



-tU. 

 BY THE REV. J. E. TENISON- WOODS, F.G.S., F.L.S., ETC. 129 



fluid stings the skin. There are many other species which have 

 not been named or described, nor do I think they can be until 

 they are studied in the living state, at least according to the 

 present system of classification. They are found in large numbers 

 crawling over the reefs at low tide. No doubt the extensive way 

 in which the edible species are gathered will make them scarce, 

 and some are beginning to get scarce at certain portions of the reef, 

 But the enormous extent of coral reef, not only on the Barrier, 

 but in the islands enclosed within the Barrier, renders it very 

 easy for the fishermen to seek new grounds for their operations. 



A very common species on tfye island reefs which I visited, is 

 Synapta Besellii, Jaeger, or an allied form. This is said to be an 

 inhabitant of Celebes, but no doubt has a wide range. One 

 cannot mistake the genus for any other. Immediately on putting 

 one's hand on it, the animal adheres to the skin. With a very 

 ordinary lens the skin is seen to be covered with small spicules, 

 shaped like an anchor. With these the animal adheres readily 

 to any soft object. These anchors have the heads fixed in a round 

 calcareous plate imbedded in the skin. This accounts for the 

 numbers of small perforated, calcareous disks which strew the 

 reefs, and look just like shirt buttons. Mr. Moseley, in his 

 " Naturalist Voyage of the Challenger" mentions this animal, 

 and states how the anchors in the skin were favorite objects for 

 microscopic exhibition to visitors. It was thought by sight-seers 

 to be one of the most important discoveries of the Expedition, and 

 got in consequence the name of the " Admiralty Worm." Otto 

 Semper mentions having seen one Synapta (Bessellii ?J at the 

 Philippine Islands, 6 ft. long. When fully extended on the reefs 

 near Port Douglas, a length of four feet was not unusual. They 

 are often mistaken for water snakes. The anchors on the skin 

 easily break, and the animal does not seem to have any control 

 over them. They serve for the purposes of locomotion in connection 

 with the voluntary contractions of the muscles. 



