B-10 



The species was found in the historical survey from Hudson 

 Canyon to Norfolk Canyon between the depths of 23 and 3000m. 



Traohythela rudis (Verrill) 



Traohythela rudis, Verrill, 1922:37 

 Clavulavia rudis, Deichmann, 1936:36 



Although originally described as a stolonif eran, this species 

 forms small, fleshy, multi-polyped colonies resembling small 

 unbranched eunephthids. The colonies are generally not more than 

 2 cm high and about as wide. Solitary polyps, or colonies of 2-5 

 or more individuals, are often connected by basal encrusting 

 membranes. The expanded polyps are up to 8 mm high and have a 

 well defined calyx which is often outlined at the margin by sharp, 

 projecting spines. Although the polyps are completely retractile, 

 they are usually partially exposed - revealing a very spiculose 

 anthocodia. Spicules in the calyces, coenenchyme and interior 

 portions of the colonies are also very numerous. Curved or bent, 

 sparsely warted spindles predominate in the inner tissues. The 

 anthodial spicules, some of which are 1.25 mm long, are arranged 

 in a transverse collaret of 4-6 rows and in vertical rows extending 

 up the outer side of the tentacles to form an eight-rayed spiculose 

 operculum in contracted polyps. The spicules of the calycular 

 margin are large bent spindles, one end of which is developed into 

 a long, acute smooth-surfaced spine. In life colonies are a deep- 

 red in color. The species is only known from off the northeast U.S. 

 coast a depths of several hundred fathoms . 



In the historical survey this species was found on the wall of 

 Oceanographer Canyon at 7 50 m. and in the axis of Heezen Canyon at 

 1100 m. Several individuals of T. rudis were recovered during the 

 field study from approximately 900 m. depth in both Oceanographer 



