The Echinoderm Fauna of South Africa. 251 



than some which Koehler has had from India. One of the smaller 

 African specimens shows six superomarginal spines and similar spines 

 occur in one of the larger specimens of the Indian Museum. It is 

 interesting to note that the proportion of R to r is practically the 

 same in the smallest and largest specimens, namely R = 4r, but 

 the arms are broadest in the smallest specimens, R = 2-7 br ; in the 

 large individuals, R = 3-5 br. 



In spite of a deficiency of material which is much to be regretted, 

 I think we may say then that granulatus is a small species of 

 Astropeclen with unarmed superomarginal plates, which ranges from 

 India to South Africa on the west and to Torres strait on the east. 



One of the specimens here referred to granulatus (18904) may 

 perhaps represent .a different species. The colour is a noticeably 

 deeper brown, there are usually two and often three infero-marginal 

 spines, and the spinules everywhere, but especially on the oral 

 surface, appear to be more or less sacculate. This individual is 

 obviously immature (R = 19 mm.) and comes from deeper water 

 than the others, so that the probability of its not being granulatus 

 is rather strong. 



P.F. 10975. Tongaat River, Natal, N. W. by N. / 4 N., 5 miles. 

 3(3 fins. Sand and rocks. 2 specimens, very young. 



P.F. 12516. OK Umhlanga River, Natal, 2 1 /, miles. 22-20 fms. 

 Fine sand. 9 specimens; adult? and young. 



P.F. 18904. Cape Agulhas, Cape Colony, N. W. 175 miles (36 40' 

 S., 21 26' E.). 200 fms. Green sand. 1 specimen, Young and dubious. 



LUIDIIDAE. 



It is not certain whether two or three species of this family are 

 found on the coast of South Africa, but it is likely that at least 

 three occur and not improbable that others will be found when the 

 marine fauna is better known. The species recorded from the region 

 may be distinguished from each other as follows; 



Key to the South African Species of Luidiidae. 



Rays 5; no enlarged central spinelet on paxillae . . Luidia africana. 



Rays 7 or more. 



No enlarged central spinelet on any paxillae; latter with quadrate tabulum 



Luidia maculate*. 



An enlarged central spinelet on many paxillae ; latter with a stellate crown 



Luidia savignyi. 



