Frequency: Occasional, sporadic; one fisherman claimed to have taken 9 in one day, but this exceeds the average; at times no specimens may be seen for months. Taken in nets or with line and bait.

Size.—Maximum total length 27 ins., average 24 ins.

2. Geotria australis Gray.

Lamprey. Korokoro.

Hutton, 1872b, p. 272, pl. xii, figs. 139 and 139a.

A 19-inch specimen was ejected from the stomach of a ling caught in 20 fathoms off Wickliffe Bay. Occasional specimens seen on the market among warehou; these infrequent specimens, taken in the seine net only when the mesh is clogged with weed and mud, contrast with the former abundance both inside and outside the harbour.

3. Notorhynchus pectorosus (Garman).

Seven-gilled shark.

McCoy, 1880, 1, p. 16, pl. xliii, fig. 2.

One specimen, total length 54 ins., hooked off Cape Saunders 27/7/33.

4. Galeorhinus australis Macleay.

Southern tope.

Phillipps, 1924a, p. 260, fig. 2.

Two 17½ ins. specimens were taken from the stomach of a porbeagle shark. A 72 ins. specimen, caught June, 1933, was seen on the market.

5. Mustelus antarcticus Guenther.

Smooth-hound (gummy, dogfish).

McCulloch, 1909, p. 315. pl. xc, fig. 3.

Localities: Everywhere, surface to 120 fathoms; occurring indifferently over any type of bottom, including sand, rock and mud and on the outside reefs.

Frequency: Very abundant, though much less plentiful than formerly; in the harbour and in the shallow trawling grounds and groper grounds. A marked decrease was noticed during the years 1930–31–32.

Size: Maximum total length 40 ins., average 34 ins.

6. Cephaloscyllium sabella (Broussonet).

Carpet shark (ground shark).

Waite, 1909a, p. 136, pl. xiv, fig. 1, and pl. xxi, fig. 1.

Localities: On rock, sand or shell bottoms, especially in the vicinity of reefs; favoured localities are Cape Saunders, The Kaik, North Reef, and especially Brinn's Point; exclusively benthic; hooked in 120 fathoms at North Reef.

Frequency: Common, though rare in the harbour or away from the reefs.

Size: Maximum total length 8 ft., average 3 ft.

7. Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre).

Thresher shark.

Phillipps, 1924a, p. 265, fig. 9.

Localities: 5–80 fathoms outside the harbour.

Frequency: One to three each year, others often seen.

Size: Maximum total length 18 ft., average 10 ft.

8. Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre.)

Porbeagle shark (moki shark).

Phillipps, 1924a, p. 267, fig. 2.

Localities: Fairly common outside the Otago Heads, chiefly at North Reef, South Reef and The Rock; 50–120 fathoms.

Size: Maximum total length 9 ft., average 3 ft. 6 ins.

9. Squalus fernandinus Molina.

Spined dogfish. Okeoke.

Waite, 1921, p. 23, fig. 30.

Localities: Common everywhere inside and outside the harbour, subject to migrations; surface to 135 fathoms (North Reef).

Frequency: Very abundant, decidedly more so than formerly.

Size: Maximum total length 38 ins.; males smaller, maximum 32 ins., average 24 ins.

10. Typhonarke aysoni (Hamilton).

Blind numbfish.

Waite, 1909a, p. 146, pl. xviii.

Localities: Off Otago Heads and The Brothers in 28 fathoms.

Frequency: Once considered rare, now common off The Brothers rocks when from 18 to 20 may be caught while trawling.

Size: Off Otago Heads, maximum total width 36 ins.; off The Brothers range from 9 ins. to 15 ins.

11. Raja nasuta Mueller and Henle.

Skate. Whai.

Waite, 1909a, p. 148, pls. xix and xxi, fig. 2.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour 1–100 fathoms, commonest N.E. Otago Heads and in Blueskin Bay, 10–19 fathoms, sandy bottoms.

Frequency: Abundant; 1931 present at times in such quantities as to prevent the trawl of the station launch being hauled aboard.

Size: Maximum total length 5 ft., average 3 ft.; males smaller than females.

12 Callorhynchus millii Bory.

Elephant-fish. Reperepe.

Waite, 1921, p. 35, fig. 49.

Localities: Chiefly outside the Heads in 20–30 fathoms, also in 5–15 fathoms Blueskin Bay; at times entering the harbour.

Frequency: Abundant, forming schools in the upper levels at least, sometimes taken singly in deep water. From November to March large hauls are made in Blueskin Bay in the comparatively shallow depths mentioned. Formerly plentiful in the harbour, latterly only occasional small runs have occurred and the fish have not stayed long.

Size: Maximum total length 42 ins., minimum 9 ins., average 28 ins.

13. Sardinia neopilcharda Steindacher.

Pilchard. Mohimohi.

Waite, 1921, p. 37, fig. 53.

Localities: Offshore and at times close inshore in immense surface shoals during summer and autumn, from Waikawa to Oamaru.

Frequency: The numbers of this prolific migratory fish, though showing a decided falling-off, can be described only in superlatives. Large shoals were observed during 1930–32 at Cape Saunders; 10 miles off Papanui Inlet; in mid-harbour in fair numbers; caught in seine net with garfish bunt in three localities in the harbour. Many stranded in 1932 but not utilised.

Size: Maximum total length 5 ins., average 3 ins.

14. Clupea antipodum (Hector).

Sprat. Kupae.

Arthur, 1882, p. 203. pl. xxxiv.

Localities: Similar to that of pilchards.

Frequency: Not as frequently seen as pilchards, nor in such numbers.

Size: Maximum total length 8½ ins.

15. Gonorynchus gonorynchus (Linnaeus).

Sand-fish (sand eel).

Waite, 1904, p. 146, pl, xvii, fig. 3.

Localities: Throughout the harbour, on outside beaches, at Taieri Mouth on sandy bottoms.

Frequency.—Often seen, but not abundant. Taken in seine nets, especially with a garfish bunt.

Size: Maximum total length 24 ins., average 17 ins.

16. Galaxias fasciatus Gray.

Kokopu.

Hutton, 1872a, p. 59, pl. x, fig. 94.

A large specimen 15 ins. long was caught at Waitati Bay and kept in seawater for several days. Common in creeks running into the harbour.

17. Galaxias attenuatus (Jenyns).

Minnow, whitebait. Hiwi, inanga.

Phillipps, 1924b, p. 119, with fig.

Localities: The only marine record is that of a number of specimens 3¼ ins. in length caught in a garfish bunt in the Otago Harbour in February, 1931.

18. Argentina elongata Hutton.

Silverside (snodgall).

Waite, 1911, p. 161, pl. xxiv.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour, mainly in tidal areas; taken on hook, more commonly in seine nets.

Frequency: Common, much less so than formerly.

Size: Maximum total length 18 ins., average 12 ins.

19.Retropinna retropinna(Richardson).

Smelt. Paraki.

Richardson, 1846, p. 121, pl. lii. figs. 1–3.

Localities and Frequency: Abundant in the harbour during summer and autumn; taken in garfish bunt of clogged seine nets in Winton's and Kinnard's Beaches and Cockle Bank. Enormous numbers are seen escaping through the meshes when a seine net is being hauled in.

20. Anguilla aucklandii Richardson.

Long-finned eel.Tuna.

Richardson, 1846, p. 113, pl. xlv, figs. 7–13.

The only specimen of this species was one taken off Kuri Bush (Taieri County), October, 1933, in 30 fathoms.

Size: Weight 10 lbs.

21. Anguilla australis Richardson.

Short-finned eel.

Waite, 1921, p. 48, fig. 72.

A 27-inch specimen was washed ashore during a gale in the harbour (30/6/30). Two specimens each weighing 10 lbs. were caught off Kuri Bush, October, 1933.

22. Leptocephalus conger (Linnaeus).

Conger eel. Koiro.

Hutton, 1872a, p. 66, pl. xl, fig. 105.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour, especially at Brinn's Point; a ground fish, taken in depths to 120 fathoms and in the harbour in clogged seine nets.

Frequency: Solitary, infrequent, maximum 2–3 per line per day.

Size: Maximum total length 80 ins., average 34 ins.

23. Muraenichthys breviceps Guenther.

Griffin, 1921, p. 351, pl. liv, fig. 1.

A specimen was washed ashore at Portobello, June, 1937; this is the first record south of Nelson.

Size: 18½ ins.

24. Centriscops humerosus (Richardson).

Bellows-fish.

Waite, 1911, p. 170, pl. xxvi.

Localities: Outside Otago Heads, 20–23 fathoms.

Frequency: Six specimens seen by the author.

Size: Maximum total length 5½ ins.

25. Syngnathus blainvillianus Eydoux and Gervais.

Short-snouted pipefish.

Waite, 1911, p. 174, pl. xxvii, fig. 2.

Localities: Among weed in rocky localities, chiefly in the harbour.

Frequency: Common in the harbour throughout the year; less common outside the harbour. Hundreds washed ashore after a gale (30/6/30).

Size: Maximum total length 5 ins., average 4 ins.

26. Syngnathus norae Waite.

Long-snouted pipefish.

Waite, 1911, p. 137, pl. xxvii, fig. 1.

Localities: Blueskin Bay; 7 miles off Otago Heads and in 80 fathoms.

Frequency: Occasionally seen; rather rare in the harbour.

Size: Maximum 16¼ ins., average 10 ins.

27. Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson.

Seahorse.

Waite, 1921, p. 60, fig. 92.

Localities: Everywhere among seaweed, surface to at least 23 fathoms. In the harbour, clinging to set nets or among weed.

Size: Maximum 8¾ ins., average 5 ins.

28. Hemirhamphus intermedius Cantor.

Garfish (piper).

Roughley, 1916, p. 27, pl. iv.

Localities: In and without the harbour, surface to at least 22 fathoms; on Zostera flats in the harbour.

Frequency: Very abundant. In fine weather from 400 to 1000 dozen may be taken in the harbour with a seine net provided with a garfish bunt.

Size: Maximum total length 26 ins., average 16 ins.

29. Coelorhynchus australis (Richardson).

Javelin-fish (rat-tail).

Waite, 1911, p. 177, pl. xxix, fig. 1.

Localities.—One specimen, from the stomach of a bass groper in 20 fathoms.

Size: 23 ins., exceeding by nearly two ins. the largest recorded by Waite.

30. Macrurorus novae-zelandiae (Hector).

Whip-tail. Hoki.

Waite, 1911, p. 180, pl. xxx, fig. 1.

Localities: Prior to 1933 known to author only from stomachs of groper and bass groper, except one specimen from the Nuggets; since then one specimen off Otago Heads (18/5/33) and three others, same locality (24/5/34).

Size: Maximum total length 50 ins., minimum 11 ins.

31. Merluccius gayi (Guichenot).

Hake (whiting).

Waite, 1911, p. 182, pl. xxx, fig. 2.

Localities: Chiefly in 20–30 fathoms offshore localities; best grounds 3–7 miles from Otago Heads. Occasionally in the harbour and Blueskin Bay and Taieri Mouth.

Frequency: Never plentiful inshore, numbers offshore somewhat problematical.

Size: Maximum total length 48 ins. Maximum secured by Waite (l.c., p. 183) was only 33 ins.

Vernacular: The name whiting, though more properly reserved for Gadus, is firmly rooted in Otago and Canterbury. Merluccius in England and America is called hake.

32. Physiculus bacchus (Bloch and Schneider).

Red cod. Hoka.

Waite, 1911, p. 183, pl. xxxi, fig. 1.

Localities: Everywhere, surface to 120 fathoms, occurring on sand, shell, pebbles, cockle banks, reefs, and even mud. Taken on the hook, in trawl, seine and set nets.

Frequency: Excessively abundant. Red cod are active, wandering fish living at almost any level—at the bottom or surface or any intermediate depth.

Size: Maximum total length 30 ins., average 22 ins.

33. Lotella rachinus (Forster).

Rock cod.

Phillipps, 1926, p. 532, pl. 89.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour at Brinn's Point, Nuggets, Taieri Mouth and intermediate locations; in the harbour, but never far away from weed.

Frequency: Only occasional specimens seen.

Size: Maximum total length at Cape Saunders 17 ins., in the harbour 10 ins.

34. Pseudophycis breviusculus Richardson.

Bastard red cod.

Hutton, 1872a, p. 47, pl. viii, fig. 76.

Status: The last census in which specific status is allowed for this fish is that by Hutton (1904, p. 47); it was united by Waite (1907, p. 18) with Physiculus bacchus Forster, this decision being followed by Phillipps, (1927, p. 23), but it now appears that reinstatement is necessary. The chief characters by which the two may be distinguished are as follows:—

[The section below cannot be correctly rendered as it contains complex formatting. See the image of the page for a more accurate rendering.]

Br. 7, D. 8/46, A. 50.

Maxillary not reaching hinder border of eye. Teeth villiform, equal in size forming bands in both jaws. Ventrals exceedingly narrow styliform base with anterior insertion at the throat. Colour brownish, vertical fins with dark edges. No spot on pectoral. P. breviusculus

[The section below cannot be correctly rendered as it contains complex formatting. See the image of the page for a more accurate rendering.]

Br. 7, D. 10/42, A. 40.

Maxillary reaching to or beyond the hinder border of the eye. Ventrals with a broader and flattened base; a dark blotch on base of pectoral P. bacchus

This verdict accords well with the description and figure of the former species by Hutton (1872a, p. 47, pl. 8, fig. 76), and of the latter by Waite (1911, p. 183, pl. 31, fig. 1), and may be further supported as follows:—The pectoral formula for P. breviusculus is P. 19, that for P. bacchus is P. 23.

Localities: Deep water, 30 fathoms at least, always amongst rock and weed, never in the harbour. Cape Saunders and Taieri Mouth.

Frequency: Sometimes not seen for months, solitary, not common.

Size: Maximum total length 25 ins.

35. Auchenoceros punctatus (Hutton).

Ahuru.

Guenther, 1869, p. 26, pl. iii, fig. C.

Localities: Within and without the harbour in shallow water. First record south of Timaru (Waite, 1911, p. 185).

Frequency: Abundant, but frequently difficult to define because of spasmodic records tending to suggest an increase in numbers during the period of observation.

Size: Maximum total length 5 ins., average 4 in., minimum 2 ins.

36. Trachichthodes affinis (Guenther).

Golden snapper.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 35, pl. xii, fig. 117a.

Localities: One specimen, North Reef, 100 fathoms; first record south of Cape Campbell (Phillipps, 1921, p. 121).

Size: Total length 15 ins.; weight 2 lbs.

37. Paratrachichthys trailii (Hutton).

Roughy.

Waite, 1921, p. 73, fig. 3.

Localities: A specimen stranded at Lower Portobello, June, 1931; another, trawled off Otago Heads on May 30, 1934, is the first specimen to have been taken alive in New Zealand waters.

Size: Total lengths 7 ins. and 6 ins. Colour bright crimson; after death orange.

38. Zeus faber Linnaeus.

John Dory.

Roughley, 1916, p. 168, pl. lviii.

Localities: 23 fathoms off Otago Heads.

Frequency: Maximum number in one year, 3 specimens.

Size: Maximum total length 22 ins.; weight 5½ lbs.

39. Cyttus australis Richardson.

Boarfish.

Waite, 1921, p. 75, fig. 114.

Localities: Two specimens trawled off Otago Heads, 1930 and 1932.

Size: Maximum total length 10 ins.

40. Cyttus novae-zealandiae (Arthur).

Silver Dory.

Waite, 1911, p. 190, pl. xxxii.

Localities: Outside the harbour, 17 to 23 fathoms.

Frequency.—Occasionally seen, six specimens caught from June to September, 1932, and 24 others received by the author in 1933. Now less rare than formerly.

Size: Maximum total length with snout extended 9 ins., normal length 7¾ ins.

41. Rhombocyttus traversi (Hutton).

Hutton, 1872b, p. 261, pl. ix.

Localities: The only specimen examined, now in Otago Museum, was caught at Purakanui, January, 1933.

Size: Total length 1¼ ins., depth 1¼ ins.

42. Trachipterus trachypterus (Gmelin).

Ribbon-fish.

McCoy, 1886, pl. cxxii.

Localities: One specimen trawled off Otago Heads in 23 fathoms.

Size: 20 ins.

43. Caulopsetta scapha (Forster).

Witch (megrim).

Waite, 1911, p. 200, pl. xxxiv.

Localities: Outside the heads in from 4–24 fathoms; no doubt also at greater depths.

Frequency: Nowhere plentiful, but commonest off Otago Heads in 16–24 fathoms, where 6–10 are taken in one trawl.

Size: Maximum total length 16½ ins.

44. Colistium nudipinnis Waite.

Turbot.

Waite, 1911, p. 209. pl. xxxix.

Localities: Taken by trawl along the coast north and south of Otago Heads; not seen inside the harbour.

Frequency: Abundant from June to December and on the market on an average of twice a week.

Size: Maximum total length 30 ins.

45. Colistium guntheri Hutton.

Brill.

Waite, 1911, p. 211, pl. xl.

Localities: Commonest off Wickliffe Bay in 17 fathoms.

Frequency: Less common than flounders, more so than turbot. A dozen a day is a good average, but occasionally a trawler will secure a case. Seen on the market almost every day of the year.

Size: Maximum total length 36 ins.; weight 15 lbs.

46. Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson).

Sand flounder.

Waite, 1911, p. 203. pl. xxxv.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour; extreme high water level to at least 63 fathoms, commonest in 19–23 fathoms; benthic, in sand or sandy mud and shelly bottoms.

Frequency: Much the commonest species of flounder, but less abundant than formerly.

47. Rhombosolea leporina Guenther.

Yellow flounder (yellowbelly).

Waite, 1911, p. 205, pl. xxxvii.

Localities: Chiefly in rivers or at their mouths, also less commonly in 3–10 fathoms off Wickliffe Bay, Purakanui, etc., and in 16 fathoms north-east of the Heads; also in the harbour.

Frequency: Common; in the harbour they may disappear for months and then reappear. It is not uncommon for five or six dozen to be taken in one haul at Taieri Mouth.

Size: Maximum total length 15 ins., average 11 ins.

48. Rhombosolea tapirina Guenther.

Green-back flounder.

Waite, 1911, p. 204, pl. xxxvi.

Localities: Outside and especially inside the harbour; favoured outside localities Kaikai Beach, near Hayward's Point, 2–5 fathoms, and north-east of Heads and off Wickliffe Bay in 19 fathoms.

Frequency: Common in the habour in the autumn and outside in August.

Size: Maximum total length 20 ins.

49. Rhombosolea retiaria Hutton.

River flounder (black flounder).

Waite, 1911, p. 207, pl. xxxviii.

Localities: Chiefly in rivers, also fairly common outside the harbour and occasionally within. Two or three may be seen daily over a considerable period amongst other flatfish caught from 7–22 fathoms off Otago Heads, then they may not appear for weeks.

50. Peltorhamphus novae-zelandiae Guenther.

Common sole.

Waite, 1911, p. 213, pl. xlii.

Localities: Almost exclusively outside the harbour.

Frequency: Abundant.

Size: Maximum total length 30 ins.

51. Pelotretus flavilatus Waite.

Lemon Sole.

Waite, 1911, p. 212, pl. xli.

Localities: As for the previous species, but rarer in the harbour.

Frequency: In the aggregate, lemon soles must be rated as very common.

Size: Maximum total length 22 ins.

52. Agonostomus forsteri (Cuv. and Val.).

Yellow-eyed mullet.

Waite, 1921, p. 83, fig. 126.

Localities: Everywhere in bays, rivers, creeks and lagoons inside and outside throughout the year; gregarious, forming extensive compact shoals; on bottoms of sand or gravel and around tidal flats.

Frequency: Abundant, the supply exceeding the demand.

Size: Maximum total length 20 ins., average 11 ins.

53. Seriolella punctata (Forster).

Silver-fish.

Waite, 1911, p. 231, pl. li.

Localities: Only four specimens seen, and these in 1932, in May, June, and July. Sent to Dunedin and Auckland Museums.

Size: Maximum total length 14 ins., minimum 11 ins.

54. Seriolella brama (Guenther).

Warehou.

Waite, 1911, p. 229. pl 1.

Vernacular: It is to be hoped that the misnomer “trevally” for sizes up to 14 ins. will continue to be replaced by the name warehou.

Localities: More numerous round Otago Heads than to the north or south; in large shoals, surface to 19 fathoms, commonest in bays and sandy beaches from 0–6 fathoms. The vagaries in the depths in which they are found depend on the food supplies.

Frequency: Abundant; the shoals are large and dense. Supply is more than sufficient for the demand.

Size: Maximum 16 ins., average 11 ins.; former maximum 24 ins.

55. Seriolella porosa Guichenot.

Silver warehou.

Hutton, 1876, p. 211.

Localities: North Reef in 150 fathoms (March, 1932). Hitherto unknown from Otago and unrepresented in the collections of the Otago and Auckland Museums, where the only specimens have been deposited.

Size: Maximum total length 26 ins.

56. Hyperoglyphe porosa (Richardson).

Bream.

Waite, 1921, p. 86, fig. 131.

Localities: North and South Reefs and The Rock, 30–150 fathoms, and one record from Taieri Mouth, 40 fathoms. Confined to rocky bottoms.

Frequency: Now common enough to fill 20 cases in one's day's fishing.

Size: Maximum 4½ ft.; weight 80 lbs.

57. Polyprion americanus (Bloch and Sehn.).

Bass groper.

Waite, 1913, p. 215, pls. v and vi.

Localities: North and South Reefs, not known from The Rock; 120–200 fathoms.

Frequency: Common, especially in July and August, November and December.

Size: Maximum total length 5 ft.; weight 100 lbs.

58. Polyprion oxygeneios (Bloch and Schn.).

Groper. Hapuka.

Waite, 1911, p. 215, pl. xliii.

Localities: Chiefly at North and South Reefs and at The Rock during the winter and spring; caught by trawlers during summer and autumn.

Frequency: The decline in recent years is a matter of major importance. Formerly abundant and caught anywhere outside the Otago Heads. The decline is serious and the cause undoubtedly the uncontrolled fishing in the spawning season.

Size: Average 10 lbs. weight; formerly 25 lbs. was the average.

59. Hypoplectrodes semicinctus (Cuv. and Val.).

Half-banded sea perch.

Hector, 1875, p. 240, pl. x, fig. 1.

Localities: Three specimens only from the North Reef in 100 fathoms.

Size: Maximum total length 16 ins.; two measured 12 ins.

60. Caesioperca lepidoptera (Forster).

Red perch.

Roughley, 1916, p. 75, pl. xxi.

A 12-inch specimen caught off Akaroa in 30 fathoms (29/11/33) considerably extends the southward range of the species.

61. Usacaranx lutescens (Richardson).

Trevally (school trevally).

Griffin, 1932, p. 129, pl. xxi.

Two 22-inch specimens caught off Cape Saunders by trawler in July, 1935, appear to provide the first reliable record from Otago.

62. Trachurus novae-zelandiae Richardson.

Horse mackerel.

McCoy, 1878, p. 25, pl. xviii.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour, surface to 20 fathoms.

Frequency: Common; more so formerly.

Size: Maximum 20 ins.

63. Regificola grandis (Castlenau).

Yellowtail (Otago), kingfish (Auckland).

Griffin, 1932, p. 133, pl. 24.

Localities: North Reef, 85 fathoms; not nowadays inside the harbour.

Frequency: Occasional specimens seen on the market.

Size: Maximum total length 51 ins.; weight 44 lbs.; former maximum 60 ins.

64. Arripis trutta (Forster).

Kahawai.

Roughley, 1916, p. 117, pl. xxxii.

Localities: Large surface shoals, usually inshore, entering the harbour in summer; also less abundant in deep water, e.g., The Rock (50 fathoms) and off Otago Heads on sandy bottoms.

Frequency: Abundant when present, the shoals are large, but less numerous than formerly. The reason for the decline is obscure, but decidedly not overfishing.

Size: Maximum total length 29 ins.; weight 9 lbs.

65. Brama raii (Bloch).

Ray's bream.

McCoy, 1887, p. 127, pl. cxxxiii.

Localities: One specimen North Reef, 130 fathoms (2/11/35). Not previously recorded south of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Size: 23 ins.; weight 4 lbs.

66. Pagrosomus auratus (Forster).

Snapper.

Roughley, 1916, p. 130, pl. xliii.

Localities: Blueskin Bay, North Reef, Tairoa Heads, Taieri Mouth, 6–22 fathoms.

Frequency: One or two per week are taken by trawlers throughout the year.

Size: Maximum total length 31 ins.; weight 16 lbs.

67. Pseudopentaceros richardsonii (Smith).

McCulloch and Phillipps, 1923, p. 18, pl. iv. fig. 1.

Localities.—One specimen from 5 fathoms, Otago Heads; not known previously south of Nelson.

Size: Maximum total length 16 ins.; weight 13½ lbs.

68. Haplodactlyus meandratus (Richardson).

Marble-fish (granite trout).

Haast, 1873, p. 272, pl. xvi.

Localities: Among weed-covered rocks; commonest at Brinn's Point, Purakanui, Moeraki, Hunter's Point, Shag Point, and many parts of the harbour, 4–20 fathoms.

Frequency: Not abundant; they have declined in recent years.

Size: Maximum 3 lbs.

69. Dactylopagrus macropterus (Forster).

Tarakihi.

Waite, 1911, p. 220, pl. xiv.

Localities: Everywhere outside the harbour, 5–100 fathoms; small ones inside the harbour. On all bottoms, preferably rough gravelly bottoms.

Frequency: Common, but less abundant than formerly.

Size: Maximum total length 28 ins.; weight 9 lbs.; former maximum 42 ins.

70. Chironemus spectabilis Hutton.

Red moki.

Hutton, 1873, p. 259, pl. vii.

One specimen caught off Otago Heads (24/8/33), length 10 ins. Rare south of Bay of Plenty.

71. Mendosoma lineatum Guiehenot.

Hutton, 1873, p. 260, pl. vii.

One specimen off Harrington Point (20/11/33); hitherto known only from Cook Strait and Milford Sound.

72. Latridopsis ciliaris (Forster).

Moki.

Richardson, 1846, p. 37, pl. xxxvi, figs. 6–7.

Localities: Mainly inshore near rocks and kelp, also frequently trawled in 10–30 fathoms, migrating into the harbour in October and leaving again on the approach of cold or dirty water.

Frequency: Less plentiful than formerly, but still taken with set nets. In 20 fathoms they form shoals and tend to keep moving, as shown by their abundance and absence in successive trawls.

Size: Maximum total length 42 ins.; weight 19 lbs.

73. Latris lineata (Forster).

Trumpeter.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 94, pl. xxix, fig. 249a.

Localities: On or near rocky bottoms, never on sand; 50–135 fathoms; inshore to 23 fathoms (Pudding Stone, Cape Saunders) in summer only. Main localities North and South Reefs, The Rock, Cape Saunders, Two Lights, Gull Rocks, at times Harrington Point and Brinn's Point.

Frequency: Not uncommon, especially towards the south, but much less abundant than formerly; not seen in the harbour now.

Size: Maximum total length 42 ins.; weight 60 lbs.

74. Latris forsteri Castlenau.

Bastard trumpeter.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 68, pl. xxix, fig. 250a.

One specimen off Otago Heads (27/6/35); first record for New Zealand. Length 26 ins.

75. Odax vittatus Richardson.

Kelp-fish. Tarao.

Arthur, 1884, p. 169, pl. xiv, fig. 7.

Four harbour specimens examined; maximum total length 9½ ins.

76. Coridodax pullus (Forster).

Greenbone (butterfish, kelp-fish, kelp-salmon).

Waite,—1911, p. 227, pl. xlix.

Localities: Outside the harbour, 1–25 fathoms, near weed or rocks; inside at irregular intervals during warm weather; otherwise not migratory.

Frequency: Decidedly less numerous than formerly, seen about once a week during October to March on the market.

Size: Maximum 24 ins; weight 6 lbs.

77. Pseudolabrus coccineus (Bloch and Schn.).

Scarlet parrot-fish.

Waite, 1911, p. 224, pl. xlci.

Localities: Frequently seen up and down the coast, especially from Taieri Mouth to Brinn's Point in the north. A bottom fish.

Size: Maximum 18 ins.; weight 5 lbs.; average 12 ins.

78. Pseudolabrus celidotus (Forster).

Spotty.

Waite, 1921, p. 129, fig. 195.

Localities: Everywhere there is shelter among rocks or weed; low water to 4 fathoms; also 4–23 fathoms off Otago Heads, 50 fathoms at The Rock, 80 fathoms at North and South Reefs. Exclusively benthie.

Frequency: Very common.

Size: Maximum 1¾ lbs.

79. Pseudolabrus cinctus (Hutton).

Girdled parrot-fish.

Waite, 1911, p. 266, pl. xlvii.

Localities: Occasionally specimens inside the harbour at Harrington Point, also at Brinn's Point, Cape Saunders, The Rock and Taieri Mouth, on rocky bottoms, 0–50 fathoms.

Frequency: Moderately common.

Size: Maximum total length 18 ins.; weight 4 lbs.

80. Pseudolabrus pittensis (Waite).

Banded parrot-fish.

Waite, 1911, p. 226.

Localities: North and South of Otago Heads, Moeraki to Cape Saunders; occasionally inside the harbour at Harrington Point. Depths 4–50 fathoms, on rocky bottoms among kelp.

Maximum total length 18 ins.; weight 8¼ lbs.

81. Leptoscopus macropygus (Richardson).

Stargazer.

Haast, 1872, p. 275, pl. xvi, fig. 3.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour, surface to 23 fathoms, never around rocks.

Frequency: No more than one in three months is to be seen. Taken in trawl and seine nets, rarely on the hook.

Size: Maximum total length 20 ins.; weight 3 lbs.

82. Crapatalus novae-zealandiae Guenther.

Hutton, 1873, p. 106, pl. xix, fig. 36c.

Localities: Up and down the coast and inside the harbour.

Frequency: Rare; taken about once a month in seine nets.

Size: Maximum total length 21 ins.; weight 1 lb.; average 10 ins.

83. Parapercis colias (Forster).

Blue cod. Rawaru.

Hutton, 1872, p. 25, pl. vi, fig. 38.

Localities: Up and down the coast from Brinn's Point to Shag Point in from 10–60 fathoms, in the vicinity of rocks and kelp; in the harbour in the summer months.

Frequency; Plentiful; less so than formerly, possibly through overfishing.

Size: Maximum total length 24 ins.; weight 12 lbs.; average 18 ins.; weight 6 lbs.

84. Katheostoma giganteum Haast.

Flathead (Chinaman).

Haast, 1873, p. 274, pl. xvi, fig. 2.

Localities: Throughout the harbour, occasionally in Blueskin Bay; present throughout the year.

Size: Usually not more than 12 ins. In March, 1932, a specimen was obtained; length 26 ins.; weight 10¼ lbs.; girth 23 ins.

85. Genyagnus monopterygius (Bloch and Schn.).

Catfish.

Richardson, 1846, p. 54, pl. xxxiii.

Localities: A specimen was washed ashore after a heavy gale (30/6/30); one caught off Otago Heads in 20 fathoms and two others in the harbour, February, 1933.

Size: Maximum total length 17 ins.; weight 2½ lbs.

86. Notothenia macrocephala Guenther.

Maori chief.

Haast, 1873, p. 276, pl. xvi and fig.

Localities: Outside the harbour, especially towards the south; rarely within. Usually among rocks, frequently lying on stones and sand; solitary, in 15–30 fathoms.

Frequency: Present throughout the year; one to six may be taken in one day while fishing for blue cod.

Size: Maximum weight 12 lbs.

87. Notothenia microlepidota Hutton.

Black cod.

Waite, 1909, p. 590, fig. 24.

Localities: Occasionally taken among blue cod at Cape Saunders.

Frequency: At times not seen for months and never for more than six.

Size: Maximum total length 21 ins.; weight 5½ lbs.; maximum quoted by Boulenger 16 ins.

88. Notothenia purpuriceps Richardson.

Richardson, 1846, p. 7, pl. 2, figs. 3–4.

Localities: Occasionally taken in the channel near the marine station, in 4 fathoms; one from Moeraki, 20 fathoms. Hitherto known only from Kerguelen Island. Specimens distributed to the Otago, Canterbury and Auckland Museums.

89. Bovichthys variegatus (Richardson).

Thornfish (horny).

Richardson, 1846, p. 56, pl. xxxiv, figs. 1–4.

Localities: Common at Harrington Point, not otherwise seen in the harbour; common outside, especially at Seal Point; in rock pools and runlets.

Size: Maximum total length 10 ins., average 5 ins.

90. Gasterochisma melampus Richardson.

Tunny (sporting tunny).

Waite, 1913, p. 220, pl. viii.

Localities: One specimen caught off Otago Heads (22/5/31). Several others from North Reef; all specimens “foul hooked.”

Size: Maximum 200 lbs.; others 30–40 lbs.

91. Auxis thazard Lacepede.

Frigate mackerel.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 78, pl. xxxiii, fig. 288a.

One specimen stranded at Otakou Beach, March, 1933; length 32½ ins.; weight 16 lbs. The length is more than twice the figure (15 ins.) mentioned by McCulloch. Not hitherto recorded from New Zealand.

92. Lepidopus caudatus (Euphrasen).

Frostfish.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 81, pl. xxxiv, fig. 299a.

Localities: One specimen washed ashore. Occasionally seen in the harbour and at the Kaik.

Size: Harbour specimen 3 ft. 6 ins.

93. Thyrsites atun (Euphrasen).

Barracouta. Manga.

McCulloch, 1934, p. 81, fig. 301a.

Localities: In large or small shoals with or usually without other fish, at times densely occupying many acres at the surface. Large shoals seen 12 miles off shore. Occasionally in the harbour.

Size: Maximum total length 44 ins.; weight 8 lbs.

94. Jordanidia solandri (Cuv. and Val.).

Southern kingfish (hake)

Waite, 1911, p. 236, pl. lii.

Localities: Outside the harbour, schooling at or a little above the bottom, 10–20 fathoms in summer, 20–120 fathoms in winter, but occasionally taken in three fathoms; on bottoms of rock, sand or shell. Best localities North Reef, 2½ to 3 miles off Otago Heads, off Tyrone and Cape Saunders, and between Hayward's Point and breakwater at Heads.

Frequency: Abundant at times; the numbers vary greatly from one season to another.

Size: Maximum total length 3 ft.; weight 10 lbs.; average 2 ft.; weight 6 lbs.

95. Hemerocoetes acanthorhynchus (Forster).

Opal-fish.

Richardson, 1846, p. 123, pl. liv, figs. 7–12.

Localities: In and without the harbour, 0–120 fathoms.

Frequency: Usually in shoals, occasionally seen singly; common in shallow water.

Size: Maximum total length 9¾ ins.; average 7 ins.

96. Hemerocoetes waitei Regan

Waite, p. 245.

Localities: Three specimens examined; two hooked at Port Chalmers, the other from the stomach of a snapper caught in Blueskin Bay.

Size: Maximum total length 11 ins.

97. Gobiomorphus gobioides (Cuv. and Val.).

Bulley.

Richardson, 1846, p. 4, pl. xi, figs. 5–6.

Three specimens were caught from a small tidal creek at Portobello.

98. Eleotris radiata Quoy and Gaimard.

Kurahina.

Hutton, 1873, p. 263, pl. 1, fig. 45a.

One specimen, rock pools south of the marine station.

Size: 45 mm.

99. Acanthoclinus quadridactylus (Bloch and Schn.)

Rockfish. Taumaka.

Oliver, 1923, p. 510, pl. xlii. fig. 6.

Localities: Everywhere inside and outside the harbour. Solitary or in small numbers; in rock pools and on broken reefs, often in crevices or under stones; at times on sand or mud, if isolated stones present, e.g., on cockle beds away from shore.

Size: Maximum total length 10½ ins., average 7 ins.

100. Tripterygion tripenne (Forster).

Threepenny.

Waite, 1913, p. 3, pl. 1.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour; usually 0–20 fathoms; evidently reaching deeper level also (found in stomachs of blue-cod).

Frequency: Common, but less so than the next species.

Size: Maximum 4 ins., average 3 ins.

101. Tripterygion varium (Forster).

Cockabully.

Waite, 1913, p. 7, pl. iii.

Localities: Everywhere, surface to 60 fathoms, on all bottoms.

Frequency: Abundant; the commonest of the local blennies.

Size: Maximum total length 6 ins., average 3½ ins.

102. Tripterygion segmentatum McCulloch and Phillipps.

McCulloch and Phillipps, 1923, p. 20, pl. iv, fig. 3.

One specimen, length 56 mm., under stones at Quarry Point, near the station (5/7/30); first record from Otago Harbour.

103. Helcogramma medium (Guenther).

Waite, 1913, p. 5, pl. xi.

Localities: Throughout Otago Harbour, especially on clean sand, in rock pools and down to 60 fathoms.

Frequency: Common, but less so than T. varium.

104. Notoclinus fenestratus (Forster).

Topnot.

Waite, 1913, p. 9, pl. iv.

One specimen off Otago Heads (7/9/33); length 9 ins. Even after some weeks in 4% formalin its bright colours remained unchanged.

105. Genypterus blacodes (Bloch and Schn.).

Ling.

McCoy, 1879, pl. xxvii, fig. 1.

Localities: Everywhere within and without Otago Harbour, shallow water to 150 fathoms.

Frequency: Taken throughout the year; they congregate in numbers on good feeding grounds, but can scarcely be called a shoal fish.

Size: Maximum total length 48 ins.; weight 30 lbs.

106. Helicolenus percoides (Richardson).

Sea perch, so called John Dory (scroddie, fivefinger, soldier-fish, Jock Stuart, Highlander).

Waite, 1921, p. 162, fig. 266.

Localities: One of the most widely distributed fish in Otago waters, occurring everywhere at all depths and inside the harbour.

Frequency: Abundant, numbers constant throughout the year.

107. Scorpaena cruenta Richardson.

Red rock cod.

Hutton, 1873. p. 261, pl. viii. fig. 15.

One specimen collected under a rock at Goat Island, Otago Harbour; length 3½ ins. First record from Otago Harbour. Specimen in Otago Museum. Another caught off Taieri Mouth (8/9/32).

108. Congiopodus leucopoecilus (Richardson).

Pigfish.

Waite, 1921, p. 171, fig. 279.

Localities: Throughout the harbour, outside the bar and Heads, all along the coast 10–20 fathoms; commonest in 0–3 fathoms, less frequent in 50 fathoms, and found in stomachs of groper caught in 100 fathoms.

Frequency: Abundant, sometimes forming shoals.

109. Neophyrnichthys latus Hutton.

Toadfish.

Arthur, 1884, p. 166, pl. xiv, figs. 5–5a.

Localities: Not uncommon in the harbour and outside to 23 fathoms.

110. Chelidenichthys kumu (Lesson and Garnot).

Red gurnard.

Roughley, 1916, p. 184, pl. lxiv.

Localities: Mainly outside the harbour, usually on the bottom to a depth of 23 fathoms, at the surface in shoals of red cod, definitely avoiding rocks.

Frequency: Present throughout the year. Commonest in summer.

Size: Maximum total length 22 ins.; weight 4 lbs.; average 16 ins.

111. Lepidotrigla brachyoptera Hutton.

Gurnard.

Hutton, 1872, pl. xv, fig. 41.

One specimen, 5½ ins., was taken while seine netting off Winton's Beach, Otago Harbour (16/2/32); first record for Otago Harbour.

112. Pterygotrigla picta (Guenther).

Spotted gurnard.

Waite, 1911, p. 252, pl. lv.

Locality: One 11½-inch specimen was taken by trawler off Purakanui (20/9/33). First record south of the Bay of Plenty.

113. Diplocrepis puniceus (Richardson).

Sucker-fish (sucker).

Richardson, 1846, p. 71, pl. xliii, figs. 1–7.

Localities and Frequency: Common under stones and surf-beaten rocks. The fish is, however, not rigorously confined to rocky intertidal stations, for on occasions when weed was abundant on a cockle bank specimens were taken in the seine.

Size: Maximum for females 5 ins., average 3 ins.; maximum for males 2½ ins.

114. Trachelochismus pinnulatus (Forster).

Lump-fish.

Guenther, 1861, p. 509.

Localities: Several specimens taken at Harrington Point and Seal Point below low tide mark.

Size: 3 ins.

115. Trachelochismus littoreus (Forster).

Cling-fish.

Hutton, 1872, p. 40.

Localities and Frequency: Rare; one taken in the seine net near the station at Tank Bay (unexpected locality and means of capture); one from stomach of red cod, Brinn's Point (11/11/31).

Size: 3¾ ins.

116. Cantherines scaber (Forster).

Leather-jacket (trigger-fish, file-fish).

Waite, 1911, p. 256, pl. lvi.

Localities: Inside and outside the harbour wherever trawling and seining is carried on; most abundant on the Otago bar; at times in shoals.

Size: Maximum total length 8 ins., average 7 ins.

117. Sphaerodes richei Freminville.

Globe-fish (stink-fish).

Hutton, 1872, p. 72.

Localities: Occasionally trawled outside the Heads.

Frequency: Not plentiful, but formerly abundant.

Size: Maximum total length 5½ ins., average 3½ ins.

118. Allomycterus jaculiferus (Cuvier).

Porcupine-fish.

McCulloch, 1921, p. 141, pl. xxxiii, fig. 2.

One specimen, stranded Lower Portobello (30/6/30); first record for Otago.

119. Mola mola Linnaeus.

Sun-fish.

Waite, 1913, p. 223, pl. ix.

One specimen examined at Lower Portobello; length 9 ft. 6 ins. width 10 ft. 6 ins. Several others seen in the harbour.

References.

Arthur, W., 1882. Notes on the New Zealand Sprat, Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. xv. pp. 203–208.

— 1884. Notes on New Zealand Fishes, Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. 17, pp. 160–172.

Griffin L. T., 1921. Description of four fishes new to New Zealand, Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. liii, pp. 351–357.