
MARINE AQUARIA 

form and size, and specimens from different localities would scarcely be 
recognized as of one and the same species. 
Anomia simplex (Orb.), or Jingle Shell, or Jingle, has rounded, scaly, 
variously wrinkled and undulated, 34 inch in diameter valves. The shells 
are a common feature on the seashore, their fine pearly lustre and flattened 
form distinguishing them from other oysters and clams. It is a hardy 
species found abundantly on oyster beds and adhering to fixed objects 
along the Atlantic coast. 
Marine Mottuscs as Scavencers. Marine Univalves feed upon 
plants and animals, more particularly the lower forms, alge, oscillaria, pro- 
tozoans and hydroids. In the aquarium they perform useful purposes, 
keeping the glass clean and devouring food particles which might contam- 
inate the water. They are not quite as good scavengers as some of the 
freshwater species. Buivalves also render good service in keeping the 
water clear, but only a few should be introduced, as they require consider- 
able water for respiration and to obtain sufficient of the minute vegetable and 
animal life upon which they feed. 
Squips. Two of the Squids may be mentioned, as they are common 
along almost the entire Atlantic coast. These are Ommastrephes sagittatus 
(Lam.), and Loligo pealii, (Les.), both from 6 to 12 inches long. All the 
family are ferocious creatures, the tyrants of the lower orders; solid fleshy 
animals having powerful arms furnished with rows of cup-like suckers,strong 
jaws and membranous tongues, armed with recurved prickles. They dis- 
charge an inky fluid through a siphon. The beak or pen is the cuttle-fish 
bone of commerce and forms the skeleton of the animal. 
Cuorpata. These animals are common on marine plants, submerged 
woodwork and other fixed objects. Their characteristic of ejecting jets of 
water secured for them their popular name of Sea-squirts. They are 
usually of dull colors except in southern waters, and are either individual 
or compound animals. The common species are: 
Molgula manhattensis, (Say), a very general form, has an olive-green 
globular body with slightly rough surface, about 34 inch diameter. Two 
siphon tubes extend above the upper end. Found on seaweed, etc., either 
singly or in clusters, 
Cynthia partita, (Say), another common form, has an oblong body, 
one inch in diameter, of rusty brown color, marked with red and purple. 
Usually found on piles or flattened under stones. 
Botyllus gouldii, (Stimp.), is a generally distributed compound form 
which appear as thick incrustations and bands on plants and piles. There 
are many other common forms. Individual Sea-squirts will survive in 
smaller aquaria, but it is not advisable to introduce the compound forms. 
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