COLLECTION OF FISH. 4^9 



species of the genus ophicephahis , all from the 

 Indian seas. 



The seventh order of fishes forms only one 

 family, the eel-shaped, of which we have sixty- 

 five species divided into several sub-genera. 

 The body of these fishes is linear, like that of 

 the serpents ; they have no ventral fins, in con- 

 sequence of which they have been named 

 apodes, and the number of their other fins dif- 

 fer according to the genus. The eels have 

 them all, the ophisuri want those of the tail, 

 the muroenopliies are without the pectoral fins, 

 and the apterichti have no fin whatever. The 

 first genus is that of the eels : the common eel 

 (murcena anguilla) is found in the rivers in every 

 latitude ; the one which is attached to the ceil- 

 ing is 5 feet long. The Romans were particu- 

 larly fond of a species of muramophis {inarena 

 helena), and kept it in reservoirs appropriated 

 to the purpose. A specimen of this genus, 4 fee t 

 long, is attached to the ceiling. The gjmnoti are 

 distinguished from the eels by the want of the 

 dorsal fins ; they are fresh water fish, and inhabit 

 the warmer regions of Africa and America. We 

 have six species of them ; one of which, the elec- 

 trical gymnotus is much celebrated for its electric 

 powers, which are so great that it can give the 

 most violent shocks at pleasure, at a considerable 



