366 CHIM.ERIDE. 



osseous plate, bent forwards, with a spinous disc at the ex- 

 tremity on the lower side. Lateral line connected with nu- 

 merous waved anastomosing grooves on the cheeks and face. 

 The first dorsal fin above the pectorals narrow^, with a strong 

 spine along the anterior edge. The second dorsal rises im- 

 mediately behind the first, is narrow, and is continued to the 

 caudal one, where it terminates suddenly. The pectorals are 

 large, and subtriangular. Ventrals rounded ; in front of each 

 a broad recurved osseous plate, with recurved spines on the 

 ventral edge. Claspers pedunculated, divided into three 

 linear segments ; the anteal one simple, the retral ones hav- 

 ing the opposite edges covered with numerous small reflected 

 spines. A small anal fin opposite the extremity of the se- 

 cond dorsal. Caudal fin above and beloAv, broadest near the 

 origin, gradually decreasing to a linear produced thread." 



The representation here given was taken from the figure in 

 Mr. Donovan''s work ; and being that of a female fish, does 

 not show the claspers described by Dr. Fleming as existing 

 in his specimen, which was a male. These sexual and other 

 peculiarities will be pointed out when describing other spe- 

 cies of Sharks ; which being of much more frequent occur- 

 rence, have aflTorded opportunities for more detailed observa- 

 tions. 



The appendage on the front of the head in this fish is pe- 

 culiar to the males only, and has given rise to the name of 

 King-fish, applied to it by the Norwegians ; who also call it 

 Gold and Silver Fish, in reference to its beautiful colours: 

 these are various shades of rich brown on a shining white 

 ground. The eyes are large and brilliant ; the pupils green, 

 the irides white. 



This fish was first made known by Gesner. 



