430 COLONEL MONTAGU ON NEW AND RARE 



pectoral iins of the male, like others of the class,- 

 increase in number and size, in proportion to age. 

 This fish grows to a much larger size than the 

 Thornback, but not so large as the Skate. 



Itaia mkroocellaia. 



Ray with the upper part pale-brown, covered 

 with minute spines that roughen the skin : the 

 under part smooth, white : one row of small hook- 

 ed spines on the tail, continuing along the dorsal 

 ridge to the head : eyes remarkably small. 



Comparing this fish with Clavata, Maculata, 

 and other species of similar size, the comparative 

 smallness of the eyes at once points out a material 

 distinction -^. It is in shape like Maculata, but 

 rather more obtuse in front, and except a few 

 scattered pale spots and lines, on the margins of 

 the wings, its colour is plain brown : the teeth 

 are unlike those of Maculata, or either sex of 

 Clavata ; they are obtusely cuneiform, with a 

 broad edge, that feel^ rough to the finger as it is 

 withdrawn from the mouth ; in one jaw there are 



* The eyes of the specimen described, did not^exceed half an 

 inch in diameter from the opposite angles of the eye-lids ; 

 whereas the Raia maculata,' and most others of similar size, 

 have eyes nearly double that diameter. 



