THE FISH OF DORSET. 15 



often taken with a hook. It derives its name from the back being 

 covered with dark spots. It lias no spines except along the centre 

 of the back and on the tail. Like the thornback it requires 

 keeping, otherwise it is apt to be tough. Couch I., p. 104, 

 Tl. XXIV. Day II., p. 345, PI. CLXXII. 



KAIA MICROCELLATA. 



PAINTED RAY. 



This is not a common fish. In shape it is like the thornback,, but 

 has only spines along the back and tail ; and is much lighter in 

 colour, with pretty cloudy markings of grey, white, and yellow along 

 the back and fins. I took one in a trawl at \Veymouth on Sep- 

 tember 16th, 1891. Couch I., p. 107, PI. XXV. Day II., p. 346, 

 PI. CLXXIlA. 



MYLIOBATIS AQUILA. 



EAGLE OR WHIP RAY. 



One taken by B. Wills in August, 1891, about lOlbs. Couch I, 

 p. 135, PI. XXXII. Day II., p. 352, PI. CLXXVI. 



TRYGON PASTINACA. 



STING RAY, FIRE FLARE. 



This fish is not very common and is seldom caught with the 

 hook, but mostly in trawls, and is not used as food. It is dis- 

 tinguished from the other rays by the sharp spine on its tail, with 

 which it can cause very nasty wounds, as the edges are serrated 

 with the points turned backwards, so that it is difficult to withdraw 

 when once it has penetrated the flesh. The fishermen usually 

 chop off the tail as soon as they can to prevent being struck by 

 the spine. One in August, 1895, B. Wills. Couch I., p. 130, 

 PI. XXXI. Day II., p. 350, PI. CLXXV. 



TORPEDO NOBILIANA. 



I TORPEDO OR NUMBFISH, ELECTRIC RAY. 



W. Thompson records one taken at Weymouth. One about 5 feet 

 long was taken in October, 1894, by J. Oats, off Poole. Couch I., 

 p. 119, PI. XXX. Day II, p. 331, PI. CLX1V. 



