MUR^NID.^. 159 



FAMILY MURJENID.E. (Giinth. Cat. vol. viii.) 



Char. Body naked, or with rudimentary scales. 

 Ventral fins none, vertical fins united one with 

 the other, without spines. 



GENUS ANGUILLA. 



Char. End of the tail surrounded by the fin, 

 tongue free, nostrils superior or lateral, pectoral fins 

 present. Skin with rudimentary scales. 



1. Anguilla bengalensis. 



Very similar to the common eel of Europe. It is 

 found throughout India, generally in marshes, and is 

 a very foul feeder. 



2. Anguilla bicolor. 



Hab. Lower provinces of Bengal and Madras. 

 I am not acquainted with the distinctive peculiari- 

 ties of these two species. 



GENUS OPHICHTHYS. 



Char. End of tail free, nostrils labial, tongue tied 

 down, pectoral fins small, dorsal and anal fins very 

 long. 



1. Ophichthys hyala. 



Hab. Eivers of Bengal both salt and fresh. 18 

 inches. 



Upper parts dotted with minute green spots. A 

 row of pale round spots along the lateral line. The 

 natives have a superstition that this fish proceeds 

 from the ear of the porpoise. 



