STRANGE FISH IDENTIFIED

Patea Mail, Volume LII, 4 March 1931, Page 4

STRANGE FISH IDENTIFIED

CAPTURE IAIT CAPE EG MONT. SAID TO BE RARE BRAMBLE SHARK. Identified as a Bramble shark (Echin odd mis Brucws), the large fish caught off Capo Egmont by New Plymouth lishermen on February 10 has been established as a member of a rare species. On only a few occasions has it been recorded in Now Zealand waters. The fish was caught by Messrs. Matthews and A, L, Allen from their launch, and was towed to Xgaiuotv Beach, where, unfortunately, its head was cut off and its body destroyed before its identity was discovered. The species has now been determined by Mr. O. Shepherd, curator of the 'Wanganui Museum, who was visiting Xew Plymouth at the time of the capture. He did not see the fish, but from the full description given him and from three teehhl obtained from the jaws in the possession of a member of the crew of the s.s. Cambridge, he ha: been able to establish the fish as a Bramble shark. The measurements indicated that L had reached the maximum size, lie said and it was a pity such a fine specimen h/ad been destroyed, for it would have been a most valuable addition to the exhibits of any museum in the Domi nion. He suggested that in future unknown fish taken by fishermen should not be destroyed until a reasonable opportunity has been given for their identification.