|
(Click for large pic. 41Kb)
Line fishermen off cays of the Great Barrier Reef often encounter this fish, a close relative of the Snappers and Breams; in fact. it is occasionally taken as far south as Moreton Bay.
This is a brilliantly, silvery fish with lilac reflections; the body bears irregular dark blotched areas that usually intensify immediately after capture, but become less distinct following death. The head is fawn brown with speckling of pale blue. All fins are yellowish with flecks or irregular edgings of dull red.
This Sea Bream commonly grows to 400 min (16 inches); it has 10 spines to the dorsal fin and 11 (rarely,9 or l0) rays: the anal fin has three spines and 10 or 11 rays. The distinguishing feature of the Collared Sea Bream is the pale broad band. or collar, across the nape of the neck. extending downwards to or past the level of the eye. In some areas and at some seasons the Collared Sea Bream have a strong “iodine” taint. caused presumably by feeding on affected invertebrates (especially molluscs); at such times even the slime they leave on the hands when being unhooked smells strongly of an iodine derivative: iodoform.
This is an excellent test for the edibility of the fish: run a hand along the sides and see if an "iodine" smell is left on the fingers. If there is not. that particular fish is well worth preparing for the table. for in flavour it is comparable with the Sweetlip.
|
)
