RARE FISH FOUND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23150, 23 September 1938, Page 12

RARE FISH FOUND

PINE CONE SPECIES ONLY TWO KINDS KNOWN UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS The first of its kind ever found in New Zealand waters, a pine cone fish was discovered at the Opoutama Beach, about 40 miles south of Gisborne, by Mr. F. Faram, headmaster of the Opoutama School. About 4in. long, the fish resembled a schnapper in shape and was covered with hard, bony pentagonal plates. Two long, hard, glassy spines projected from below the head. The assistant-director of the Auckland Institute and Museum, Mr. A. W. B. Powell, stated yesterday that the fish might be related the Australian species monocentris gloriamaris, although it is possible that it is an entirely new species. He is at present awaiting a sample of the. Australian species, for which he has sent, in order to make a comparison. "There are only two kinds of this fish known," said Mr. Powell. "One of these is found in Japanese waters and tho other off the coast of New South Wales and Queensland. A notable feature is that on each side of the lower jaw they have prominent luminous organs, while another curious feature is that the dor.sal spines, of which there are six, are not in a straight line, but alternate, one inclining to the right and the next to the left, and so on. "The two lower spines referred to," he continued, "are capable of being locked together, no doubt as a protection against larger fish. When viewed from the front, while these spines are locked, the pine cone fish appears to be triangular."