CHAPTER X 



EELS AND CAT-FISHES 



BY \V. P. PVCRAFT, A.LS., F.Z 5. 



EELS, like flat-fishes, show plainly, in the shape of their bodies, a remarkably perfcc*. 

 adaptation to their environment. They are burrowing fishes, passing much of their time 

 buried in the mud, and leaving little more than the head exposed. In accordance with 

 this habit, the body is very long and r(^und, and lacks both the hinder paired fins, and scales. 

 When swimming, the body is propelled b\' rapid undulations, the movement being from side to 

 side, it may be remarked, instead of up and down, as in the "serpentine" movements of snakes. 

 Whether all the fishes commonly regarded as eels really belong to this family or not is 

 a moot-point. It is possible that the eel shape has been independently acquired by unrelated 

 forms as a result of adaptation to a similar mode of life. But as the group now stands it 

 embraces several distinct types, — the COMMON FresH-W.\TER Eels; numerous marine species, 

 such as Congers, Serpent-eels, Deep-sea Eels, and Painted Eels ; and the fresh-water 

 Electric Eels. 



The River-eels and Congers are perhaps the best known, and are also highl}' important 

 food-fishes. That they are fishes of comparatively slow growth seems to be shown by the 



Fhala hy tl'. Lnocarnkl] 



eels 



Tivo species are shoivn in this photovraph 

 248 



[A'.u. r. k 



