SPOTTED RAY. 
105 
rin^s, of a yellow colouv, witli a clurk margin; tlicir 
distribution having some degree of regularity on each side; but 
in the Spotted llay the marks consist of plain dark spots 
rcgularlv scattered; especiallv^ along the middle of the hack and 
tail. In the adult condition these marks hav'e become broken 
up in the Thornback, and irregular in the Spotted Kay; both 
fishes having attained the adult condition when the tail has 
become shortened at the end, and the third fin at its extieinity 
has disapiicared. 
The name of Sharp-nosed llay is scarcely more appropriate 
than that of Mirror Ray; since although in that respect it does 
a little exceed the Common Thornback, with which at first 
perhaps the comparison was made; yet there are otheis of the 
tribe which possess a much more protruded snout. 
Laoepede quotes from some nnmentioned author the name of 
Itaia mucosa; and in confirmation of its meaning I learn that 
its surface is so covered with slime, and remains in that con- 
dition so long after the fish is dead, that for several days salt 
cannot be effectually applied to the skin, so as to preserve the 
fish for future use; and incisions in the surface aie theiefoie 
made to secure that effect. 
The example selected measured three feet nine inches in- 
length, of which the tail was eighteen inches; the breadth 
thirty-two inches. The snout short, and from thence a small 
sweep and curve to the extremities of the pectoral fins. The 
eve is six inches from the snout; spiracles large, and close 
behind the eyes. Tail depressed; two rounded fins near its 
end, the first a little overlapping the second. The teeth small, 
numerous, and pointed. Surface of the body rough, the rough- 
ness caused by fine spines, which have radiated bases; those 
passing along the back rather the largest. No spines behind 
the eyes; three rows, with a few others scattered about, on the 
tail. Colour above dusky, thickly covered with round dark 
spots of the size of a pea; the under surface smooth, and a 
pale white. 
I have seen, and closely examined, an example which ex- 
actly resembled this species, but which was all ovei rough 
below as well as above, and having here and there a more 
elevated crcuked spine, answering to each other on the opposite 
sides of the body. There were spines also behind the eyes; 
vuu i. y 
