FISHES

Bonetta

(also spelt bonito, boneta)
Scientific name: Sarda australis

Small tuna-like fish - growing to a length of a metre in length. Prominent teeth and horizontal stripes covering their bodies. Common in tropical and subtropical regions, prefers coastal habitats, and feeds on flying-fish. Name derived from Arabic and/or Spanish and based upon similarity in appearance to Spanish mackerel.

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REFERENCES
The Australian National Dictionary: a Dictionary of Australianisms on Historical Principles. (Ed.) W.S. Ransome. Melbourne, Oxford University Press, 1988.

Encyclopedia of Australian Wildlife. (Ed.) Janet Healey. Sydney, Reader's Digest, 1997.

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