SPOTTED RAY, 



105 



rings, of a light yellow colour, with a dark margin; their 

 distribution having some degree of regularity on each side; but 

 in the Spotted Hay the marks consist of plain dark spots 

 regularly scattered; especially along the middle of the back and 

 tail. In the adult condition these marks have become broken 

 up in the Thornback, and irregular in the Spotted Ray; both 

 fishes having attained the adult condition when the tail has 

 become shortened at the end, and the third fin at its extremity 

 has disappeared. 



The name of Sharp-nosed Ray is scarcely more appropriate 

 than that of Mirror Ray; since although in that respect it does 

 a little exceed the Common Thornback, with which at first 

 perhaps the comparison was made; yet there are others of the 

 tribe which possess a much more protruded snout. 



Lacepede quotes from some unmentioned author the name of 

 Raia mucosa; and in confirmation of its meaning I learn that 

 its surface is so covered with slime, and remains in that con- 

 dition so long after the fish is dead, that for several days salt 

 cannot be efiectually applied to the skin, so as to preserve the 

 fish for future use; and incisions in the surface are therefore 

 made to secure that effect. 



The example selected measured three feet nine inches in 

 length, of which the tail was eighteen inches; the breadth 

 thirty-two inches. The snout short, and from thence a small 

 sweep and curve to the extremities of the pectoral fins. The 

 eye is six inches from the snout; spiracles large, and close 

 behind the eyes. Tail depressed; two rounded fins near its 

 end, the first a little overlapping the second. The teeth small, 

 numerous, and pointed. Surface of the body rough, the rough- 

 ness caused by fine spines, which have radiated bases; those 

 passing along the back rather the largest. No spines behind 

 the eyes; three rows, with a few others scattered about, on the 

 tail. Colour above dusky, thickly covered with round dark 

 spots of the size of a jjea; the under surface smooth, and a 

 pale white. 



I have seen, and closely examined, an example which ex- 

 actly resembled this species, but which was all over rough 

 below as well as above, and having here and there a more 

 elevated crooked spine, answering to each other on the opposite 

 sides of the body. There were spines also behind the eyes; 

 VOL. I. Q 



