of the tide. An excep- 
tion, however, occurs in the Waikato, where it is found in 
the Wangape, a lake nearly sixty miles up that river, though 
it is there in great abundance, it is not seen in the Waikato 
itself, hence the natives have the idea that it does not enter 
the lake by the river, but by a subterranean passage from 
the sea. 
Of the Fam. Fsocidce may be noticed the Maroro, or flying 
fish, ( exocetus exulans). This singular fish in New Zealand 
attains the length of eighteen inches. 
The Fam. Glupeadicce is represented by the Aua, herring, 
which is plentiful in all the tidal rivers, and may be taken to 
any extent. 
Fam. Gadioidece contains the Warehou and the Hajpuku , 
two of the best of the New Zealand fish. The latter fre- 
quently attains a great size, and is often caught weighing 
more than 50 lbs. ; both this and the Warehou are excellent 
fish for curing, the latter is abundant on our rocky coasts. 
The Hako also belongs to this family. 
Fam. Plectognathi. — The Pakirikiri , ( balistes ,) file fish, is 
distinguished by two strong spines at the commencement of 
the dorsal fin, in shape like the letter V, both fronting the 
head, and standing out from the fin, these are elevated at 
pleasure, some fish have only one. The Pakirikiri is abundant 
in the Bay of Islands. 
Fam. Pleuronectidce. — The Platessa } sole, is found in New 
Zealand, but is seldom taken, it appears to be identical with 
the European one. 
The Rhrombus Plebeus, ( jpatiki ,) or flat fish, is speared by 
torch-light. The largest are caught near the mouth of rivers, 
