Volume 39, Plate XXIX / Ichthyology (Fish)

Angel-Fish, Monk-Fish, Shark-Ray

Squatina angelus

Of depressed form with a rounded head, eyes on the upper surface, and singularly expansive pectoral fins, the Angel-Fish takes its names from the wing-like fins and a fancied likeness of the head to a monk’s cowl. By no means rare, especially in southern parts and Ireland, and occasionally taken in the Firth of Forth as the Mongrel-skate, it sometimes reaches eight feet, swims close to the bottom feeding on small fishes, and has a skin long used for polishing.