72 
FISHES. 
The anterior appendages of the ventral fins are flattened and oblong ; they are furnished with two 
sharp short spines on their inner margin. 
The posterior appendages are short and robust as compared with those of the Chim. monstrosa. 
Each is supported on its proper pedicle, which is jointed at about one-eighth of its length from its 
origin : at about one-third of its length, it divides into two branches of equal length and thickness ; 
these are each supported by cartilage which extends on the external side for more than half their 
lengtli ; beyond this external cartilage they are covered by thick plaited folds of skin, thickly beset by 
prickles, directed towards the abdomen, and extending downwards between the branches, nearly to 
|Jhe point of their union. At this point they are moveable, being capable of separation from each 
other, though not to any great extent. The firm central cylinder of each of these divisions admits a 
bristle through a canal that presents its orifice at the extremity. 
The teeth in the upper jaw consist of a cutting edge, hollowed out in front, and apparently 
composed of about ten flattened teeth united at their sides: those of the lower jaw extend farther 
along the sides of the mouth, are elevated in front, then notched out, and afterwards rise into a sharp 
triangular elevation on each side. The greater part of the roof of the mouth is occupied by two large, 
very rough, bony processes. 
Some of the distinguishing marks between the Chim. Colliei and the Chim. monstrosa, will be 
readily seized by comparing the specific phrase given above for the former species, and the subjoined 
character of the latter, a character rendered necessary by its no longer remaining alone as the 
representative of the genus Chimara as limited by M. Cuvier. 
Chimasra MONSTROSA. L. 
Chim. pinna dorsali primli ad secundam approximate, secundi 1 oequali, tertih caudam superne apterygiam longitudine 
tequante ; anali ante pinnce dorsalis tertice initium incipiente . 
The approximation of the first to the second dorsal fin, with which it is nearly continuous at the 
base; the straight edge of the second dorsal fin, which is of the same height throughout; and the 
termination of the third dorsal fin at a distance equal to its whole length from the end of the tail, 
which is thus left naked on its upper surface for a considerable space ; all these marks strongly 
distinguish the Chim. monstrosa from the Chim. Colliei, in which the first dorsal fin is separated from 
the second by an interval equal to the breadth of the former; the upper edge of the second dorsal fin 
exhibits a deep and broad curve downwards ; and the third dorsal fin is continued nearly to the end of 
the tail. To these marks are added the commencement of the ana! fin in the Chim. monstrosa at a 
point anterior to that opposed to the origin of the third dorsal ; while in the Chim. Colliei it originates 
at a point posterior to that just indicated. The following comparative measurements of the specimen 
of Chim. Colliei brought home by Capt. Beechey, and of a specimen of Chim. monstrosa preserved in the 
British Museum, will further illustrate the differences existing between the species : — 
CHIM. MONSTROSA. CHIM. COLLIEI. 
Inches. 
Inches. 
Total length 25J 
To the base of the first dorsal fin 4J 
Length of its spine 3 
Length of the first dorsal 2J 
From the end of the first dorsal to the end of the second 11J 
Length of the third dorsal 3J 
From the end of the third dorsal to the tip of the tail. 3J 
Commencement of the anal fin in advance of the third dorsal 1 
Length of the pectoral fin 6 
ventral 3 j 
posterior appendages to the ventral fin 4 
anterior appendages 1 
Behind the third dorsal.. 
18 
3 
2 
8 
34 
Of 
Of 
4 
01 
2 
Of 
