C056

The electric eel, a native fish of South America, defends itself from attacks of enemies by a natural electric battery. A discharge from this battery is powerful enough to stun even the largest animals. Where roads pass through ponds frequented by these peculiar fish, it has often been found necessary to change the line of the road for fear of them. These fish are used for food by the native Indians, but they are dangerous to catch because of their ability to shock the fishermen. In order to overcome this difficulty the Indians have devised a very ingenious method of disarming the fish. Horses are driven into the ponds and the eels expend their electrical charge on the horses. Then the fish are easily harpooned and caught. It is only after long rest and food that they are able to build up ability to shock their enemies again.