260 



FISHES. 



FIG. 276. SMART-NOSED LEL. 



time they can remain in such a situation without perishing is surprising. In 

 early life, eels inhabit the sea, and in the spring the young eels ascend rivers 

 to dwell in fresh water, which, when fall grown, they abandon to deposit their 

 eggs in the sea. 



The Confer Eels differ very little from common eels, except that they are 

 cf larger size, and always live in the sea or salt water. 



FIG. 277. CONGER EEL. 



FIG. 278. MUR.SNA. 



The MuraBnee (Murtpna) are entirely destitute of pectoral fins, and their 

 branchiae open on each side by a small hole. The most celebrated species is 

 Mtirana Helena, which attains nearly three feet in length, and is marbled with 

 brown and yellow. It is widely spread through the Mediterranean, and was 

 very highly esteemed by the ancients. The Romans reared them in great 



