CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 



11 



which are strong and well developed as in the other skates. The rostral 

 ridges meet close to their tips. The upper surface is everywhere covered 

 with prickles, which are coarsest and most numerous on the middle of 

 the back and between the eyes. A band of larger spines follows the 

 front outline of the body. Two or three enlarged spines are around the 

 inner edge of the eye, or they may be absent in large specimens. A 

 row of enlarged spines follows down the middle line of the back and 

 tail, and may be present on each side of the tail. The region in front 

 of the mouth is rough on the under side of the body. The color is 

 slaty brown with some darker mottlings. Small dark spots make 

 irregular bars across the space between the eyes. A dark spot sur- 

 rounded by a broken ring of small spots occupies the base of the 

 pectorals. A short distance behind this is a small white spot. 



Little is known as to the distribution of this skate, as it has only 

 recently been recognized by science, though it seems to be known to 

 fishermen, who pronounce it the best table fish of all of the skates. It 

 does not reach a large size. The only specimens known have been 

 taken in deep water off Santa Cruz. 



4. THE STING RAYS* 



{Family Dasyatidw). 



The Round Sting Ray (Urclophus halleri). 



This is sometimes called the little sting ray. It may be known from 

 other members of its family by the tail being shorter than the rest of 



Fig. 13. The round sting ray Urolophiis ItaUcri. Adult male. 



the body, and the width of the body being less than the entire length. 

 The outline of the disk is circular, and the skin is smooth or without 

 spines. A narrow, long caudal fin is present, but no dorsal fin. The 

 color is dark brown or slatj^ brown above, and is usually with lighter 



* Should a person be so unfortunate as to be stung by one of the.se rays, he 'Will 

 appreciate the advice to hold the wounded part in hot water. This will usually take 

 the pain away immediately for as long as the treatment is continued, and the patient 

 will be very ready to continue it, even for several hours, to escape the almost unbear- 

 able pain. The wound should, of course, be disinfected. 



