110 FISHES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



C. H. Eigenmann* are referable to this species. They were a Httle under 2 inches 

 in length, and one of them is represented in the accompanying cut. The lepto- 

 cephalus gradually changes into the eel shape, undergoing a reduction in size, 

 so that when the young eel assumes the normal form it may be only half as long 

 as when it was a leptocephalus. 



The young eels, 2 to 3 inches long, come inshore and ascend the streams in 

 spring; they are then frequently observed, as they have a dark color, swim at or 

 near the surface, and are often in incredible numbers, extendingfor miles in almost 

 unbroken lines along the edges of brooks and creeks. They remain in the fresh 

 waters until mature, and then descend to the sea. 



Eels feed on all kinds of animal matter, whether living or dead, and are gener- 

 ally recognized as destructive to other fish. They are very injurious to the shad 

 fishery in North Carolina, as in other waters. When shad are caught in gill nets, 

 the eels often destroy their market value by biting a hole in their abdomens and 

 eating the eggs. They also consume large quantities of eggs of shad and other 

 fish after deposition. 



While considerable quantities of eels are caught for market in North Caro- 

 lina, this species does not rank among the important commercial fishes of the 

 state. In the Beaufort region it is common, but apparently not in sufficient 

 abundance to support a special fishery. About 1897 a religious band, called the 

 "Arkites", went to Beaufort from Virginia in a houseboat or ark, taking with 

 them eel pots; they began to fish for eels, marketing their catch in Newbern, but 

 the business never met with much success. Eels are caught for market in New 

 River 50 miles from Beaufort, and at Newbern the eel fishery is growing; Oriental 

 is also an important shipping point. The fishermen use wire eel pots and also 

 pots made from kegs, which they say are more successful. The market is wholly 

 in the north, owing to the widespread and deep seated local prejudice against eels. 

 In Lake Mattamuskeet eels are abundant, but only sparingly utilized; at one time 

 a religious sect, known as the ''Sanctified", made a business of catching eels in 

 the lake and shipping them north. 



Eels have a very delicate, well-flavored flesh which is white when cooked, 

 and rank high as food fishes, although many people refuse to eat them on account 

 of their supposed snakish affinities. 



In 1902 the North Carolina fishermen sold 507,111 pounds of eels, receiving 

 $19,962 therefor. The catch in recent years has been much larger than formerly; 

 thus, in 1897, it amounted to 96,700 pounds worth $4,051, and in 1890 to 55,250 

 pounds worth $3,476. 



Family LEPTOCEPHALID^. The Conger Eels. 



INIarine eels, characterized by scaleless, elongate body; extremity of tail 

 surrounded by a fin as in the Anguillidse; tongue anteriorly unattached; posterior 



*The leptocephalus of the American eel and other American leptocephali. Bulletin U. S. Fish Commis- 

 sion 1901, pp. 81-92, 15 plates. 



