All the curious Fish of this family—which forms the second group of the Cartilaginous Fishes—are broad, and swim flat on the water, and they are distinguished by the spines or prickles which the different species have on various parts of their body, or on the tail.
It is by these spines that the different members of this family are distinguished from each other. The Skate has the middle of the back rough, and a single row of spines on the tail. The Sharp-nosed Ray has ten spines that are situated towards the middle of the back. The Rough Ray has its spines spread over the whole back. The Fire-flare has but one spine but that is a terrible one. This dangerous weapon is placed on the tail, about four inches from the body, and is about five inches long. It is of flinty hardness; the sides are thin, sharp-pointed, and closely and sharply bearded the whole way.
The White Ray, the Lump-fish and the Torpedo or Cramp-fish are the most important of this family, and these curious specimens are worthy of special description.
THE WHITE RAY.
WHITE RAY.
The mouth of this Fish is placed in the lower part of the head, and far from the extremity of the nose; it is furnished with many rows of hooked and pointed teeth. The eyes, which are on the upper part of the head are half projecting and are protected by an elastic skin which covers the head. Immediately behind the eyes are two blow-holes which are connected with the interior of the mouth. The Fish is able to open and close these holes at pleasure, by means of a membrane which acts as a sort of valve. Through these holes it ejects the surplus water that is not required for respiration. In its general color this Fish is ashy grey on its upper surface; and white, with rows of black spots below.
Its tail is long, flexible and slender and is used as a rudder, and as a weapon. When lying in wait for its prey at the bottom of the sea, and it has no desire to change its position, a rapid and sudden stroke of this formidable weapon, armed with hooked bones on its upper surface, arrests its victim by wounding or killing it, without disturbing the mud or sea-weed by which the Fish is covered. This species often grows to be quite large, and their flesh is firm and nourishing, but the larger specimens seldom approach inhabited shores.
THE LUMP-FISH.
