MTJR2ENID2E. 
159 
FAMILY MUR.ZENIDiE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. viii.) 
Char. Body naked, or with rudimentary scales. 
Ventral fins none, vertical fins united one with 
the other, without spines. 
GENUS ANGUILLA. 
Char. End of the tail surrounded by the fin, 
tongue free, nostrils superior or lateral, pectoral fins 
present. Skin with rudimentary scales. 
1. Anguilla bengalensis. 
Very similar to the common eel of Europe. It is 
found throughout India, generally in marshes, and is 
a very foul feeder. 
2. Anguilla bicolor. 
Hab. Lower provinces of Bengal and Madras. 
I am not acquainted with the distinctive peculiari- 
ties of these two species. 
GENUS OPHICHTHYS. 
Char. End of tail free, nostrils labial, tongue tied 
down, pectoral fins small, dorsal and anal fins very 
long. 
1. Ophichthys hyala. 
Hab. Rivers of Bengal both salt and fresh. 18 
inches. 
Upper parts dotted with minute green spots. A 
row of pale round spots along the lateral line. The 
natives have a superstition that this fish proceeds 
from the ear of the porpoise. 
