ELECTRICAL GYMNOTE. 
143 
seems the latter are so agreeable to them, that 
when one is thrown into the trough where they are 
kept, the nearest gymnote opens his mouth, and 
sucks it in with great apparent pleasure. They ex- 
crete a slimy matter, which makes it necessary to 
change the water very often. When the trough is 
empty they lie motionless ; but never fail when 
touched, even in this state, to give a violent shock. 
