48 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



These Eels produce an enormous number of eggs, the 

 product of one female of 32 inches in length being estimated 

 at 10,700,000. 



Incidentally, it may be here mentioned, that fishes which 

 descend fresh-waters to spawn in the sea are known as 

 "catadromous" species, while those which leave the ocean 

 to spawn up in the fresh-waters are called "anadromous." 



Eels pass through a larval existence known as the 

 Leptocephalus stage, in which they are transparent, thin and 

 ribbon-like. These organisms were familiar to the older 

 naturalists, but it was not suspected until comparatively re- 

 cently, that they were immature Eels, the latter being now 

 definitely established. 



In concluding this, I must beg that if any of my readers 

 should come across anything which they may consider of 

 interest in regard to our Eels or their occurrence or move- 

 ments, they will whenever possible acquaint me with the 

 facts. One fact, well established, however simple it may 

 be, is a link in the chain of knowledge, and we have much 

 to learn in regard to the habits and movements of our Fresh- 

 water Eels. 



The Conger -Eel is a somewhat larger species than 

 the preceding, and is more essentially marine in its habits. 



The Silver Eel is still larger than either of the pre- 

 ceding, as it reaches a length of at least 5 feet. It is really 

 a most beautiful-looking fish. Its body is not nearly so 

 round as that of either of the previously-mentioned species, 

 being more compressed. The jaws are armed with most 

 formidable teeth. 



In addition to its occurrence on our coast, this species 

 is found in the Red Sea and the Seas of India and Japan. 



The Serpent Eel is a long, thin, snake-like Eel, 

 oi a sandy colour, which is often to be found burrowing in 

 the sand of beaches along our coast. It attains a length of 

 from 2 to 3 feet. In this species the end of the tail is 

 somewhat truncated, and is naked; the dorsal and anal fins 

 finishing at a short distance from the point. 



The Green Eel is very common along the New 

 South Wales coast, but is not very often seen. This is due 

 to the fact that it lives in rocky situations, and can only be 



