THE DIODON. 



f.95 



looser than that above, floats, when it becomes distended with 

 air, with its back downwards. It can thus move about as 

 rapidly as in its usual position, by aid of its pectoral fins. 

 By the movement of its jaws it makes a curious noise, and 

 can give with its sharp teeth a severe bite. The skin is also 

 covered with small spikes, which, when thus inflated, become 

 erect and pointed. 



It thus, though at first sight looking as helpless as can be, 

 is well able to defend itself. 



The diodon has been known to be swallowed alive by a 



shark, in whose stomach it was found floating, probably sup- 

 ported by the air with which it had become inflated. It is 

 asserted that it also frequently eats its way, not only through 

 ihe coats of the shark's stomach, but through the sides of the 

 monster, which is thus killed. Probably the little diodon of 

 the Amazon has a similar means of revenging itself on the 

 voracious monsters to whom it falls a prey ; and though it 

 might not be able to liberate itself through the scaly back 

 of an alligator, it would inevitably kill the monster, or cause 



