my11obatIdæ

pl. [Mod. Lat. myliobat ( is ) (q. v.); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. idœ.] 1. Ichthy.: Devil-fishes, Sea-devils, or Eagle-rays, a family of plagiostomous fishes, of the group Batoidei (Rays). The disc is very broad, owing to the great development of the pectoral fins, which, however, leave the sides of the head free, and reappear at the extremity of the snout as a pair of detached (cephalic) fins. Viviparous, producing large size, from tropical and temperate seas. The dentition consists of flat molars, like a mosaic pavement, in both jaws. Dr. Günther enumerates five genera: Myliobatis, Aetobatis, Rhinoptera, Dice rob at is, and Ceratoptera. 2. Palæont.: Remains have been found in Ter tiary formations, from the Eocene of Sheppey to the Norwich Crag.