301 



lower rudimentary forms are scalpel-shaped and approach the pro-rachidial sur- 

 face. The rays are eleven to thirteen in number and consist of two to four spines 

 projecting in some cases 3"5 mm. The poIy})s are disposed on both sides of the 

 pinnules in live to six rows extending about half-way down. No zooid-streak 

 was discernible. There are numerous small limy needles in the polyp region. 

 The zooid-plate is marginal and distinct, extending, especially along the rays, well 

 into the polyp-zone. 



Localities : Muttah River ; Hughli Delta ; Sandheads ; R. Hughli. 



Previously recorded from Java, Philippines, Sumatra, Salatiga, Batavia, 

 6-10 fathoms. 



Pteroeides esperi, Herklots, var. armatum, nov. 



A single large colony with the following measurements : — 



Total length of colony . . . . . .115 mm. 



Length of rachis 80 mm. 



Breadth of rachis ....... 65 mm. 



Length of stalk ....... 35 mm. 



Thickness of stalk ....... 13 mm. 



Number of pinnules ...... 32 



Number of rays ....... 14 



Length of pro-rachidial margin of largest pinnule . 25 mm. 

 Breadth of insertion of largest pinnule ... 7 mm. 

 Breadth of largest pinnule . . . . .17 mm. 



Distance between pinnules ..... 2 mm. 



This specimen agrees generally with P. esperi, Herklots, but we cannot 

 identify it with any of Kollikers varieties, viz., typicum, latlfoUuin, molle and 

 mignstifolium. 



The stalk is conical and tapers gradually towards the base. The pinnules 

 overlap, and cover the meta-rachidial surface except for a small triangular 

 portion at the base of the rachis, but the pro-ivichidial surface is entirely free. 

 The pinnules are fairly thick and fan-shaped, and there is a slight cushion at the 

 pro-rachidial insertion. The rays are broad and strong, consisting of two to four 

 spines which project beyond the margin making it markedly serrated. The 

 zooid-plate is marginal and extends far into the polyp region, especially along the 

 rays. The polyps are numerous, especially on the upper side of the pinnules ; on 

 the lower side there are three to four rows. The l)ody of the polyps is brownish- 

 black and this gives the chai'acteristic colour to the colony. The tentacles 

 are white. No zooid-streak could be seen. 



The general colour is yellowish, but green and brownish-black spots occur 

 on the stalk and keel. 



Locality : Andamans. 



