Fig. 164.—The Murray-Cod, Oligorus macquariensis.
Grystes.—Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One dorsal fin with ten spines; anal with three; caudal fin rounded. Præoperculum with a single smooth margin.
One species, from the fresh waters of the United States (G. salmonoides), attains to a length of more than two feet. It is known by the name of “Growler,” and eaten.
Arripis.—Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One dorsal fin, with nine slender spines; anal with three. Præoperculum denticulated.
Fig. 165.—Arripis salar, South Australia.
Three species are known, from the coasts of Southern Australia and New Zealand. They are named by the colonists Salmon or Trout, from their elegant form and lively habits, and from the sport they afford to the angler. Their usual size is from 1 to 3 lbs., but specimens of double that weight are taken. The smaller specimens are the more delicate and better flavoured. When not fresh, they are liable to assume poisonous properties; and cases of poisoning are not unfrequently caused by them.
Huro.—Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales of moderate size. All the teeth villiform; bones of the head without serrature. Mouth rather oblique, with the lower jaw projecting. Two dorsal fins, the first with six spines.
The “Black Bass” of Lake Huron (Huro nigricans).