364 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



spiracles. Cheeks flat, with numerous mucous pores. Nostrils on the anterior edge, above the 

 jaws, and between the eyes ; aperture vertical, and covered by a broad membrane. Spiracles 

 behind the eyes, wide, transverse. Teeth lanceolate, rather gibbose in front, in 6- 7 distinct 

 series, having each 5 [?] teeth. Branchial apertures very near each other, in front of the pec- 

 torals. Tongue triangular, flat, not distinct, terminated by a small fleshy rounded appendage. 

 Pectorals subtriangular, and with a round notch at their inner base ; curved sharp points on 

 the upper surface of its outer margin. Abdominal fins lanceolate, straight, narrow. Dorsals 

 two, triangular, and situated on the base of the tail. Caudal fin emarginate ; lower lobe 

 longest, both pointed. 



Color. Bluish ash-grey above ; beneath white. Eyes yellowish green ; pupils black. A 

 red spot on the throat and abdomen, and a reddish blotch on the under side of the tail. Pec- 

 torals and ventrals bordered with irregular bands of the same color. 



Length three to four feet. 



This is a very rare species. On the coast of Europe, it has many popular names, such as 

 Monk or Monkey-fish, Kingston, Shark Ray, and Fiddle-fish. Lesueur describes from three 

 specimens, without, however, indicating the locality ; but it is conjectured that they were 

 derived from the southern coast. This is strengthened by the fact that one of them belonged 

 to Mr. Peale, who made extensive collections on the coast of Florida. I do not find it figured 

 among the drawings of my friend Dr. Holbrook. Of the occasional occurrence of this species 

 on the coast of New- York, I have no doubt, as intelligent fishermen have described it to me 

 under the name of Little Bull-head Shark, and readily recognized the figure. 



