294 ALLAN HANCOCK PACIFIC EXPEDITIONS VOL. 11 



Depth: Shallow water to a few fathoms, usually well concealed 

 among rocks, more rarely in sand. 



Specimens examined: Several in various collections in America 

 and Europe. The Hancock collections contain about 328 individuals, 

 collected at 85 stations. 



Remarks: Steinbeck & Ricketts report Brandtothuria impatiens as 

 the second most common species in the Gulf, and the methodical col- 

 lecting of the Hancock expeditions have confirmed this estimate and 

 further shown that it is the most common form in the Galapagos Is- 

 lands, where 72 individuals were collected at 22 stations. It is a species 

 which usually is represented in all collections, but mostly by few indi- 

 viduals in each. The large number found in the Panamic region may 

 indicate that the conditions there are particularly favorable for this 

 widespread form. 



Brandtothuria gyrifer (Selenka) 

 PI. 1, figs. 16-18 



Stichopus gyrifer Selenka, 1867, p. 319. 



Holothuria gyrifer, Deichmann, 1938, p. 371 (discussion of synonymy). 

 Holothuria monacaria, Panning, 1934, III, p. 69 (partim), list of 

 references. 



Diagnosis: Slender, spindle-shaped or flask-shaped form, up to 20 

 cm long, usually less than 15 cm. Resembling Brandtothuria impatiens 

 but more delicate, with less rough surface, and skin invariably yellowish 

 brown in color with large pale areas around the appendages, giving a 

 distinct polka dot effect. Anatomy similar to B. impatiens, but Cuvierian 

 organs small. 



Spicules an external layer of tables with circular disk having up to 

 ten holes, and tapering spire with few spines on tip. Inner layer con- 

 sisting of regular buttons with six large holes, rather narrow. Ventral 

 feet with large end plate but no special supporting rods, except a few 

 reticulated plates near the end plate or a few perforated rods or elon- 

 gated buttons. Dorsal appendages usually without end plate, and curved 

 rods with short transverse projections sometimes developing into a row 

 of lateral holes. Synallactidlike tables in young. 



Type : Museum of Comparative Zoology. 



Type locality: Hawaii. 



Distribution : From east coast of Africa to the Panamic region, 

 where it was first reported by H. L. Clark in 1923 and later taken by 

 the Zaca expedition. 



