Of the cartilaginous fishes, the torpedo and pastinaca have soft and
sweet flesh, which passes readily downwards, is easily digested, and
proves nutritive. The flairs (_raiæ_), skates (_leviraiæ_), monk fish
(_squatina_), and the like, are harder and difficult to digest, and more
nutritious. In general, those animals which have hard flesh are difficult
to digest, and contain much nourishment. When properly digested, they
furnish much and substantial nourishment.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. For an account of the σελάχη, or cartilaginea, see Aristotle
(H. A. v); Pliny (H. N. ix, 40); Oppian (Halieut, i); Ælian (N. A. xi,
37.)
Galen says that they are called σελάχη from σέλας ἔχειν, because their
flesh had a shining appearance at night. He states that they are
moderately nutritious. He remarks, that the parts about the tail of such
fishes are more fleshy than the middle.
According to Athenæus, the cartilaginous fishes in general are flatulent,
fleshy, of difficult digestion, and, if eaten in great quantity, blunt
the sight. (Deipnos. viii.)
Dr. Coray says that the French call the Ῥίνη ange or angelot, the Βάτος
raie bouclée or cavellade, the Λειόβατος raie miralet, the Νάρκη torpille
or raie torpille, and the Τρυγὼν pastinaque. Harduin gives them nearly
the same French names. We are inclined to refer the ῥίνη to the _squalus
squatina_ L. monk or angel-fish: the βατὶς and λειόβατὶς to the _raia
batis_ and _raia varia_, two species of skate; the νάρκη to the _raia
torpedo_ or cramp-fish; and the τρυγὼν to the _raia pastinaca_ L. or
fire-flair.