PACIFIC TUNICATA OF U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM 95 



of moderate size (about ?>0(i in diameter), slightly larger than those of 

 Dklcmnvm candkluin; rays shorter and less nmneroiis than in those 

 of Didemnmn candidum (Savigny). Rays comparatively large, 

 acutely pointed at tip and 9-11 on the equatorial plane in larger 

 spicules, but short, bluntly pointed at the tip and 11-13 (12 on an 

 average) on equatorial plane in smaller spicules which are found most 

 abundantly. The existence of spicules with slightly longer rays seem 

 to be characteristic of the species. Lacunae very spacious and both 

 thorax and abdomen exposed in the lacuna; abdomens laid hori- 

 zontally on thin bottom stratum. Common cloaca! aperture oval, 

 as large as Avidth of the zooid, margin supported by about 10 riblike 

 aggregations of spicules in some colonies (fig. 32a). Thorax com- 

 paratively large, usually found in an expanded state. Atrial aperture 

 extremely wide. Stigmata 6 to 8 in each of four rows. Intestine 

 not curved sharply in distal branch. Two testicular follicles. 



38. Lissoclinum molle (Herdman) 



Figures 32c,(i 

 DiplosomoiiJcs molle Herdman, 1886, p. 310, pi. 42, figs. 5-16.— Slniter, 1909, p. 

 85, pi. 8, fig. 8. 



MATERIAL EXAMINED 



Palau Islands: Fringing reef of small islet in lagoon (Mcbareliar) of Eil 

 Malk, GVF sta. 252. More than 10 colonies (USNM 11434) . 



Description. — About 10 small colonies from the Palau Islands were 

 examined. They are attached to fine branches of an alga of Coral- 

 linaceae and tlie largest is 5 mm. X 2 mm. in extent. Surface of colony 

 whitish because of spicules in the test, and the situation of respective 

 zooids is shown by reddish-brown flecks, as spicules found less densely 

 around the zooid and consequently zooids are seen through the test. 

 Yellowish-orange pigments deposited between zooids. The under- 

 side of the colony snowy white. Spicules small, 12-26f(, and about 

 18|U, on an average, and of the cand'uluni-iy\)Q:. Atrial aperture a 

 wide opening in a fully expanded state as in species of Leptoclinum. 

 About 6 stigmata in each of four rows. Abdomen laid horizontally on 

 tliin bottom stratum. Intestine not curved strongly on its distal 

 branch. Two {'() testicular follicles. Budding found in nearly all 

 examined zooids. 



Kemarks. — ^The distinct ion between the present species and L'/shocH- 

 num fragile is only tluit the former is variously colored on the colony 

 surface and maintains a nioderatc thickness, while tlie latter is always 

 snowy white and extremely thin. The coloration of the present speci- 

 Uiens dill'ers considerably from the grayish tint of the type specimen 

 preserved in Foiinol, but rf'senibles that of the Slboga specimens, 

 which are brovvii or grayish brown in alcohol. 



