ALCYONAEIA. 



275 



original definition. GRAY'S description of Bellonella granulatum (' Proc. Zool. Soc.,' 

 1862, p. 35) is unfortunately short and vague. He speaks of the " angular tips" of 

 the calyces; he figures longitudinal furrows on the stem, and these features are 

 here absent. It seems hetter, therefore, to start afresh with a new species. 

 Locality : Deep water south of Galle. 



FAMILY: NEPHTHYID^E. 

 SUB-FAMILY : SPONGODIK/E. 

 Nephthya chabrolii, AUD., var. ceylonensis, n. 



To this species, known to include several varieties (KUKENTHAL, 1903, p. 157), we 

 refer a specimen which differs from ordinary forms of N. chabrolii in being dull 

 greyish-white, and in having a " Stiitzbiindel " spicule projecting beyond the polyp for 

 0'5 millim. The following comparison with KUKENTHAL'S description of N. chabrolii 

 may serve to illustrate dimensional variability. 



For description, see HOLM (1895). 



Locality: Pearl banks, Gulf of Manaar, March, 1902, and DONNAN'S Paar. 



Nephthya lobulifera, HOLM. 



From an elongated base attached to an oyster shell there rise 7 main branches 

 apparently flaccid in character, bearing numerous lobes of unequal size and variable 

 arrangement. On these the polyps occur in groups often united by a few individuals 

 scattered in the intervening spaces. The polyps are light yellow and stand out 

 prominently against the general white colour of the colony. They measure 0'7 millim. 

 to 1'3 millims. in length. The " Stiitzbiindel " spicules are strong, slightly curved, 

 warty spindles up to 1'9 millims. in length; the three longest project beyond the 

 polyp. The polyp spicules measure 0'06 millim. to 0'25 millim., and the stem spicules 

 I'l millims. to 1*95 millims. in length. For description, see HOLM (1895). 



Locality : 1 miles off Old Dutch Modragam Paar, Gulf of Manaar. 



Nephthya ceylonensis, n. sp. Plate I., fig. 4. 

 A small rigid colony fixed to a stone rises to a height of 38 millims., giving off 



2 N 2 



