In the larger specimen the main stem gives off several branches and these 

 again bear secondary and sometimes tertiary lobes. 



The surface is very rugged ; the texture is leathery ; the main stem is 

 densely packed with large spicules. 



The autozooids are numerous ; they are separated by intervals of about 

 1 mm. and are about 5 mm. in diameter. Siphonozooids do not occur. 



Locality : Andamans. 



Previously recorded from Hulule, Male Atoll ; Maldives (Pratt). 



Sclerophytum andamanense, n. sp. 



We reluctantly add to the already long list of species in this genus, but the 

 characters of the present specimen, though ap[)roaching >S'. tnhemilosum (Loho- 

 plijitiim tuhfrcidosum, Quoy et Gaimard), mark it oft' as new. 



The colony is low and spreading ; the 

 basal attachment is 55 mm. lonti; and 25 mm. 

 broad. The stalk is very indefinite ; on one 

 side of the basal plate it rises to a height 

 of 22 mm. but it is altogether absent on the 

 other side, so that the polyp-bearing capi- 

 tulum extends to the very base. The 

 margin of the capitulum is very much 

 convoluted, especially on the side where 

 the stalk is apparent. The colony may be 

 said to be fleshy and tough, but there is 

 an abundance of spicules in the stalk and 

 central portion of the capitulum. 



The autozooids are large, and when 

 expanded are over 2 mm. in length and 1 mm. in diameter ; the tentacles are 

 quite visible to the naked eye. When the polyps are partially retracted the 

 tentacles are infolded and form a beautiful eight-rayed star. The orifices are 

 075 to 1 mm. in diameter ; they are separated by distances varying from 1 to 

 2 mm., but at the margin they are more crowded, so that even when the auto- 

 zooids are partially retracted and have the tentacles unfolded they almost touch. 



The siphonozooids are extremely minute or altogether aljsent. 



The colour of the colony is greenish-brown. 



Locality : Andamans. 



Fit 



2. Sclerophytum andamanense, n. sp. 

 — A general view of a piece of the 

 colony, natural size. 



