FISH AND FISHERIES. 101 



The organ by which this shock is given is thus described by Cuvier : — 

 " The space between the pectoral fins, the head, and the gills, is occupied 

 on each side by an extraordinary apparatus, formed of little membranous 

 tubes placed close to each other like a honeycomb, and subdivided hori- 

 zontally into minute cells, abundantly supplied with nerves. It is in 

 this apparatus that the electrical or galvanic power resides which has 

 rendered these fishes so famous, and from which their name is derived ; 

 with it they can inflict violent shocks, and they most probably use it to 

 deprive their prey of power." 



The Fiddler. 



The Fiddler, or Trigonorhina fasciata, othei'wise a harmless fish, is a 

 great pest to the fishermen at times in the hai'bours, readily and quietly 

 taking the bait intended for some other fish of a moi'e useful character. 

 Like all the shai-k tribe, they have a very powerful scent, and seize the 

 bait by overlying it, with a mouth which is well underneath. These 

 fishes, if not very cautious in their movements at this time, are struck 

 by the line, and the hook very often pierces some other place than the 

 mouth on the under part of the body. 



All the stingless Rays or Raiidte are useful as food, but they are never 

 eaten in this Colony. 



