46 



ELECTRICAL GYMNOTE. 



out somewhat on each side, from the depression of 

 the lateral lines; but towards the lower or under 

 part, is again contracted, or sharpened into the 

 third part or carina. This carina or keel is very 

 distinguishable from the other two divisions, by its 

 thinness, its apparent laxness, and by the reticulated 

 skin of a more grey or light colour, with which it is 

 covered. When the animal swims gently in pretty 

 deep water, the rhomboidal reticulations of the skin 

 of this carina are very discernible ; but when the 

 water is shallow, or the depth of the carina is con- 

 tracted, these reticulations appear like many irre- 

 gular longitudinal plica?. The carina begins about 

 six or seven inches below the base of the head, and 

 gradually widening or deepening as it goes along, 

 reaches down to the tail, where it is thinnest. It 

 seems to be of a strong muscular nature. .Where 

 it first takes its rise from the body of the fish, it 

 seems to be about one inch, or one inch and a 

 half thick, and is gradually sharpened to a thin 

 edge, where the fourth and last part is situated ; 

 viz. a long, deep, soft, wavy fin, which takes its 

 rise about three or four inches at most below the 

 head, and runs down along the sharp edge of the 

 carina to the extremity of the tail. When it first 

 rises it is not deep, but gradually deepens or widens 

 as it approaches the tail. It is of a very pliable 

 soft consistence, and seems rather longer than the 

 body. The situation of the vent in this fish is very 

 singular, being placed underneath, and being about 

 an inch more forward than the pectoral fins, and 

 consequently considerably nearer the rostrum. 



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