278 



MIimOR HAY. 



Raja Miraletus. R, fusco-grisea mria, supra utrinque macula 

 magna ocellata, cauda triplici serie aculeorum. 



Grey-brown variegated Ray^ marked above on each side by a 

 large ocellate spot^ with a triple row of caudal spines. 



Raja Miraletus. R. dorso ventreque glabris, aculeis ad oculosy 

 ternoque eorum or dine in cauda. Lin, Syst. Nat, 



Raja oculata. Salv. Ray. Will. 



Described by Rondeletius : general appearance 

 similar to that of the Thornback and some others : 

 surface comparatively smooth, being chiefly fur- 

 nished with spines about the region of the eyes, 

 and with a triple row along the tail ; but the prin- 

 cipal distinctive character seems to consist in each 

 of the pectoral fms being marked about the middle, 

 or near the body, with a large, circular, eye-shaped 

 spot, consisting of a purplish or dusky circle, with 

 a whitish or yellowish centre * : the general colour 

 of the upper parts is a dull brownish grey. This 

 fish is an inhabitant of the Mediterranean. 



* These spots are said to differ occasionally in colour, being 

 sometimes purple with a blueish centre, and with the exterior 

 circle surrounded with yellow, and at other times blackish. 



