THE FISHES OF NEW JERSEY. FI 
and angle forward. On each pectoral a patch of catspaw re- 
tractile prickles. Along edges of nasal flaps minute prickles for a 
short distance. Along each side of back a row of stiff short 
spines proceeding towards tail, smaller ones near them with 
rather irregular distribution. On tail more numerous distinct 
and strong, and distinguishable in 2 main rows with a smooth 
area between reaching to dorsals. Lower side of tail and whole 
belly quite smooth. Each clasper with a slight rough patch. 
Tail thick and stout, and 9 inches from base of ventrals. At its 
tip 2 faintly radiated fins jagged behind with several slits or 
notches, and posterior entire. Trace of a third fin near very end 
of tail in form of.a neat film. Pectorals rounded. Ventrals each 
with 3 little protuberances backward. Claspers about 5 inches 
long. Length 17 inches, width 9% inches. ( Mitchill. ) 
Mr. Wm. J. Fox obtained it at Sea Isle City, and it does not 
seem to have been noted otherwise since Mitchill’s original ac- 
count, when it was taken at Barnegat and on the fishing banks 
southeast of Sandy Hook. Mr. Fox reports that nearly 25 were, 
taken in late April of 1906. They varied but little in color. 
It may occur even about Cape May as the reports of certain small 
skates from there agree fairly well. 
Raja erinaceus Mitchill, Am. Journ. Sci. Arts, IX, 1825, p. 290, 
Pl. 6 (2 figs.).—Abbott, Geol. N. J., 1868, p. 829, from Mitchill. 
Raja ocellata (Mitchill). 
PLATE 3. 
Big Spotted Skate. 
This is distinguished from the preceding chiefly by its more 
numerous teeth, and usually a large white ocellus on each pectoral. 
This species is included on the authority of Prof. Ulric Dahl- 
gren who tells me of 2 examples taken in the traps during the 
fall of 1904 at Asbury Park. These are the only examples 
known from the New Jersey coast, and I am indebted to Prof. 
Dahlgren for their determination. The species reaches a very 
large size, nearly 3 feet. ; 
