ELECTRIC FISH 



the uncommon sight of a fish which can swim in two 

 opposite directions at will, full steam ahead or full 

 steam astern, using this fin alone, without bending or 

 twisting its body, or turning round. 



When we look at it in this way, the electric eel, like 

 the torpedo, gives the impression of a calm, placid 

 animal which readily becomes lethargic and only occa- 

 sionally rouses itself. In its native waters it probably 

 stays motionless, its body buried in the mud. But the 

 situation alters when a fish that looks a likely prey comes 

 within reach, or when some large animal tramples the 



Fig. 31. — Electric Eel. May be six feet long. 



mud where it has taken shelter. Its inertia suddenly 

 ceases; it darts forth, swiftly and with agility; it dis- 

 charges its batteries and strikes down the intruder. 

 Not at all like the torpedo. 



Those I kept were fed once a week on little live roach 

 which were thrown into their tank. In the twinkling 

 of an eye, the appearance of the tank was utterly changed. 

 Previously it had been peaceful, with the electric eels 

 reposing tranquilly upon the bottom. Suddenly it 

 became the scene of an intense agitation. As the little 

 fish went down and were scattered in the water, the 

 eels, suddenly becoming active, dashed upon the offered 

 victims, struck them with a flash, and gobbled them 

 164 



