400 



THE ANGLEE-NATUEALIST. 



THE SNIG, OR MEDIUM-NOSED EEL. 



{Snguilla mediorostris *.) 



Besides the characteristics in which this Eel is distin- 

 guished from the other two species, as stated at p. 377, 

 — including width of head, shape of vertebrae, habits, 

 colour, and locality, — it may be mentioned that it never 

 attains the same size as any of the other English Eels, to 

 which, however, it is considered as superior in flavour. In 

 weight it seldom exceeds half a pound. 



When fishing for Snigs, the fishermen reverse the posi- 

 tion of their eel-pots, having found by experience that 

 this species get into such pots as are set in the opposite 

 direction as regards the current to those in which the 

 common Eels are taken. The term " Snig " is used in some 

 counties to express any sort of small Eel. 



Principal Characteristics of the Snig. — Head intermediate in size 

 and shape between tlie Broad-nosed and Sliarp-nosed Eels ; slightly 

 depressed or flattened over the eyes ; openings for nostrils longer, and 

 mucus-pores about the lips larger and more conspicuous. Both jaws 

 rounded at the extremities ; the lower one the longest. Teeth larger 



* Anguilla, a little snake ; medius, medium-sized ; rostrum, a nose, Lat. 



