480 



VERTEBRATA. 



Geuus (;ALEI('nTIIYS: Gah-lchlfn/s.-'m^ includes the Oceanic Cat-Fish, G. 7narinus, 

 one. to two feet Ion-, tbun.l on o,.r coasts; its ticsli is said to be excellent. 



TIIK LOIilCARIID^. 



This fan)ily in.-lu.les several South American species, which have the whole body covered 

 >s ith an arn.oV of bony plates. They are nearly allied to the Silurida;. 



THE AMBLYOPSIDyE. 

 This fainilv Includes a sincflc species, the Blind Fish, Amblyopsis spelceus, found in a small 

 lake or s'trealn in the £rreat Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. It is three and a half inches long, the 

 eye covered with opaque skin, or entirely wanting. ^ The anus is situated on the throat in front of 

 the pectoral fins. The young are brought forth alive. 





-^^^^^''^^^^^^-^ ^ 



THE COMMON EUROPEAN EEL. 



THE MUR^NID.E. 



Having described the abdominal species of the Physostomata, we now come to the apodal 

 species. The first family is the Murcenidce, which includes the common Eels. These have an 

 elongated form, and a soft, thick, slimy skin ; the scales are very minute, and imbedded in the 

 thick, fat cuticle so as only to be seen Avhen this is dried. The gill orifices arc small, and car- 

 ried far back, so that the branchias are protected, on which account these animals can live a con- 

 siderable time out of water. They are averse to cold, and are not found in high northern coun- 

 tries. Many species of eels constantly inhabit the sea; others generally live in rivers, lakes, 

 and ponds, and usually make two annual migrations, one in the autumn to the brackish waters 

 of the estuaries of rivers, and one in spring, when they return to the fresh waters. In winter 

 they lie concealed in the mud, but are often taken in this condition by spears. Tlie reproduction 



