Cradactis Variabilis: An Apparently New Tortugan Actinian. 53 



The reproductive season seems to be in the spring and early summer. 

 Early development takes place within the enteron of the parent, ciliated 

 embryos being found rather commonly in the capacious cavities of the 

 fronds, as well as in the gastric spaces among the mesenteries. Free 

 swimming planulse finally emerge and after a period of freedom settle 

 down by attaching themselves after the usual method of planulte. The 

 first organ to appear is as usual the mouth, followed by the tentacles. 

 The foliar organs would seem to appear rather late in the history of 

 development, none having yet appeared in embryos reared in the aquaria. 



The habitat seems to be chiefly in holes, crevices, or similar secluded 

 places in the coral reefs or about the shoals where suitable conditions 

 are afforded for their protection. In these places they expand and ex- 

 tend the tentacles and fronds beyond the opening, and in this attitude 

 fish for appropriate prey. McClendon has expressed the opinion that 

 the fronds may serve as lures for attracting prey. This may be extremely 

 doubtful. I am disposed to regard them rather as organs which may 

 aid in capturing and holding prey. The bifurcated tips armed with 

 glandular pads bristling with nematocysts would seem to point to some 

 such function as that herein suggested. 



