[Illustration: 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.