ELECTRIC GYMNOTTJS OR EEL. 229 



Nothing can exceed the voracity of these fish, for they tear 

 animal bodies of large size in pieces, with nearly as much 

 fury as so many bull-dogs. And when caught by means 

 of a hook and line, they are so strong and powerful, and 

 twist and wriggle themselves about in so active a manner, 

 that, if they are of any size, it generally requires consi- 

 derable address to land and kill them. In nearly all 

 their habits they greatly resemble the common eel. They 

 have, however, never been known to wander out of the 

 water, nor do they ever venture far up the rivers. They 

 are caught in great abundance in Mount's Bay, Corn- 

 wall, as well as in the neighbourhood of the Western 

 islands of Scotland. Their flesh is white, but coarse and 

 disgusting. 



The chief difference betwixt the Conger and common 

 eel consists in the latter having its lower jaw shorter than 

 the upper one ; in the lateral line being whitish, with a 

 row of spots; the body being darker; and the edges of 

 the dorsal and anal fins being black. 



2. GYMNOTUS TRIBE. 



In their general appearance these fish have a great re- 

 semblance to the eel. There are nine species, of which 

 six are found in South America. 



Electric Gymnotus or Eel. The qualities possessed 

 by this fish are very extraordinary. For the purpose 

 of repelling the attacks of its foes, as well a's of stunning 

 and securing its prey, it is endowed with the power of 

 inflicting a sudden and painful shock, in sensation not 

 much unlike that experienced from an electrical machine. 

 Some small fish put by Dr. Williamson into a glass 

 vessel to an Electric Eel, were immediately stunned and 



