orHioriioLis. 



115 



OPHIUKANS. 



OpMopholis. {Ophiop/iolis beliis Lym.) 



There are but two species of the ordinary forms of Ophiurans 

 in Massachusetts Bay ; the white Aniphiura (^Amphiura squamata 

 Sars), with long slender arms, and the spotted Ophiopholis (Fig. 

 148), with shorter and stouter arms, and in which the disk is less 

 compact than in the Amphiura, and not so perfectly circular. 



All Ophiurans are difficult to find, from their exceeding shyness ; 

 they hide themselves in the darkest crevices, and though no eye- 

 specks have yet been detected in them, they must have some 

 quick perception of coming danger, for at the gentlest approach 

 they instantly draw away and shelter themselves in their snug 

 retreats. 



Fig. 148. OphiopboUd, fnun above ; natural 3\z<'.. 



