THE ANTHOZOA OF THE WOODS HOLE REGION. 



By CHARLES W. HARGITT, 



Professor of Zoology, Syracuse University. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The present report aims to present in convenient form a synoptic account of the 

 Anthozoa (Actinozoa) of the region, adapted alike to the needs of the general worker 

 in systematic zoology and those desiring in brief compass a modem survey of the habits, 

 characteristics, and local distribution of the group. 



The material forming the basis of the report has been collected for the most part 

 by the writer at various times during the past five years, though some of the specimens 

 of deep-water habitat were collected by the Fish Hawk during dredging expeditions at 

 various times within the past lo years. A record of these latter collections will be 

 noted in connection with the several species concerned. 



It is again my pleasure to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Vinal N. Edwards in 

 many ways. My thanks are also due to Commissioner George M. Bowers and to Dr. F. B. 

 Sumner, director of the laboratory, for many courtesies. 



GENERAL ACCOUNT. 



Anthozoa are marine animals of various range of distribution, habit, size, etc., and 

 variously known as actinians, sea anemones, polyps, etc. In general they are more or 

 less sedentary, i. e., attached to some permanent support, such as rocks, piles, etc., or 

 in some cases (Alcyonaria) rooted in the sandy bottoms where they thrive, or in still 

 other cases (corals) forming a calcareous skeleton, which in the subtropical species gives 

 rise to complex reef masses. Not a few of the actinians have a measure of locomotor 

 power and creep, snail-like, over the supporting base to which they are attached. And 

 again still others are given to a commensal mode of life, forming the well-known partner- 

 ships with hermit crabs or other creatures of similar habit. Further notice of these 

 peculiarities will be given in connection with the species which exhibit the trait. 



Anthozoa, in common with other classes of coelenterates, may live a wholly solitary 

 and independent life, as in most actinians, or may form highly complex colonies, as in 

 most corals and Alcyonaria. In the case of colonial species the polyps are usually 



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