JOSEPH A. CLUBB. 

 PARANTHEOPSIS CRUENTATA. 



Actinia, rruentata Conthouy in Dana., U.S. Exploring Expedition, Zoophytes* (1S4R), p. 138, PI. 3, 



Figs. 23 and 23A. 



t'l-ri'iix n-tifittritiis Milne Edwards, Hist. Nat. Corall. (1857), 1, p. 2G8. 

 Bit nodes cruentata Gosse, Actinologia Britannica (1860), p. 194. Verrill, Trans. Connect. Acad. (186!)), 



1, p. 467. Andres, Fauna und Flora des Golfes von Neapel (1884), p. 215. 

 Comlylactis cruentata McMurrich, Scientific Results of Explorations U.S. Fish Commission Steamer 



'Albatross' (1893) p. 15<). Carlgren, Zoantharien, Hamb. Maghal. Samrael. (1898), p. lo, Figs. 13 



and 14. 

 Parantheopsis cruentata McMurrich, Zoolog. Jabrb. Suppl. VI. (1905), p. 233. 



I have adopted the course taken by McMurrich (10, p. 233), and place this species, 

 previously known as Condylactis cruentata, under this genus. 



Six specimens were taken by the ' Discovery ' at Port Harris, Falkland Islands, 

 along with a number of specimens of Bunodes octoradiatus. In my description of the 

 latter species (p. 7) I refer to the extreme similarity in external appearance of these 

 two species. 



The largest specimen measures 2 5 cm. in height of column and 1 5 cm. in 

 diameter. Proximally the body-wall is longitudinally grooved, corresponding to the 

 insertion of the mesenteries ; distally the corrugations are replaced by distinct rows of 

 verrucaj. The papillfe or pseudoacroragi terminating the rows have no trace of 

 nematocysts, and are simply outgrowths of the body-wall, being essentially identical in 

 structure (PI. 1, Fig. 3) with it. They vary considerably in size in different individuals, 

 evidently depending on their state of contraction. In the specimen from which the section 

 figured (PI. 1, Fig. 1) is taken the pseudoacroragi are much inflated. Considerable 

 variation exists in the number of tentacles. The largest specimen has 48 tentacles 

 (6 + G + 12 + 24), the smallest has only 26, and an intermediate size 32. This 

 certainly suggests that the adult condition is hexamerous, and that any octamerous 

 condition is simply a stage in development and transitory, as Carlgren supposes. No 

 sphincter muscle is developed, there being no indication in transverse sections through 

 the parapet and adjoining body-wall of any modifications more than the ordinary 

 muscle bands found generally (PI 1, Fig. 1). The. circular muscles of the body-wall 

 are moderately developed, and the mesogloeal layer is relatively thick (PI. 1, Fig. 1). 

 The longitudinal muscles of the tentacles and oral disc are ectodermal, and the 

 longitudinal and parieto-basilar muscles of the mesenteries are well marked. 



FAMILY PARACTID.E, E. Hertwig, 1882. 



ACTINIARIA with a mesodermal .sphincter muscle ; no acontia ; mesenteries arranged 

 in several cycles, of which usually more than one is perfect ; longitudinal muscles of 

 the mesenteries usually diffuse ; column wall usually smooth, sometimes with sub- 

 marginal plication and solid ridges : no acroragi. 



* Dana (Amer. J. Sci. (2| i. (1S46|. p. 178| cites his Zoophyte work as of this year ; the copy in the Zool. 1'ept. 

 ol the Museum bears date 1848. ED. 



