179 



in both cases 4 mm. and the nodes 2 mm. These specimens are free from any 

 incrustation. The colour is greyish-white. 



Locahty : Persian Gulf, 48-49 fathoms. 



(4) and (5) The only point in which these differ from the previous specimens 

 is in the colour, which is creamy-white. They are also free from incrustation. 



Locality : Persian Gulf, 4 fathoms. 



In the specimen from the Andamans many of the polyps were protruded, 

 and a few notes on these may be of interest. 



The anthocodife measure about 2 mm. in height, i.e., above the tops of the 

 verrucie. The tentacles bear only one row of pinnules and are about 1 mm. in 

 length ; there are no spicules on either surface. At the base, however, there is 

 a pattern which closely resembles the well-known " crown and points," passing 

 into a series of rows of spicules round the tubular portion. 



A study of these numerous specimens has led us to the conclusion that 

 P. indica, Thomson and Henderson, should be included in P. fniticosa. 



It may be worthy of note that incrustation of Palythoa has been noted 

 from such widely diverse localities as Ki Islands i^P.fnitirom, Verrill), Port 

 Jackson {P. australix, Wright and Studer), Andamans (7''. friiticosa), also from 

 the Gulf of Martabau (J*, frntiroxa). Another incrustation in the form of a 

 sponge covers P. amtralis from Port Jackson and P. fruiicosa from the An- 

 damans. The specimens taken in the Persian Gulf at three separate stations 

 exhibit no traces of the Sponge parasitism, for such it was considered by Wright 

 and Studer, who remark that the encrusting sponge on P. fruticosa, Verrill, 

 gradually destroys the colony. 



Previously recorded from : Austialia, Banda Sea, Sulu Sea, Formosa and 

 the Indian Ocean. 



