THE TORPEDO FISH

Patea Mail, Volume XLIX, 5 October 1927, Page 4

THE TORPEDO FISH

ELECTRIC SHOCKS IMPORTED. REMARKABLE AND RARE. -1 A specimen of the very remarkable ami rare Numb lish lias just been receiver! at the Queensland Museum. This lish was caught by Mr. Buckley, a Pine River fisherman, .and'is about loin long and Ufiin widde. It resembles a gigantic dark-brown slug, much flattened, but with a stumpy tail, and it is capable of giving a severe "shock to anyone who handles it carelessly. The Numb fish, or Cramp flsh, belongs to the family of electric rays, and is technically known as Hypnar'se (Kypnos) subniger. It is sometimes called the Australian torpedo. ‘The eyes are situated on - short stalks near the centre of the head, and the small mouth, which is ou the lower surface, is armed with two bauds of -numerous but tiny teeth. ' The fins tire very degenerate, and apparently the fish is sluggish in habit. The paired electric organs are situated in the head region, and are composed or special muscle Lores,-, abundantly supplied by nerves, forming “electric plates. ** These organs tore used by,the flsh to repel its enemies; anti also to stua its prey. , ’