G3 



some of the species the eye is protected, like that of birds, by a nicti- 

 lating membrane, or interior eyelid. 



Squatina angelus, Angel-fish, Angelo, Monk-fish — This curious 

 species is in many respects intermediate between the sharks and the 

 rays, while it differs from both in the terminal position of tlie mouth. 

 It is tolerably common in Tomales, San Francisco, and Monterey 

 Bays, and thence southward. It reaches a length of five feet and a 

 weight of seventy-five pounds, and ranges throughout the Pacific 

 •and Atlantic Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean. The monk- 

 fish has no anal fin, the pectorals are expanded horizontally, ray 

 fashion, and the dorsals are situated upon the tail portion of the body. 



Heterodontus fraricisi, Leopard Shark — This siiark is found at 

 least as far north as Monterey Bay, and is abundant at San Diego 

 and San Pedro Bays. It spawns in winter, and its egg-cases are 

 large, cylindrical, and a spirall}^ twisted fringe around them. It 

 reaches two and a half feet in length. 



This species extends along the coast of Mexico, but is apparently 

 distinct from the Australian species. The family to which it belongs 

 is remarkable for its broad rolls, formed by the oblique series of 

 large lateral teeth in the jaws. 



Notorliynchus maculatus — This shark has seven gill openings, has 

 been found at several points from Monterey northward to Puget 

 Sound. The teeth of the lower jaw are set with numerous cusps 

 upon their exterior edges. It attains a length of seven feet or more. 

 Professor Jordan has lately obtained ot a species of Hexanchus having 

 six gill openings on each side. This he has named H. corinus. These 

 species have one dorsal only ; and the eye is without a nictitating 

 membrane. 



Alopias vnlpes, Fox Shark, Thresher — This species does not appear 

 to be common upon this coast, but undoubtedly occurs. It is 

 reported by Ayres from Tomales Bay ; and a tail, which in this fish 

 is nearly equal in length to the rest of the body, and is thus enough 

 for identification, was found by Professor Jordan at Monterey. It is 

 occasionally taken in seines at Soqueh 



This species is found also in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. 

 The story that it attacks the whale appears to lack proof, as it is 

 difficult to understand how it could inflict much mischief on so 

 large an animal by striking it with its tail as is reported. It reaches 

 a length of thirteen feet. 



Catulus ventricosus, Ground Shark, Puffer Shark — This species does 

 not appear to occur north of Monterey Bay, but is tolerably abun- 

 dant at Santa Barbara in the winter, where it lives among the kelp, 

 and is often caught in the lobster-pots set to catch the craw-fish or 

 spiny lobster {PanuUrus intemiptus), which is sent from Santa Bar- 

 bara to San Francisco in great numbers. The pots are baited with 

 salted fish of which the puffer appears to be very fond. None are 

 seen in summer. This shark has acquired its vernacular name from 

 its habit of inflating its stomach with air, after the fashion of a globe 

 fish {Diodon. Tetrodon), when it is made prisoner. It reaches two 

 and a half feet in length and is of no value to man. In February the 

 eggs are ready for extrusion, and this may account for its presence 

 near shore. The egg cases are flat, oblong, and quadrangular, with 

 very long tentacles at the angles. 



Cetorhinus maxiTnus, the  Basking Shark — This is one of those 

 widely spread forms that inhabit both the Pacific and the Atlantic ; 



