No. 5 (1921) MADRr\S AQUARIUM 93 



The Squat Lobster {Scyllarus) is quite common at Madras, taken 

 in fishermen's nets. It owes its name to its broad short appearance, 

 due largely to the way in which the appendages of the head are 

 broadened and flattened. In the lobster proper these are the 



KiG. 25. — Tide-mark Crab, IMatuta viclrix. 



characteristic long and slender antennae. The Rock Crawfish or 

 Spiny Lobster {Panulinis) is common among the stones and concrete 

 blocks that buttress the foot of the harbour walls; the true lobster 

 is not found in Eastern waters. 



Among the smaller inhabitants of the tanks are the Sea- 

 £ncmoncs, less gorgeous generally in colour and form than 

 European species. Some make up in size what they lack in colour ; 

 the giant Discosoma, quite common at Pamban and Tuticorin and 

 probably also at Madras, attains sometimes the ahiiost incredible 

 diameter across the disc of over three feet. The disc in this sea- 

 anemone lies outspread above the sand like the blossom of some 

 huge flower. In the centre is a slit-like opening, the n^outh, leading 

 to the bag-shaped stomach ; around the mouth are rows of tentacles 

 armed with stinging cells used to paralyze the fishes on which 

 anemones prey. The tentacles in some are long cylindrical finger- 

 like tubes ; in others, as in the giant Discosoma, they are short and 

 clubshaped, quite small but immensely numerous. 



The small pond in the centre of the hall contains freshwater 

 fishes and water-tortoises. The former comprise examples of the 



