The fish bone that held my interest was the backbone a hardhead catfish (better known as "crab bait" around here!). As I filled the crab trap bait box, a small chunk of bone fell out on the pier. I knew just what it was so paid little attention to it at first. At second glance, though, I was "hooked". (hehe! Pun intended!) I picked up the piece and examined it because the whole thing had the appearance of lace. Small holes had eroded into the bone leaving a web-like design. Well, that was just downright pretty! (For some of us can see beauty even in dead things!) This was the backside of what folks normally look at when observing these particular fish bones. Legend has it that the "other side" of the catfish bone bears an image of Christ on the cross hence the name "Crucifix Fish". I have several of these sitting about the garden and pier. When folks from other parts visit, the bones are a point of interest and usually are toted back home with the visitors. Many have never heard of the legend nor have taken the time to examine a hardhead catfish backbone. The description below is from a small, printed card that Mom kept in her china cabinet.
"Of all the fishes in the sea, our Lord chose the lowly sailcat to remind us of his misery while on the cross. His body on the cross is outlined, the hilt of the sword that was plunged in His side is clear defined. Look on the back of the fish's bone where the Roman shield is shown. When you shake the cross, you will hear the dice being tossed for our Lord's blood stained dress."
The Crucifix Fish/Hardhead Catfish is one of the lowliest fish in the Bay. Folks around here do not eat them and will just as soon whack them in the head as release them. Personally, I find they are great crab bait but will only keep those that I know I will use. All others are released. The fish is then used as bait and the backbone saved and sun-bleached as a memento from the Bayou. This all goes back to waste not, want not. Every thing is used. Of course, there is always someone ready to jump on any moneymaking scheme. You can buy these same bones with a little printed card at any of the souvenir shops in town and pay some exorbitant price! Some say it is good luck to find (not buy) the backbone of the catfish. Others (like me) just find them very interesting.
Living on a Bayou, I see and hear a lot of things. There is always much talk of things of the water, the tide, the day's catch, and tackle shops. There are also legends. Legends that are passed down through the ages. Some are wonderful tales of huge Manta Rays that had "wing" spreads that spanned an old schooner and flounder jubilees where the flat fish would move close to the shores. Stories are told of how during these jubilees waders could spear more flounders than they could carry. Then there are the stories of cannons that were found in Biloxi Bay..some say they were from the Civil War..others say they were from much earlier..so it is with legends. I love to hear the older fishermen talk of these things in their "Old Biloxi" lingo that is somewhat of a Cajun/Creole mix. Their old Southern drawl adds much to their story-telling as does the extra embellishments that are added to the original tale. Many would sit spinning these yarns while patching their nets or shucking oysters. Almost every yard would have a gathering of fishermen eager to talk to any who would listen. How I wish that I had taken notes at these gabfests! What a wonderful collection of history..truth or fiction..this would have been! It is rare to see nets strung up to dry any more or the piles of oyster shells stacked along the back fence. What use to be the norm, now is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
