314 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



GENUS CONGER. Cuvier. 



Lower jaw not projecting beyond the upper. The dorsal fin commences above the pectorals, 

 or a short distance behind them. Chiefly oceanic, and are farther distinguished from 

 Anguilla by the greater number of their vertebra. 



THE AMERICAN CONGER, 



Conger occidentalis. 

 plate liii. fig. 172. —(cabinet of the lyceum.) 

 Anguilla conger, The Conger Eel. MiTCHiLL, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 30O. 



Characteristics. Jaws with a single series of contiguous equal tcetli. The dorsal arising two 

 inches behind the base of the pectorals. Length three to five feet. 



Description. Head one-eighth nearly of the total length, pyramidal, flattened above. Lateral 

 line distinct, and with a series of whitish punctures through its whole ,length. Eyes large, 

 longitudinally ovate, and near the superior plane of the head. The posterior nostril placed in 

 an oval cavity immediately in front of the eye, opening by an oblong aperture immediately 

 under the superior margin ; beneath, mnncrous papillse occupying the remaining part of the 

 cavity ; the aperture itself is capable of being closed by a membrane with laciniated borders. 

 The anterior nostrils on each side of the tip of the snout, with a short truncated tube ; 

 between these are two mucous pores on the tip of the jaw, and behind these two others of 

 an oval shape. Seven others in a horizontal line on each side, above the base of the pecto- 

 rals. Lips large and fleshy. Tongue broad and smooth. Teeth small, cylindrical, equal, 

 closely applied to each other, and forming a single series in each jaw. A broad patch on the 

 front of each jaw, of small, slightly recurved and crowded teeth. Branchial aperture in 

 front of the pectoral, and rising up as high as two-thirds of its base ; its length 0'9. The 

 dorsal fin commences about two inches behind a point vertical to the base of the pectorals, 

 and is continuous with the caudal and anal, containing altogether about five hundred and fifty 

 rays. The tail ends in an acute tip. Pectorals oblong, with seventeen rays, the tips extend- 

 ing as far back as the origin of the dorsal. 



Color. Dark olive brown above ; chin, space behind the pectorals^ and all beneath soiled 

 white. Dorsal and anal of a deep black hue along their margins. 



Length, 45' 0; of the head, 6"0. 



We should have considered this as identical with the European Conger Eel ; but in the 

 only accurate description which we have been enabled to consult, the teeth are said to form a 

 broad band in each jaw, or according to others, in one or two rows on the sides. 



The Conger Eel may be considered as rare on our coast. I have seen few in the markets ; 

 the flesh has a pecuhar unsavory taste. It is apparently a vicious animal, snapping when 

 captured at every thing near it. 



