318 



THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



ful study, however, reveals the fact that both the species are formed on the same plan 

 of structure, and I feel little hesitation in ranking them accordingly under one generic 

 head. 



Genus Nectria, Gray. 



Nectria, Gray, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1840, vol. vi. p. 287. 

 Goniodiscus (pars), Miiller and Troschel, System der Asteriden, 1842, p. 60. 



I see no reason for removing this well-marked genus from the Pentagonasteridse ; 

 although M. Perrier 1 has taken that step in the list of species in his memoir on the 

 Geographical Distribution of Starfishes. It is true that the form in many respects has an 

 intermediate character between this family and the Linckiidse, but the balance of its 

 structural details appears to me to be unquestionably Pentagonastrid ; and the further 

 evidence borne by the young stages collected by the Challenger seems, in my opinion, to 

 emphasise conclusively the justice of its retention in that group. 



Chorology of the Genus Nectria. 



a. Geographical distribution : — 



Southern Ocean and South Pacific : One species (or perhaps two) between the 

 parallels of 10° and 50° S. 



Nectria ocelli/era in Bass Strait (Challenger) ; " Mers australes " 

 (Peron and Lesueur). Nectria ocellata (? specifically distinct) from 

 Tasmania and Bass Strait. I have seen 2 an example of Nectria 

 brought from the Fiji Islands, which I refer to the same species. 



/3. Bathymetrical range: Littoral zone to 40 fathoms. 



<y. Nature of the Sea-bottom : Sand and Shells (Nectria ocellifera ; Challenger). 



Chorological Synopsis of the Species. 



1 Nouv. Archives Mus. Hist. Nat, 1878, 2e Serie, t. i. p. 79. 



2 I am indebted to Mr. Fred. Humble of Leeds for the opportunity of examining this specimen, which was 

 found off the Island of Cicia, one of the windward group of Fiji Islands. 



