746 PISCES— WOLF FISH. 



partakes of the vermicular nature, and can contract or dilate itself at 



pleasure. 



The electrical shock in conveyed either through the hand, or any metallic 

 conductor which touches the fish ; and a stroke of one of the largest kind, 

 if properly applied, would prove instant death to even the human species. 

 This extraordinary power is given to this fish, not only for defence, but 

 subsistence. For whenever small fishes or worms are thrown into the water, 

 they are first struck dead by the electric power of the animal, and afterwards 

 swallowed by him. 



ORDER IX.— ACANTHOPTERYGII. 



These fishes have the first rays of the dorsal, ventral and anal fins sup- 

 ported by simple spinous rays. 



THE WOLF FISH.i 



This animal seems to be confined to the northern seas, and sometimes is 

 found near the coasts of Scotland. It grows to a very large size, being fre- 

 quently taken of the length of seven feet, and even more. It is a most 

 ravenous and fierce fish, and when taken, fastens upon every thing within 

 its reach. It is said even to bite so hard, that it will seize upon an anchor, 

 and leave the marks of its teeth on it. It feeds almost entirely on shell-fish, 

 the hardest of which it easily crushes with its jaws. It has so formidable 

 and disagreeable appearance, that it is only eaten by the fishermen, who, 

 however, prefer it to halibut. 



l Anarchicas lupus, Lin. This genus has the body long, smooth ; head thick and obtuse ; 

 anterior teeth long and conical ; the others, bony tubercles, with small enamelled teeth oil 

 their summits ; six rays in the bronchial membrane. 



