Peninsula, and of the strong flow passing round the peninsula into Big Bay or Lower Portobello Bay (as it is variously called), together with the accessibility of the spot and the possibility of acquiring a small and suitable area of land on easy terms, that the Otago Institute was induced some years ago to select the site for the present fish-hatchery and biological station. In some respects there are drawbacks to the position, but these are more than counterbalanced by the advantages referred to.

Outside the harbour the ocean-bottom slopes with an easy grade into deep water. Round the rocky portions of the peninsula the grade is steeper. Thus the 30-fathom line comes nearly within two miles of Cape Saunders, a slope of about 1 in 58; while off Taiaroa Head it is between six and seven miles distant, a slope of about 1 in 180. The 50-fathom line comes within about eight miles of the coast opposite the mouth of Papanui Inlet, and there would appear to be at that point a depression or slight valley on the ocean-floor running out seawards. The contour-lines on the map accompanying this paper^* (kindly prepared by the Survey Department, Dunedin) can only be taken as approximately accurate, as no detailed survey of the sea-bottom has been made. According to the fishermen who work outside, and who go in for line fishing, there is quite a deep trough or valley about ten miles south-east of Cape Saunders, where the depth very quickly passes from 80 or 90 to 150 fathoms, and from there slopes out to very deep water. A similar sharp depression occurs between thirty and forty miles farther north. Though the exact location of these submarine valleys is not laid down on any map, they are well known to the fishermen, who in suitable conditions of wind and tide find these deeps very excellent fishing-grounds.

According to the Admiralty charts of this coast still in use, based on the surveys made by Captain J. L. Stokes in the “Acheron” (1849–51), a current sets up the coast in a north-easterly direction at the rate of from one to one and a quarter knots per hour. The “New Zealand Pilot” (8th edition) says, “On the east coast of the South Island the current usually sets northward with a rate of about one mile an hour.” According to the fishermen, this current, especially at a distance of five to ten miles off the coast at Cape Saunders, frequently runs at the rate of four miles an hour. It is especially strong just before a south-west wind sets in, and when fishing under such conditions in from 90 to 150 fathoms it is sometimes almost impossible to let the lines down, even with heavy sinkers. On the other hand, just before north-east weather sets in, the current ceases entirely, and the lines go down nearly plumb from the boats. One effect of this nearly constant northerly current is the formation of an eddy into Blueskin Bay and round to the north of Taiaroa Head. This frequently causes the accumulation of large quantities of plankton and various pelagic organisms in that sheltered area, and, as a consequence, also the frequent accumulation of large quantities of fish. The general set up the coast of a north-easterly current is one argument in favour of the establishment of a marine hatchery in this part of Otago. Any swimming organisms liberated outside of Taiaroa Head, or even within the harbour on an ebb tide, tend to be carried along the coast northwards.

One physical phenomenon, which has been observed only since the station was started, is of considerable interest and importance. From the very first daily observations have been made of certain meteorological

This deep-water representative of the genus is now identified by Waite (ante, p. 215, Plates V and VI) with the wreck-fish of the Atlantic. It is occasionally taken outside Otago Heads, and is known by the local fishermen as “bass groper” or “black bass.” It frequently weighs from 150 lb. to 180 lb.

The type specimen of this rare species is in the Otago Museum. It is described by Forbes (Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. 22, p. 273), and redescribed and figured by Waite (ante, p. 218, Plate VII).

A specimen of this taken on the coast near Dunedin is in the Otago Museum.

Tarakihi. The stomachs of the few which were examined contained mostly small Crustaea—viz., whale-feed, shrimps (Mysidae), and Amphipoda.

The species is well described and figured by E. R. Waite in “Records of the Canterbury Museum,” vol. 1, No. 3, p. 220, pl. 45.

A specimen taken on the coast near Otago Heads is in the Otago Museum.

Trumpeter. The stomachs of those examined contained Halicarcinus planatus and other small Crustacea.

This fish, as taken in Otago waters and sold in Dunedin fish-shops, is usually less than a foot long, but quite recently (August of September, 1912) very large specimens, nearly 3 ft. in length, have been taken from 90 to 150 fathoms in two localities off Cape Saunders and Taiaroa Head in large quantities.

The type specimen of this fish, in the Otago Museum, was caught off Taiaroa Head. It is called by Hutton “the copper moki.”

The common sea-perch is omitted from the former list of fishes from Otago Harbour. The stomachs of those examined contained small crabs and shrimps (Pontophilus).

The ova are ripe in September, and the young fish are produced (viviparously) the same month.

This species, occasionally found off the east coast of Otago, must be added to my former list.

This fish, of which one specimen was taken “off Otago Heads” in the “Nora Niven” trawling expedition, must be added to our list. It is fully described by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 239).

Anderton records one specimen of this fish—the “flathead”—as taken about eight miles from Taiaroa Head, in 20 fathoms. Its stomach contained swimming-crabs and small bivalve shells. In the cruise of the “Nora Niven” this species was taken from the Canterbury Bight northwards to the Bay of Plenty. It is fully described by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 241).

The stomachs of the blue-cod examined by Anderton contained the following: Red-cod, sea-perch (Helicolenus), kokopuru (Tripterygion), seahorse, pipe-fish, octopus, small crabs (Halicarcinus, &c.), shrimps (Pontophilus), whale-feed, sea-anemones, and very frequently kelp and green algae.

This species is omitted from my former list. The type specimen was taken near Dunedin, and was described by Hutton (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), iii, 1879, p. 53). It has been more recently described by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 244).

This has been made the type of a new genus, Paratrachichthys, by Waite (1899).

A specimen of this fish taken in the trawler off Otago Heads is in the Otago Museum.

The barracouta is a gregarious fish, swimming in considerable shoals, and it chiefly feeds on fishes and other animals which also swim in shoals. The most common food fish appears to be the sprat (Amblygaster antipodus), the stomachs sometimes being full of these. Red-cod, and occasionally hake (Merluccius gayi), were found in them, and on one occasion Anderton reports them as “quite full of small shrimps (Nyctiphanes).”

The southern kingfish appears in the “Index Faunae Novae-Zealandiae” (p. 43) as Promethichthys prometheus Webb and Berthel, and by that name I have recorded it in the list of fishes found in Otago Harbour. Waite has, however, shown (l.c., No. 3, p. 235) that it does not belong to that genus, so he has renamed it as above.

This fish is very common in the Dunedin shops, being taken nearly all the year round both by the trawlers and the line fishermen. Waite (l.c.) records it as chiefly feeding on squid. Anderton notes the following as the

stomach-contents: Red-cod, young barracouta, silversides, sprats, leather-jacket (Pseudomonacanthus), garfish, squid, and small octopus.

The warehou is commonly sold in Dunedin as “trevally,” but the latter name belongs to Caranx platessa Cuv. & Val.

The stomachs of those examined contained Munida and other small Crustacea, zoaeae of crabs, and large worms.

The “butterfly-fish,” as it is called when young, has been taken in Otago Harbour, and is now known to be the young of the scaled tunny, described as Lepidothynnus huttoni Günther. It is figured by Waite (ante, p. 220, Plate VIII). An adult taken in Otago Harbour in 1911 is in the Otago Museum.

The red gurnard is named Trigla kumu in the original list. The eggs and young fry were described and figured by Anderton in Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. 39, p. 478, pls. 17, 18.

This gurnard is not uncommon. It is described by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 255).

This species must be added to the list of Otago fishes. It was taken off Waikouaiti during the cruise of the “Nora Niven,” and also found in the stomachs of barracouta. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 245, pl. 54, fig. 1).

The kokopu spawns in October and November. The young are very common in the harbour during the summer months, and furnish abundance of food for other species.

Both of these small species of kokopu occur in Otago Harbour.

The stomachs of sea-mullet examined by Anderton in the month of March were found to be full of crab-zoaeae.

The bellows-fish was taken off Taiaroa Head during the cruise of the “Nora Niven.” It is described by Waite (l.c., No. 3, p. 169).

Omitted from the previous list of Otago fishes. It has been taken near Dunedin.

Museum,” vol. 1, No. 3, where a full account of the nine best-known species is given (pp. 200–15), and a key is furnished to the characters of the seven genera represented. All these nine species occur in the waters of Otago Harbour or its neighbourhood.

This species, referred to as “brill” in my former list, is a totally different fish. This specific name belongs to the megrim, or witch, a common form, not sold as a food fish on account of its lean, bony character. (Waite, l.c., p. 200, pl. 34:.)

The stomachs of those examined by Anderton contained only squid and worms. The egg is 0.68 mm. in diameter, and contains a single oil-globule.

This fine fish is named “New Zealand turbot” by Waite (l.c., p. 209, pl. 39).

The eggs have been collected, and the development of the fry observed and figured by Anderton up to the eleventh day after hatching. The eggs are 1.5 mm. in diameter, and contain 21 to 28 oil-globules.

This is the species sold as “brill” in the south. Along with those of the last-named, the eggs have been collected and large numbers of the fry reared at the hatchery. (See Waite, l.c., p. 211, pl. 40.) The eggs are 1.7 mm. in diameter, and have numerous oil-globules evenly distributed throughout their substance.

The common flounder, or sand-flounder, described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 203, pl. 35). The eggs are 0.65 mm. in diameter, and contain from 8 to 13 oil-globules.

The yellow-belly is the commonest flounder in the shallow lagoons and estuaries along the coast. Described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 205, pl. 37).

The greenback flounder is also found in all the inlets along the coast. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 204, pl. 36). The eggs are 0.8 mm. in diameter, and contain a single oil-globule.

I am not aware whether the black flounder is met with in Otago Harbour or the open sea in its immediate vicinity; but it is found in brackish water, and goes up tidal rivers (such as the Taieri) into fresh water. Figured and described by Waite (l.c., p. 207, pl. 38).

The so-called “English” or New Zealand sole is very abundant along the east coast.

During several seasons numbers of the eggs (over nine millions) have been hatched at Portobello, and the young fry turned out when a few days old. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 213, pl. 42). The egg is the smallest of all of our flat fishes—only 0.5 mm. in diameter—and contains from 2 to 6 oil-globules.

A common species, usually known as “lemon sole.” Though not specifically named, this fish was well known and readily recognized. Nearly a million eggs have been hatched at Portobello, and the young fry liberated. It is figured and described by Waite (l.c., p. 212, pl. 41). The egg is 0.8 mm. in diameter, and contains from 8 to 11 oil-globules.

The red-cod in an immature condition is taken all the year round, often in enormous numbers. The mature fish is very large, between 2 ft. and 3 ft. long, but it is seldom caught. Males with ripe milt are frequently recorded, but the ripe ova have never been obtained. It is probable that, as is the case with many other species, the mature fish cease to bite on the approach of the spawning season.

The red-cod is an omnivorous feeder, and in the hundreds of stomachs examined and recorded by Anderton the following were found: Smaller red-cod, barracouta, kingfish, soles, sea-perch, sprats, lampreys, Macrourus, pipe-fish, sea-horse, pig-fish, squid, crabs (Cancer, Cyclograpsus, and Halicarcinus), Munida (sometimes the stomachs were quite full of these), Lironeca, and razor-shells. Specimens caught off Port Chalmers contained potatoes, turnip and potato peelings, and mutton-bones; while one caught outside the Heads had swallowed the head of a rooster, probably thrown overboard by a passing steamer. Figured and described by Waite (l.c., p. 183, pl. 31, fig. 1).

The following have been taken by Anderton from the stomachs of a large number of ling, mostly taken off Taiaroa Head: Red-cod, kingfish, soles, megrim, flathead (Kathetostoma), leather-jacket, pig-fish, small skate, squid, crabs (Ommatocarcinus and Nectocarcinus), great quantities of shrimps (Nyctiphanes), and (on one occasion) mutton-bones.

This and the next two species must be added to the list of Otago fishes. They were taken during the cruise of the “Nora Niven” at various stations along the east coast. Described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 177, pl. 29, fig. 1).

Described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 178, pl. 29, fig. 2).

Described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 180, pl. 30, fig. 1).

Garfish, occur commonly in Otago Harbour during the summer months.

The eggs are ripe in January. They are 2.5 mm. in diameter, contain a great number of minute oil-globules evenly interspersed throughout the superficial layer, and appear to be immersed in and loosely held together by numerous long transparent filaments.

The stomach of one examined in December was found to contain half-digested fragments of worms (?) mixed with green seaweed.

The silverside, which is omitted from the previous list, is common along the east coast, and was frequently taken in the trawl during the cruise of the “Nora Niven.” It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 161, pl. 24).

Recorded in previous list as C. sagax Arthur (not Jenyns). Fully described by Waite (l.c., p. 158).

The sprat, which is very common on the east coast, especially during the summer months, is frequently mistaken for the preceding species. It is described by Waite (l.c., p. 160).

This pipe-fish is not uncommon in Otago Harbour. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 174, pl. 27, fig. 2).

The little globe-fish is occasionally met with in Otago Harbour. It is common along the coast farther north, and is frequently brought ashore in great numbers in seine netting.

The porcupine-fish is occasionally met with in Otago Harbour.

Under this name Waite unites Torpedo fairchildi Hutton and Torpedofusca Parker. The species is not uncommon in Otago coastal waters. It is fully described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 144, pl. 17).

Waite describes Astrape aysoni as the type of his new genus Typhlonarke (l.c., p. 146, pl. 18).

Though this is a blind numbfish, Waite points out that it is found in comparatively shallow water (36–102 fathoms). It is not uncommon on the east coast of Otago.

The smooth hound is the smallest of the New Zealand sharks, varying from 18 in. to 3 ft. in length, but it is also the most abundant. It is common in the harbour and on the coast. Waite has described and figured it (l.c., p. 140, pl. 14, fig. 2).

The tope is common along the east coast of Otago. It varies from 3 ft. to 6 ft. in length. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 139, pl. 15).

The great white shark, the most formidable of all sharks, is an occasional visitant. An enormous specimen in the local Museum was taken in Otago Harbour.

The carpet-shark, a species about 3 ft. or 4 ft. in length, is common in the harbour and along the coast. It is described and figured by Waite (l.c., p. 136, pl. 14, fig. 1, and pl. 21, fig. 1).

This is the species referred to as Squalus acanthias Linnaeus in the Index Faunae Nov.-Zeal., p. 54. This latter appears to be an Atlantic species.

The spiny dog-fish is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in length; it is common in the harbour and along the coast. Waite has described and figured it.

The porbeagle shark. It has been occasionally taken in Otago Harbour.

The brown shark has been taken in Otago Harbour, and a specimen is preserved in the local Museum.

A specimen of the perlon, captured in Otago Harbour, is in the local Museum.

The lamprey is usually described as a fresh-water fish, though it is only found in the rivers for a limited season, ascending them about October of each year, and returning to the sea in a couple of months. It is seldom met with as a marine species. Two large specimens were taken from a red-cod caught off Cape Saunders in July, 1909.

Leptomithrax australis Jacquinot and Lucas.

Not uncommon on the coast. Occasionally taken on the sandbanks by the seine net.

Occasionally met with at moderate depths along the coast. All have the carapace more or less covered with sponges, &c.

This is the largest of the New Zealand crabs. It was originally found in the Auckland Islands, and was supposed to be peculiar to the group. Later it was taken on the Campbell Islands, and in August, 1900, the trawlers picked up great numbers of them outside of Otago Heads. On rare occasions since they have come across them again

Very occasionally met with on the east coast.

This is an extremely abundant crab in Otago Harbour and along the coast-line, from the tide-exposed sandbanks to 30 fathoms.

A common swimming-crab, both in Otago Harbour and in the adjacent sea. It is an extremely active and pugnacious species.

This is another very common swimming-crab, often of considerable size, the carapace being 4 in. across and 3 in. deep. While moving about in the water, partly crawling and partly swimming, it carries its sharp and very powerful chelae in an elevated position ready for action. It buries itself in sand with great rapidity, front downwards at first, disappearing out of sight in five or six seconds, and then thrusts out its eye-peduncles, so as to be able to look around-it.

Occasionally taken in the trawlers, and found in the stomachs of fishes, from outside Otago Heads.

Very common on sandbanks in Otago Harbour and shallow bays along the coast. It is an active and most aggressive species.

An extremely common shore-crab, occurring between tide-marks, usually under stones. The males have very powerful chelae, but they appear to use them only in self-defence, as they are not pugnacious. The ova hatch out in August and September.

On the coast near Dunedin.

Taken in the trawl near Otago Heads.

On the coast near Otago Harbour.

Specimens taken off the coast to the south of Dunedin during the cruise of the “Nora Niven” are referred to this species by Chilton.

Numerous specimens were picked up by the trawl at localities a little north of Otago Heads during the cruise of the “Nora Niven.”

Taken at various points near Dunedin, off Otago Heads, and near Moeraki.

Taken in the trawl off Otago Heads in the cruise of the “Nora Niven” (in shells of Turitella).

Two specimens from widely separated localities on the east coast of Otago were obtained during the cruise of the “Nora Niven.”

Extremely common under stones between tide-marks. The ova hatch out in November.

Taken commonly in the trawl in Blueskin Bay. These little crabs are beautifully marbled with red and yellow markings.

Occurs sparingly along the east coast of Otago.

Common on the coast. Lives in pairs commensally with species of hermit-crabs (Eupagurus) in the upper whorls of the shells they inhabit.

Common in Otago Harbour.

Not uncommon in Otago Harbour.

Common in rock-pools along the coast.

Common in rock-pools along the coast.

Common in rock-pools, and under stones between tide-marks.

Frequently taken along the coast in the trawl-nets.

Very common along the coast.

Occasionally met with in Otago Harbour.

No group of the Amphipoda has led to such divergence of opinion in regard to classification as the Orchestidae, or, as Stebbing styles it in his splendid monograph of the Gammaridea (in Das Tierreich), the Talitridae. This is due in part to the fact that the sexes of the same species differ very considerably, and that the males especially exhibit great structural changes in the course of their growth and development. Stebbing divides the group into thirteen genera, and in this he is followed by most carcinologists. With all deference to such a body of authority, working, however, as most of them, do on material collected for them, I am inclined to dispute those distinctions which are based on such slight and such plastic characters as the development of the chelae of the gnathopods of the males. I have examined thousands of specimens collected by myself, have dissected, compared, and drawn hundreds of examples of New Zealand and Australian forms, and have compared these with European and Australian types received from Messrs. Stebbing and Calman and Professor Haswell. As a result of my researches I am inclined to reduce Talitrus, Talitraides, Orchestoidea, Talorchestia, and, Parorchestia to Orchestia, the first four being based almost exclusively on sexual characters, the last on the presence or absence of a

claw on the apex of the 4th joint of the palp of the maxilliped. Similarly, I would include Allorchestes under Hyale, and I cannot follow Mr. A. O. Walker in his generic distinction.^*

In my paper on the synonymy of the New Zealand Orchestidae (Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. 31, p. 197) I gave a brief diagnosis of the New Zealand species as I limited and defined them. I hoped to work out these in detail and illustrate my contention fully, but pressure of parliamentary and other work has quite prevented me from doing so. So two or three years ago I handed over all my collections, dissections, notes, and drawings to my friend Dr. Chilton, in the hope that he would be able to clear up the confusion; but he, too, has had abundance of other work, so the matter has to remain unsolved for the present. Meanwhile the present identifications refer only to the species as defined in the paper referred to, the classification employed there having been adopted in the “Index Faunae Novae-Zealandiae,” p. 257.^†

“Usually found under wet stones, seaweed, &c., between tide-marks, occasionally swimming in rock-pools. Does not appear to burrow in sand.” Common in and around Otago Harbour.

“Under stones, seaweed, &c., at or below high-water mark.” Common about the harbour, where I have found great colonies under pieces of whalebone.

“On sandy beaches, usually just above high-water mark.” This is a burrowing species, and is not very common.

“At or below high-water mark, under stones, kelp &c.; a powerful species, hopping vigorously.” Common along the beaches on the coast.

“On sandy beaches, above high-water mark, usually under masses of old seaweed, below which it digs its shallow burrows.” Very common.

“On sandy beaches and sandhills, usually at some distance from the sea.” Common along the coast.

“In rock-pools between tide-marks.” Common.

“Between tide-marks.” Not uncommon.

Found in Otago Harbour.

Quite common on the coast.

“On the coast of Otago”(Filhol).

Very common on the beaches, between tide-marks.

A common fish-parasite, especially on flounders and ling.

I notice in recent works that the tendency is to call this genus Livoneca. The correct spelling, I believe, is Lironeca. I think I am correct in saying that Leach, in naming this and several other genera of Isopoda, played on the letters of his wife's name, Caroline—e.g., Cirolana, Nerocila, Lironeca, No other spelling has any meaning.

A common parasite on various fishes.

Very common in the harbour and along the coast. Traps put down for Crustacea are frequently found to contain them in great numbers.

Recently baited traps have been put down in localities where large numbers of young lobsters have been liberated, in the hope that examples of these very shy Crustacea might be met with. In every case numerous specimens of a small kokopu (Tripterygion) and of this Isopod have been caught, but no lobsters

Not uncommon along the coast.

Common along the coast. I think that most of the forms which I formerly recorded as Sphaeroma obtusa Dana were only the females of this species.

Several specimens collected near Dunedin appear to belong to this species.

Very common along the coast.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Otago Harbour, between tide-marks.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otage Harbour.

Between tide-marks, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Between tide-marks, Otago Harbour.

Between tide-marks, Otago Harbour.

Very common in harbour and along the coast.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Otago Harbour and in rock-pools along the coast.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Common in shore-kelp and rock-pools near Dunedin.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Surface-net, Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.

Dredged in Otago Harbour.