294 SEA-ANEMONES, ZOOPHYTES, ETC. 



Fig. 224. 



Parasitic Anemone (Sagartia 

 parasitica}. 



such a singular friendship. We have a pink-spotted 

 one called the "cloaklet" (Adamsia palliate), so-called 

 because it has no "column," and therefore spreads 



itself over the shell like a 

 mantle. The attachment of 

 these anemones for the her- 

 mit crabs is mutual, insomuch 

 that when the latter change 

 their shells for a larger, just 

 before moulting, they will re- 

 move their zoophytal com- 

 panions to their new abodes. 

 Van Beneden has termed this 

 strange association " commen- 

 salism," or " messmateship." 

 Some of our public aquaria 



exhibit these species of sea-anemones in the position 

 we have just described. 



The commonest anemone is that known as the 

 "beadlet" (Actinia mesembryanthemuni), whose spe- 

 cific name is vulgarly shortened to " mes," as that 

 of the " dahlia wartlet " is to " crass." It is a pretty 

 creature, and cannot be too common ; for its red ten- 

 tacles, with their ring of turquoise-like spots, are ex- 

 quisitely flower-like. It is also very hardy and long- 

 lived, one specimen in Scotland having attained the 

 authenticated age of more than forty years. All the 

 sea-anemones, however, seem to be very sensitive at 

 the base or foot of the column. If this be hurt they 



