16 REPOKT OF COMMISSIOXERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



Several specimens of the small snake star-fish, Ophiopholis, were 

 taken at the same time, and it is probable that other species will 

 be discovered. 



II. What is the geographical and bathymetrical distribution ? 



{The reply to these questions will indicate the area suhject to 

 or most liable to invasion.) 



In answering this and the following questions reference is made 

 only to the first two si^ecies of star-fish, unless otherwise stated. 



Geograi:)hical distribution. The i:)urple star ranges from Lab- 

 rador (probably further north) to Cape Hatteras. It is very 

 abundant on the coast of Maine and becomes less common, or 

 even rare, on the southern coast of New England. It is common 

 at Wood's Holl, Mass., but not so abundant as the other species. 



The common star is distributed from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. 

 Unlike the purple star it is comparatively rare north of Cape Cod, 

 but is the most abundant species in the southern waters of New 

 England. The two species, therefore, overlap each other in tlieir 

 geographical distribution, though the purple star is the northern, 

 and the common star the southern species. 



Bathymetrical distribution. The purple star is found from high 

 water mark to 208 fathoms, while the common star (Asterias 

 Forbesii) has a more limited distribution, viz. : from high water 

 to twenty fathoms. The star-fish of both species often remain 

 among the rocks or in the seaweed after the tide has ebbed. 



MODE OF LIFE. 



III. What is the meUiod of locomotion '/ [It is possible that some 



barrier might be arranged that would limit, if 7iot prevent, 

 invasion.) 



The furrow on the under side of each arm is fui-nished witli four 

 rows of closely set "suckers" (ambulacral feet). Each of these 

 hollow cylindrical feet can be extended or retracted at will, and is 

 provided with an actual sucker which will hold to almost any 

 surface. 



