86 TBLEOSJET. PIIYSOSTOMT. 



Second group. MUBJENIDJE PLATYSCHIST^. 

 3. Genus ANGUILLA, G'uvier. 



Syn. Murcena (sp.), Artedi ; Terpolepis (pt.), McClelland ; Panmytiillu, 

 Bleeker. 



Gill-openings of moderate extent, situated near the base of the 

 pectoral fins. Upper jaw not projecting beyond the lower. 

 Teeth small and in bands. The dorsal fin commences at some distance 

 behind the nape ; pectorals present. Small scales present, which 

 are imbedded in the skin. 



Geographical Distribution. Fishes of this genus appear to be 

 distributed in fresh waters throughout the habitable globe, being 

 reputed to be only absent in the Arctic regions, and probably in 

 cold districts such as Turkestan. 



Numerous species have been recorded and more are almost 

 yearly being added to the present mass of synonyms. There 

 appear to be two distinct forms in India, but they are subject to 

 variation in the relative position of the origin of the dorsal fin to 

 the vent ; and likewise, but to a minor extent, in the character of 

 the bands of teeth and the position of the eye. The comparative 

 size of the bodies of these fish also varies with age and the existence 

 of suitable food in the localities they inhabit. 



Eels attain a large size in India, but not the immense length 

 (300 feet) attributed to those of the Ganges by Pliny. Being 

 seldom eaten except by the lower classes, there is but little demand 

 for them. " The natives have an easy way of taking them. They 

 leave small-mouthed earthen pots with a bit of sheepskin in each 

 over night, and draw them up in the morning, with their fish lying 

 coiled up most comfortably in them " (Thomas, ' Tank Angling in 

 India,' p. 100). In Java the eel, according to Bleeker, is considered 

 by the natives to be a serpent, and they say it attacks small goats 

 and even children. It migrates overland from one river to another 

 when desirous of change. 



Synopsis of Indian Species. 



Origin of dorsal fin situated about midway 



between the gill-opening and origin of 



anal fin 1. A. bengalensis. p. 80. 



Origin of dorsal fin situated above, rather in 



front of, or slightly behind the vent .... 2. A. bicolor, p. 87. 



95. (1.) Anguilla bengalensis. (Fig. 35.) 

 Muraena anguilla, Ham. Bvch. Fish. Gatu/ef;, p. 22. 

 Munena bengalensis, Gray fy Hardw. III. Ind. Zool. (from II. S.'s 



MSS.). 

 Anguilla bengalensis, Day, Fish. India, p. 659. pi. clxviii, fig. 1 (see 



synon.). 



Ahtr, Marathi ; T'eUangoo, Tamil ; Nya-mce-town/, Arracan ; <SV///,s r,nd 

 Cuchia, Ohittagong. 



