The description of the item in the catalogue reads as follows: "It has something of the form of an eel, covered with transverse bands of quadrangular, very thick scales: its head like that of the Sturgeon ends in a very elongated muzzle or snout, the jaw of which is embellished with teeth. It is four and a quarter feet long."
It is recorded that a Monsieur Gaillard paid six francs for the privilege of owning the lizard-headed fish.