538 



SQUALID.E. 



what triangular, and slightly falciform ; the upper portion 

 high above the line of the back, the lower scarcely below the 

 line of the body immediately in front of it. Lateral line 

 distinct, commencing above the branchial openings, and ex- 

 tending nearly without curve or undulation to the commence- 

 ment of the caudal fin, from thence it ascends the latter, and 

 extends along it, nearer to its anterior than posterior edge, 

 until it reaches its upper extremity ; at its origin this line is 

 nearer to the middle of the back than the base of the pectoral 

 fin ; to the touch it feels slightly rough, which arises from its 

 being beset with a number of minute prickles, which are 

 most distinctly seen in preserved specimens. The surface of 

 the skin both on the body and fins is more or less sprinkled 

 with strong bony-looking spines, with large circular and flat- 

 tened bases, which are striated from the centre towards the 

 circumference. These spines vary in size as well as form, 

 some being hooked, others quite straight ; in some places 

 they are disposed in clusters, in others they are solitary, and 

 on the extremity of the muzzle are nearly wanting. The 

 appendages to the ventral fins in the male seldom extend 

 much beyond their posterior margins. 



According to M. Risso, the females of this species have a 

 smaller number of these spines than the males. 



