FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 381 



CYCLOSPONDYLI. Cyclospondylous Sharks. 



Suborder CYCLOSPONDYLI. 



Family SQUALID^E. Dog Fishes. 



18. Spined Dog Fish [Sqiialns acantliias Linnreus). 



The Spined Dog Fish, called Spinous Dog Fish by DeKay, was not described 

 in Mitchill's Catalogue of the Fishes of New York, although the fish was known to 

 him and was noticed by him soon after the publication of his Memoir. 



The fish has been brought from Gravesend Bay only in October. It is common 

 on the fishing banks off the New Jersey coast. Specimens were taken at 

 Southampton October 20, 1898. 



Mitchill stated that a greater part of those taken in December were females. 

 DeKay found in the stomachs of several remains of soft clam and fish scales. He 

 refers to a statement of Couch, that this shark bends itself into a bow for the 

 purpose of using its spines, and by a sudden motion causes them to spring asunder 

 in opposite directions, and so accurately that if a finger be placed on its head, it 

 it will strike it without piercing its own skin. 



The Spined Dog Fish reaches a length of about 3 feet. It is very abundant 

 along the shores of the North and Middle States, and occurs as far south as Cuba. 

 It feeds largely on herrings. Oil is extracted from its liver. In Scotland it is said 

 that the flesh is eaten by the poorer classes. This shark has also been utilized in 

 the manufacture of guano. According to Dr. Smith, when it first comes on the 

 coast of Cape Cod in May, it feeds largely on Ctenophores. 



Suborder TECTOSPONDYLL 

 Family SQUATINID^. Angel Sharks. 



19. Angel Fish ; Monk Fish {Squatina squatina Linnaeus). 



The Shark Ray or Monk Fish is called by DeKay the American Angel Fish. 

 DeKay did not see a New York specimen, and it seems not to have been described 

 by Mitchill, but DeKay states that he had no doubt of the occasional occurrence of 

 this shark on the coast of New York, as intelligent fishermen had described it to 

 him by the name of Little Bull Head Shark, and had recognized the figure of the 

 fish. 



This shark grows to the length of 4 feet. It inhabits warm seas. It is common 

 in the Mediterranean ; occurs occasionally on the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod 



