Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa. 



Of a yellowish-brown color. Allied to M. peachii, from which 

 it differs in the greater prominence of the mouth, the larger size of 

 the mucro, the stouter spines (the articulations of which are usually 

 darker colored), and the presence of three spines in front of the 

 ocecium on either side. It is also closely allied to, and may prove 

 to be identical with the M. teres described by Mr. Hincks from 

 specimens dredged off Curtis Island. 



Explanation or Figure. 

 Plate 116. — Fig. 3, portion of specimen, magnified. 



Plate 116, Figs. 5-8. 



MUCROXELLA VULTUR (Hincks). 



Description. — Zoarium loosely attached or in hemescbara form. Cells large, 

 distinct, surface cribriform, with numerous, slightly raised, circular foramina ; mouth 

 semicircular, with six spines on the upper margin ; inside the lower lip a broad 

 denticle, and on each side, separated by a rounded sinus, a sharp tooth; in front of 

 the median denticle the peristome forms a large mucro, with a large avicularium on 

 one side, the sharp point of the mandible of which is directed upwards. Occasionally 

 a large avicularium, with a broad, blunt, tongue-shaped mandible on the front of a 

 cell. Ooecium large, globular, closely and finely punctate, with, usually, a sharp 

 point on each side of the opening. 



Reference. — Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Aug. 1882. 



Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone ; Warrnainbool, 

 Mr. Watts. 



In this large and handsome species the zooecia are of great size, 

 and the massive mucro, with its long, pointed, lateral avicularium, 

 is very conspicuous. The front of the mucro is frequently 

 elevated into a stout knob or process. The zocecia posteriorly are 

 quadrate, and have very frequently a large round pore, usually 

 situated about the centre of the upper margin, probably indicating 

 the attachment of a radical fibre. It is nearly allied to M. 

 (Lepralia) Ellerii (McG.), of which it ought possibly to rank only 

 as a variety. In M. Ellerii the primary mouth is of the same 

 structure, but the central mucro is smaller (although frequently 

 with the projecting process), and there are usually additional blunt 

 processes at the sides of the mouth. The zooecia, moreover, are 



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