82 GENUS MURiENA. 



larger than the posterior part, the size diminishing gra- 

 dually to the tail; colour a dark copper brown, which is 

 lighter on the sides and belly; the fins of the colour 

 of the body, though paler; Xht dorsal fin has its origin 

 nearer the pectoral ones than that of the preceding species. 

 Inhabits the harbour of Newport, Long Island. It is 

 generally taken with a gig, whilst swimming under the 

 bridges, and thoroughfares of the wharves. It is much 

 esteemed. This species is likewise named Snake Eel by 

 common observers. 



4. M. argentea. Upper jaw short, elevated, at the 

 point, above the centre of the eye; body short; pectoral 



fins very near the head; spiracles large, and as long as the 

 base of the pectoral fins; colour silvery-gray, with some- 

 times a dash of yellow ^ cheeks yellowish white; body very 

 much compressed. 



Inhabits Boston Bay. Its common name is Silver 

 Eel. It is an edible fish. 



5. M. macrocephala* Snout short; lower ^aw reflect- 

 ed; head very large and elevated; eyes large and promi- 

 nent; /?^6'f<?ra/ and anal fins reddish; dorsal and anal fi?js 

 terminated in a point; colour above olivaceous yellow; 

 from the angle of the mouth a golden band extends be- 

 yond the pectoral fin; the lower parts pure white. 



The common name of this species is Bull- head Eel. 

 It inhabits the waters of Saratoga, in the state of New- 

 york. I have seen, in the markets of Philadelphia, a 

 Muraena which very nearly resembles the above, so much 

 so that I am unwilling to consider it a distinct species. 

 The Bull-head Eel is a good table fish. 



Mr. Noel of Paris has informed me that a German 



