DOG-FISHES. 



5-9 



which year the capture of another specimen was reported from the Peruvian coast 

 near Callao ; finally, in the " nineties " it was discovered on the west coast of 

 Ceylon, where two or three specimens were obtained. One of these was presented 

 to the British Museum ; and, having been mounted, is now exhibited in the Fish 

 Gallery, where it forms one of the most striking objects, although only a young 

 example, measuring 17 feet from the end of the snout to the extremity of the tail. 

 It has been stated that this fish feeds on seaweeds, but it is more probable that 

 its food is similar to that of the basking-shark. 



LESSER SPOTTED DOG-FISH AND ITS EGGS (£ liat. size). 



The Dog-Fishes and their Allies, — Family Scylliid^. 



Agreeing with the preceding families in the absence of spines to the dorsal fin, 

 the dog-fishes and their allies may be distinguished from the sharks hitherto 

 noticed, in which the mouth is inferior in position, by the more backward situation 

 of the first dorsal, which is placed above or behind the line of the pelvic fins. 

 The} 7 have no nictitating membrane to the eye; and the teeth are small, with 

 several series generally in use at the same time. In all there are distinct spiracles. 



vol. v. — 34 



