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, otherwise a harmless fish, is a 
great pest to the fishermen at times in the harbours, readily and quietly 
taking the bait intended for some other fish of a more useful character. 
Like all the shark 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 Raiide are useful as food, but they are never 
eaten in this Colony. 
