x 
* 
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. 
Tuese fishes have the first rays of the dorsal, ventral and anal fins supe 
ported by simple spinous rays. 
THE WOLF FISH.! 

Ts 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 py tne fishermen, who, 
however, prefer it to halibut. 

1Anarchicaz lupus, Lin. This genus has the body long, smooth; head thick and obtuse ; 
anterior teeth long and conice:; the others, bony tubercles, with small enamelled teeth on 
their summits ; six rays in .he bronchial membrane. 
