A BROBDINGNAGIAN. SRE 
EELS. 
Common Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii). 
Prate VIII. 
This fish is found in all of the rivers and estuaries of the 
eastern watershed of New South Wales, and is the principal 
eel of the Sydney Fish Markets. Stray specimens of cels 
have been reported from high up in western waters in New 
South Wales, and during the year 1907 a photograph of one 
measuring 2 feet Io inches, captured at Wilcannia (low down 
on the River Darling), was forwarded to the Department of 
Fisheries, but these can only be looked upon as “‘ strays,” 
and nothing more, as no species of true eel is known to 
habitually dwell in those waters. 
The Common Eel not infrequently attains a length of 
over 3 feet, with a weight of at least 10 pounds; a weight of 
3 to 4 pounds is, however, considered a fair average. A 
gigantic specimen which was taken from a “‘ dam ”’ at Glades- 
ville, near Sydney, during December, 1907, and which is the 
example here illustrated, measured 4 feet 4 inches in length, 
and weighed 25 pounds. The girth of this Brobdingnagian 
Was 15 inches. 
No special fishery for the capture of this valuable fish, 
or its allies, at present exists; those that are brought to 
market being usually captured along with other fishes in 
hauling-nets—usually on muddy flats. As a food-fish it is 
prized, the flesh being of good flavor. 
The name Long-finned Eel is sometimes applied to this 
species, to distinguish it from another somewhat similar form 
known as the “ Short-finned Eel” (Anguilla australis). In 
the former, the dorsal fin extends very much farther forward 
than in the latter. It is questionable, however, in my opinion, 
as to whether the differences here denoted are more than 
varietal. 
In color the Common Eel is of a dark olive-brown, 
streaked and spotted with black, the lower surface being 
whitish. — 
