434 



OBLONG DIODON. 



Diodon Atinga. Diodon oblongus, aculds teretibus. 

 Oblong Diodon, with round spines. 

 Diodon Hystrix. Lin. Syst» Nat, 

 Diodon Atinga. Block, t, 125, 



This, species is much allied to the preceding, but 

 differs in being of a mOre lengthened shape, and in 

 having the spines rather round than triangular : its 

 general colour is grey, deeper on the back, and 

 with a cast of pink on the lower parts : the whole 

 body is marked, as well as the fins, by numerous 

 round, black spots as in the former species : it 

 arrives at the length of twelve or fifteen inches, 

 and in its general manner of life resembles the 

 Porcupine Diodon. It is considered as a poison- 

 ous fish, unless very carefully cleaned, and, accord- 

 ing to Piso^ if the least quantity of the gall should 

 happen to mix with the flesh, it produces the most 

 violent symptoms; the tongue becomes immoveable, 

 the limbs stiffen, and a cold sweat ensues ; followed 

 by certain death, unless the poison be fortunately 

 expelled by immediate medical aid. The Oblong 

 Didon is a native of the Indian and American 

 seas. 



