BREEDING IMAGES OF THE EEL SCHMIDT 



297 



and the conclusions which they warrant in regard to the trans- 

 oceanic migrations of the larvae. First of all, I propose to deal with 

 their occurrence on the breeding-grounds in the western Atlantic. 



In the latter half of April, the average length is about 12 mm, ; 

 in May, June, and July, it is increased, but in each of these months 

 specimens less than 10 mm. are found. From this we may conclude 

 that the spawning season of the eel commences in late winter or 

 early spring and lasts to well on in summer. In autumn and early 



so ED 



60 50 40 30 20 



:i-.\5 



^ 







i //^ 



i*-» - .-:.— ^ ^r^^^'^.-V-K- I, ' '>1 5^ 



Fig. 5. — European Eel (AnguiUa vulgaris) and American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) 



Breeding areas and distribution of lai-viB sliown by curves (dotted for tbe American, 

 continuous for tbe European species). The heavily-drawn innermost curves embrace 

 the breeding areas of the two species. The curves show limits of occurrence ; i. e., 

 specimens les.s than 25 mm. in length have only been found inside the 25 mm. curve, etc. 



winter tiny larvae were not found, as mentioned when dealing with 

 the Margrethe's investigations in 1913. 



The Dana stations from June, 1920, within the breeding area 

 yielded large hauls, which gave us an extremely lucid picture of 

 the larvae of that year (the O group) which in June averaged about 

 25 mm. in length. By way of example we may take a haul of two 

 hours' duration at about 50 m. depth, station 871 (lat. 27° 15' N., 

 long. 61° 35' W.) on June 27, 1920. The contents of the net when 

 drawn on board presented a remarkable sight : Of the pelagic forms 

 it contained the great majority were larvae of our European eel. 



