24 WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO CATCH FISH 



Illustration. Pa?e. 



7. "RAJA ERINACEA." 29 68 



Skate- "Form rhomboid, with all the angles rounded; 



Common Skate ; spines largest on the anterior extensions of the pec- 

 Little Skate ; torals, where they are close set, strong, laterally 

 Tobacco Box. compressed, and hooked backward ; smaller ones 

 are scattered over the head above the spiracles, above and in front of 

 the eyes, and on the back, the median line of which is comparatively 

 smooth, without larger median series, except in the young ; a tri- 

 angular patch on the shoulder girdle ; inner posterior angles of the 

 pectorals nearly smooth ; in the males near the exterior angles of the 

 pectorals are two rows of large erectile hooks, pointing backward. 

 Females with groups of small scales on each side of the vent ; teeth 

 small, the middle ones sharp in the males ; all blunt in the females ; 

 jaws much curved ; each side of tail with dermal fold ; caudal fins 

 rough, not separate to the base. Color light brown, with small round 

 spots of dark brown ; no pectoral ocelli ; females larger than the 

 males. Length, 1 to 2 feet." Weight to 25 pounds. 



Usually caught while fishing for better fish. Non-edible. 



