ZOANTHUS. 225 



Genus XXVII. ZOANTHUS, 



Gen. Char. Polypes distant, united by a creeping root-like 

 fleshy band. Dr. Johnston. 



1. ZOANTHUS COUCHII, R. Q,. Couch. 



Hab. On rocks in deep water, common, Couch. 



An excellent description of this may be found at page 73 

 of the 'Cornish Fauna/ by Mr. E. Q. Couch, who added 

 this zoophyte, as he has done much besides, to the British 

 fauna. This, which is the only European Zoanthus, has 

 by Dr. Johnston been named in honour of Mr. Couch. 

 It is a small species, and composed of a number of Ac- 

 tinia united together at their bases by a thin incrusting 

 fleshy band. It is reddish, and in its contracted state re- 

 sembles a split pea. When half contracted it assumes a 

 kind of hour-glass form. It is sluggish, and, whether 

 expanded or contracted, continues in the same state for 

 several days. 



For the only specimen of it I ever saw I am indebted to 

 the kindness of Mr. Bean, of Scarborough, from whom I 

 have also received many of the finest things my cabinet 

 contains. 



When I afterwards got Sarcodiciyon catenata, dredged in 



Q 



