113 
CUCKOO EAY. 
Haia miraletus. 
Nobis, 
This ■well-marlvod species has been overlooked or mi.staken 
by many naturalists, in consequence of its having been char- 
acterized chiefly by a mark which, more obscurely is often 
shared by other kinds of Rays, to which it has given a dis- 
tinguishing name; and the mark itself having thus been found 
to lead to mistake, the conclusion has been rashly adopted 
that it is of no use as a distinction ; and that the flsh which 
most commonly and conspicuously is adorned by it, is furnished 
with no other character to constitute it a distinct species. It 
is on account of this that I shall describe the kind of Ray 
known to fishermen as the Cuckoo Ray, at greater length 
that I should otherwise do, and particularly in reference to 
the species called the Shagreen Ray, and another, named 
by Mr, Yarrell the Sandy Ray, with cither of which it may 
be confounded, and from the latter of which especially it is 
necessary to distinguish it. 
The length of an example of the ordinary size, selected 
for description, avas twenty inches, of which the tail measured 
twelve inches, and the breadth across the disk fifteen inches. 
The teeth very numerous, crowded, sharp, and hooked. The 
anterior outline of the disk weaved; the snout moderately 
projecting; eyes remarkably prominent. Surface of the disk 
covered with fine, thin, hooked prickles. The tail stout at 
its origin, tapering posteriorly, with two fins near its end. 
Spines on the snout, a row round each eye, and four short 
rows behind the spiracles; two rows begin high on the back 
and run along the middle of the tail, with a deprcsscil or 
channe'ed space between them: five rows in all run alon-^ 
O 
