NEEDLE-NOSED RAY. 277 



with a row of smaller or weaker spines than those 

 on the upper part : the eyes are large, as is also 

 the mouth. This species^ like the Skate, often 

 arrives at a very considerable size, though it is, in 

 general, of smaller dimensions than either that fish 

 or the Thornback. It is a native of the Mediter- 

 ranean and Northern seas. 



NEEDLE-NOSED RAY. 



Raja Acus. JR. rostro acutissimo, maculis quatmr dorsalibm 

 nigris. 



Ray with very sharp snout, and four black dorsal spots. 

 Raja Acus. Cepede. 



Size not mentioned : head ovate : snout ex- 

 tremely sharp : teeth obtuse : on the back four 

 black spots placed in such a manner as to form a 

 portion of a circle : a single row of spines down the 

 tail, on the upper part of which is placed the dorsal 

 fin : no caudal fin : native of the European seas. 



