PISHES. 



157 



The Eel in shape is very like a snake. The scales are small 

 and embedded in the skin. It has no ventral fins, but it 

 possesses pectorals. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are 

 joined together, the dorsal one commencing some distance 

 behind the pectorals. The eyes are beautiful. The body is 



very slimy, and beneath 

 varies in colour from 

 silvery-white to golden. 



The Broad-nosed Eel 

 {Anguilla latirostris) 

 (Fig. 107) is almost as 

 common as his Sharp- 

 nosed relative. It is dis- 

 tinguished from the 

 latter by its broad head, 

 blunt nose, thick skin, 

 and its proportionately 

 thicker and slimier body. 

 The Snig Eel {Anguilla mediorostris) (Fig. 108) is said to 

 be common in Hampshire. Its nose is neither blunt nor 

 sharp. It does not grow so heavy as the common Eel, but 

 it is described as being very 

 delicious eating. Unlike its 

 relatives, it feeds during 

 the day. All Eels, however, 

 are occasionally day-feeders, 

 but the Snig Eel is espe- 

 cially so. The three dif- 

 ferent species of Eel should . . Fig. 108. Snig Eel 

 be treated alike in the 



Fig. 107. Broad-nosed Eel 

 (Anguilla latirostris). 



(Anguilla mediorostris). 



aquanum. 



The Lampem, or River Lamprey {Petromyzon fluviatilis) 

 (Fig. 109), is a curious little fish, though by no means 

 beautiful, and has much attraction for the aquai-ium-keeper, 

 for it has a very remarkable structure, it gives no trouble, 

 and is very graceful while in motion. The Lampem is found 

 in many of the rivers and streams of England, especially in 

 the Severn, Trent, and Thames. When the water is quite clear 



