732 EDWARD T. BROWNE. 



The type species of the genus Aequorea was described and figured by ForskS.1 (1775), 

 under the name of Medusa aequorea. Peron placed it in the genus Aequorea under the name 

 of Aequorea forskalea, where it has since remained. There will always be some doubt about 

 the identity of the type species, as the figure and description omit just the details which 

 are essential. I think it will be best to follow Forbes (1851) and consider the medusa, which 

 he described and figured as Aequorea forskalea, to be identical with the type species. 



The shape of the basal bulbs of the tentacles is a valuable guide for the determination 

 of the species. I have found it to be quite different in six species of the Aequoridae. 

 As the shape is constant in each species it facilitates the identification of the early and 

 intermediate stages. 



Aequorea mnldivensis, species nova. (PL LVI. figs. 4 — 12.) 



Description of the Species. Umbrella saucer-shaped, about four to six times as broad 

 as high, moderately thick. Stomach circular, its diameter about half the diameter of the 

 umbrella, its lower wall large enough to allow the mouth to close up. Mouth with numerous 

 short lips, closely packed together. Radial canals numerous (50 — 70). Gonads occupying 

 nearly the whole length of every radial canal, and hanging down from the sub-umbrella, 

 bilamellar. Tentacles less numerous (30—50) than the radial canals, having a large hollow 

 basal bulb, which curls over a thickening of the ex-umbrella. Marginal bulbs about one to 

 four between every two tentacles. Sense organs very numerous, about 15 — 20 between every 

 two tentacles (or 2 — 4 between every two bulbs). 



Size. Umbrella 75 mm. in width and 35 mm. in height (largest specimen). 



Distribution. Indian Ocean; Maldive Islands, Haddumati (Gardiner). 



The collection contains three specimens : 



A. Umbrella about 35 mm. in diameter and about six times as broad as high. Stomach 

 about 20 mm. in diameter. Radial canals, 52. Tentacles, 21. Marginal bulbs, usually one 

 large and 2 — 4 smaller ones between every two tentacles. Sense organs, 16 — 24 between 

 every two tentacles (or 2 — 4 between every two bulbs). Female gonads. 



B. Umbrella about 45 mm. in diameter and about five times as broad as high. Stomach 

 about 23 mm. in diameter, its lower wall fairly flat and the mouth nearly closed. Mouth 

 circular, 6 mm. in diameter, and the margin with about 54 lips. Radial canals, 69. Ten- 

 tacles, 34. Marginal bulbs, usually one large and two small bulbs between every two tentacles. 

 Sense organs, 12 — 14 between every two tentacles. Male gonads. 



C. Umbrella about 75 mm. in diameter and about four times as broad as high. Stomach 

 about 35 mm. in diameter. Radial canals, 54. Tentacles, 50. Marginal bulbs, usually one 

 between every two tentacles. Sense organs, 15 — 20 between every two tentacles. Female 

 gonads. 



The lower wall of the stomach varies in width in the different specimens. In one specimen 

 the mouth is certainly capable of closing up. In the other two specimens the mouth appears 

 to be fairly wide open, but its exact size is doubtful, as the wall of the stomach is torn 

 away in places. The oral lips (figs. 8 — 9) are short and stumpy, with a sinuous margin. 

 A longitudinal rib runs down the outer side of each lip and on the irmer side there is a 

 groove. The radial canals are deeper than they are broad, and hang down from the sub- 



