426 Fisties. 



THE MONK-FISH, OK ANGEL-FISH, 



(Squatina Angelus^) 



Is very voracious, and feeds upon all kinds of flat fish, 

 as soles, flounders, &c. It is often caught on the coasts of 

 Great Britain, and of such a size as to weigh sometimes 

 a hundred pounds. This fish seems to be of a middle 

 nature between the rays and sharks, and is called by Pliny 

 the Squatina ; a name which seems to bring this species 

 near that of the skate. Its head is large ; the mouth has 

 five rows of teeth, which are capable of being raised or 

 depressed at pleasure. The back is of a pale ash-colour ; 

 the belly white and smooth. The shores of Cornwall are 

 often frequented by this fish, but its flesh does not deserve 

 to be praised, being hard, and of a very indifferent 

 flavour. 



It is supposed to have acquired the name of Angel-fish, 

 from its extended pectoral fins bearing some similarity to 

 wings, certainly, as Mr. Yarrell has remarked, not for its 

 beauty ; and of monk-fish, from its rounded head, appear- 

 ing as if enveloped in a monk's hood. The skin is rather 

 rough, and is used for polishing, and other works in the 

 arts. Mr. Donovan says that the Turks of the present 

 day make shagreen of it. 



