DOG-FISHES. 
5-9 
which year the capture of another specimen was reported from the Peruvian coast 
near Callao; finally, in the “ nineties ” it was discovered on the west coast of 
Ceylon, where two or three specimens were obtained. One of these was presented 
to the British Museum; and, having been mounted, is now exhibited in the Fish 
Gallery, where it forms one of the most striking objects, although only a young 
example, measuring 17 feet from the end of the snout to the extremity of the tail. 
It has been stated that this fish feeds on seaweeds, but it is more probable that 
its food is similar to that of the bask in o;-,shark. 
c5 
LESSER SPOTTED DOG-FISH AND ITS EGGS (J nat. size). 
The Dog-Fishes and their Allies, —Family Scyllitd^f. 
Agreeing with the preceding families in the absence of spines to the dorsal fin, 
the dog-fishes and their allies may be distinguished from the sharks hitherto 
noticed, in which the mouth is inferior in position, by the more backward situation 
of the first dorsal, which is placed above or behind the line of the pelvic fins. 
They have no nictitating membrane to the eye: and the teeth are small, with 
several series generally in use at the same time. In all there are distinct spiracles. 
vol. v .—34 
