THE FAUNA OF fvIVERPOOl.. 



Genus GALEUS. 

 Galeus Vulgaris. The Common Tope. 

 Mostly caught in the same manner as the above. 



Genus ACANTHIAS. 

 AcANTHiAS Vulgaris. The Picked Dog-fisli. 

 Commonly taken upon cod lines. 



Gejius SQUATINA. 

 Squ.'VTIna Angelus. The Angel-fish. Monk-fish. 

 One thrown ashore after n storm. — BIr. Price. 



Family RAIIDiE. 

 Genus TORPEDO. 

 Torpedo Nobiliana. The New British Torpedo. 



A specimen, which is stuffed and now in the Royal Institution Museum, 

 was given to me in the summer of 1853, by one of the Hoylake fishermen. 



Genus RAIA. 

 Raia Batis. Tlte Skate. Blue Skate. 



This is the largest sized sjDecies, and the most esteemed for food about otu- 

 coast. Very common, especially in winter, at the back of West Hoyle, and 

 over the North Banks. Called locally " Blueit." 

 Raia Marginata. The Bordered Ray. 



LiveiiJool is named as a locality for this fish iu " Yarrell's British Fishes," A'ol. 

 2, p. 564. The fishermen who have seen the figure, say that they havo 

 noticed this specimen but very rai'ely. 

 Raia Miraletus. The Homelyn Ray. Spotted Ray. 



Not unfrequently brought in by tlie Ho3-lake nieU; taken about the entrance of 

 the Dee and at the north of Wirral. 

 Raia Clavata. The Thornback. 



Very common. Last year two immense specimens of Ray, the largest being 

 nearly eight feet long and almost as broad, were taken at Hoylake. The skin 

 was unifonnly roughened by vei-y small spines, ha^•ing stellated bases. From 

 an examination of a portion of the skin which was sent to Mr. Yarrell, that 

 gentleman formed the opinion that it might belong to a female of '• Clavata." 

 The fishermen, who constantly catch Maiden Ray of smaller size, are 

 .strongly of opinion as to their being distinct from any of their ordinan" 

 captures, and the outline of the fish certainly coiTesponded more with ono 

 of the sharp nosed species. The under surface was whitish, with numerous 

 mucous pores surrounded by dark spots. I should have been more particular 

 in noticing details, had the fisli been sent which was promised me. 

 Besides the species already named, the fishermen, when they have been shewn 

 separately Yarrell's figures, invariably have fixed upon "Oxyrynchus," which 

 they call " Bilner Ray," and " Spinosa," as having been taken, but very 

 rarely. 



Genus TRYGON. 

 Trygon Pastinaca. Sting Ray. Trygon. Fire-flaire. 



One caught near Hilbre, was given to me, \M\. Taken n few times, but rnie. 

 E 33 



