Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 May 1915 — A Living Torpedo. [ARTICLE]

A Living Torpedo.

At this time, when we are hearing so much of the torpedo, it is perhaps interesting to know that there is a fish which bears this name. This is the torpedo, or electric ray, a dweller in southern seas, which grows to a large size, sometimes weighing 70? This peculiar fish has a nearly circular body, a short tail and a very small mouth. The back is brownish in color, and the underneath parts are white. The torpedo obtains its name from its power of, giving a violent shock, similar to an electric shock, to anything with which it comes in contact. Whenever an enemy ap proaches, the fish emits from its body a kind of electricity, which in-, capacitates the attacker immediately. In capturing its food the torpedo finds this power of use. Being very inactive, it cannot pursue the small fish which form its diet, so it lies in wait 'until they swim close by, and then throws out its powerful shock,' Which instantly renders them helpless. . If a person touches this strange fish he is attacked by cramp, which affects the stomach, producing a kind of convulsion. For this reason the torpedo is sometimes known as the “cramp-fish.”—Answers.