426 Fishes. 
THE MONK-FISH, OK ANGEL-FISH, 
{Squatina Angelus,) 
Is very voracious, and feeds upon all kinds of flat fish, 
as soles, flounders, &c. It is often caught on the coasts of 
Great Britain, and of such a size as to weigh sometimes 
a hundred pounds. This fish seems to he of a middle 
nature between the rays and sharks, and is called by Pliny 
the Squatina ; a name which seems to bring this species 
near that of the skate. Its head is large ; the mouth has 
five rows of teeth, which are capable of being raised or 
depressed at pleasure. The back is of a pale ash-colour ; 
the belly white and smooth. The shores of Cornwall are 
often frequented by this fish, but its flesh does not deserve 
to be praised, being hard, and of a very indifferent 
flavour. 
It is supposed to have acquired the name of Angel-fish, 
from its extended pectoral fins bearing some similarity to 
wings, certainly, as Mr. Yarrell has remarked, not for its 
beauty ; and of monk-fish, from its rounded head, appear- 
ing as if enveloped in a monk's hood. The skin is rather 
rough, and is used for polishing, and other works in the 
arts. Mr. Donovan says that the Turks of the present 
day make shagreen of it. 
