36 OPHIUR^E. 



which are rosulated in the centre. On the disk of the 

 largest example were a few minute scattered spines. 

 Opposite the origin of each ray are two diverging wedge- 

 shaped scales. The plates which separate the origins of 

 the rays beneath are transversely ovate, and rather larger 

 than in the neighbouring species of Ophiocoma. The rays 

 are covered above with fan-shaped scales, beneath with 

 rudely heart-shaped plates ; and their sides are clothed 

 with transverse plates, each bearing four spines, which are 

 rough and as long as, in some cases longer than, the breadth 

 of the rays. These spines are rough, with deep puncta- 

 tions ; and when viewed under a lens, all the scales of the 

 body and rays are punctate in a similar manner. The 

 colour of this species is pink. Although it has hitherto 

 only occurred on the Irish coast, it should be sought for 

 elsewhere, as from its resemblance to Ophiocoma neglecta 

 it may be passed over as that species. Independent of the 

 other characters, the diverging scales at the bases of the 

 rays easily distinguish it. 



