A DENIZEN OF THE DEEP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 293, 5 December 1908, Page 2

A DENIZEN OF THE DEEP.

HUGE SUNFINII CAUGHT AT MOTUIfOA.

Quite a lot of excitement was caused at the breakwater yesterday afternoon by the capture of a huge sunlish. It appears that the fish was first seen in the wake of the dredge, and it is supposed that if accompanied the rirodge on the return trip after depositing a ,cargo of sand. On leaving the dredge the fish disported itself between the wharf and lire breakwater. The officers of the s.s. larawa, after viewing the monster, decided to attempt a capture. A boat was quickly lowered, and armed with a hoatliook and otlier weapons the mate had the bout rowed to the scene of action. By this time the fish was swimming about in an aimless sort of fashion. After a stern fight, in which lioat-hooka, grappling irons, ropes.' ete., were greatly m evidence, the sunflsh was captured and "owed to tlie beech in front of the fishermen's camp. The fish is oblong in shape, with a huge head and a small tail; the mouth is small and round: the length about Bft.; depth, about sft. Tt's body is of great thickness, and it is considered that the fish weighs close on two tons. The skin is a dark brown on the back and runs to lighter colours underneath. Sunlish are not very rare in these waters, but the one caught yesterday is said to be exceptionally large.

A syndicate has purchased (lie monster, and purpose showing- it near the Taranaki Motel to-day. that is if it is .possible to transfer the fish the town.