SOME NEW SPECIES OF SCOTTISH FISHES. 145 



In his description, he observes, the snout is very much produced, narrow and 

 sharp ; the upper surface of the body shghtly roughened ; the second fin on the 

 tail about its own length irom the end, and the under surface of the body dirty 

 greyish-white. 



The specimens of the shagreen skate that I have examined possess charac- 

 ters differing widely from those above mentioned. The back is very much rough- 

 ened ; the under sm-face of the body is pure white ; the second fin on the tail is 

 not quarter its own length from the end ; and the snout is but moderately pro- 

 duced, not so long as is observed in the Raia Batis. If we compare a specimen 

 of the R. Batis with a specimen of R. chagrinea, both of three feet in length, we 

 shall find that the Batis, from the tip of the nose to the eye measures seven inches, 

 whereas, in the chagrinea, the distance between these points measures but five 

 inches. 



Raia radiata, Yarrell, vol. ii. — Starry Ray. 



Specific Character. — Spines on the middle ridge of the tail, conical, three 

 times as large as the lateral spines. 



This fish was first made known to naturalists by Mr Donovan, who received 

 a specimen from the north coast of Britain. It has since been found in Berwick 

 Bay, and in the Frith of Forth, but in no other locality has it yet been discovered. 

 This species inhabits deep water in rocky situations, and is taken with the hook 

 in the months of March, April, and May, after which time it is seldom met with 

 until the following spring. I have seen these fish occasionally common in the 

 Edinburgh market. They are well known to the fish- women, who consider them 

 equal to the maiden skate as food. 



This species may be distinguished from the rest of the rays, by having 

 three rows of spines on the tail, extending up as far as the transverse cartilage 

 of the back ; the spines forming the lateral rows being three times as small, and 

 four times as nmnerous, as those of the middle row. 



Trigon pastinaca, Yarrell, vol. ii. — Sting Ray. 



Specific Character. — Middle of the tail armed with a long serrated spine. 



This fish is more frequently taken on the southern coast than elsewhere. A 

 single specimen was taken in the Frith of Forth in 1835 : no other instance of its 

 capture on the coast of Scotland has hitherto been recorded. 



Ammoccetes branchialis, Yarrell, vol. ii. — Pride. 



Specific Character. — Mouth without teeth ; under lip transvei^se. 

 This fish is not uncommon in the river Teith, inhabiting muddy situations. 

 It is of a light grey colour, seldom exceeding five inches in length. 



VOL. XIV. PART I. T 



