FISHES FEOAI NATAL, ZULITLAND, AND TAPE COLOXY. 249 



distance from anterior angle to posterior end of base of 

 pectoral ^ the extreme length of the fin. Ventral not 

 reaching the vertical from origin of first dorsal. Width 

 of tail (at the base) abont I of its length. Base of first 

 dorsal a little more than V its height, which is a little more 

 than its distance from the second; second dorsal a little 

 shorter, but scarcely lower than the first ; interspace between 

 the dorsals a little less than the distance from second dorsal 

 to caudal, much less than the distance from base of tail to 

 origin of first dorsal. Posterior edge of caudal fin notched, 

 the upper lobe vertically truncate above, the edge becoming 

 oblique before its junction with the lower lobe, which is 

 obliquely truncate. Upper surface with small pointed 

 denticles, each with 3 keels ; no median series of enlarged 

 denticles ; small imbricated denticles at outer edges of paired 

 fins, extending on to their lower surface and, on the pectoral, 

 forming an inferior marginal strip about j as Avide as the fin ; 

 denticles on lower surface of tail not extending forward to its 

 base ; lower surface of head and abdomen naked. Brownish, 

 with numerous pale spots covered with brown reticulations. 



A single specimen {<^), 800mm. in total length, from 

 Durban Bay, Natal. 



This species is nearest to Sq. californica Ayres-, Avhich 

 differs in markings and in having the greater part of the 

 abdomen and of the lower surface of the paired fins covered 

 Avith denticles in the adult. From the Japanese Sq. nebulosa 

 Regan it differs especially in coloration, in having the folds at 

 the sides of the head not produced into lobes and in the form 

 and dimensions of the fins. 



The species of Squatina niay be arranged thus : 



I. A mid-dorsal series of enlarged denticles pi-esent in the 

 adult. 



(a) Distance between the s])iracles greater than the inter- 

 ocular widtli. 1. j aip o lii c n Blrt'k. 



(b) Distance between the spiracles not greater than the 

 interocular width. 



