118 



FISH GALLERY. 



parts, so that the body becomes nearly cylindrical. In the later 

 stages the length also diminishes. Pigment is developed in the 

 skin, and the eyes become slightly reduced during the meta- 

 morphosis. 



During the later stages of the metamorphosis the little fish 

 become very active, and they swim in enormous numbers in an 



A. 



0. 



D. 

 Fig. 58. — Metamorphosis of the Common Eel, Anguilla vulgaris. 



A. The larva, known as Leptocephalus brevirostris. 



B. Later stage, the metamorphosis commencing. 



C. Transition stage ; Glass Elver. 



D. Elver, from fresh water, the metamorphosis complete. 



All of the figures are of the natural size. 



easterly direction, arriving at the mouths of the western rivers of 

 Ireland, England and France in the spring. While in the sea 

 they are still colourless, and are known as " Glass Elvers," but as 

 they get into fresh water they develop pigment in the skin, and 

 then are " Elvers " (see fig. 58 C and D) . 



