BLACK-MOUTHED DOG-FISH. 



497 



the origin of the caudal fin. Colour, a light brown on the 

 head and along the back : on each side two rows of ocellated 

 spots ; one row beginning at the side of the neck, and con- 

 tinued along the side of the back ; the second row commen- 

 cing behind the eye and passing along the upper side of the 

 belly, becoming obsolete near the ventral fins ; these rows are 

 separated by numerous irregular spots, which, however, as- 

 sume somewhat of a straight direction ; the fins and hinder 

 part of the back are finely barred and clouded with various 

 tints of brown and yellow ; the mouth dark-coloured within. 



This species is well known in the Mediterranean. Mr. 

 Couch's specimen was that of a male, and the figure is taken 

 from a drawing lent for that purpose. 



The vignette represents two of the teeth ; the protecting 

 case of the young, which differs in form from that of the 

 Sharks belonging to the genus Scyllium^ as shown at page 

 488 ; and a portion of the skin of the upper part of the tail, 

 showing the arrangement of the large scales on the upper 

 edge, from whence it has obtained the name of Pristiurus, or 

 saw- tail. 



VOL. II. 



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