117 



THE CVPRJEIDJE OF THE PERSIAN GULF, GULF OF 



OMAN, AND NORTH ARABIAN SEA, 



As Exhibited in Mr. F. W. Townsend's Collections, 1893-1904. 



By JAMES COSMO MELVILL, M.A., F.L.S., & ROBERT STANDEN. 



(Read before the Society, May nth, 1904). 



The following list is a fuller exposition of its subject than was given 

 in the first Catalogue of the Cyprteidge of the Persian Gulf and 

 Arabian Sea, published in 1901.^ Since that date Mr. Townsend 

 has been very successful in obtaining a few species new to the region, 

 as well as at least two striking varieties. Of some species, e.g., C. ovata 

 Perry {=turdus Lam.), C. ocellata L., and C. pallida Grey, the suites 

 of specimens are exceedingly ample, and every possible shade of 

 variation, in colour, texture, form, and dentition, is present. Of 

 others, e.g., C. erosa L., so common in Indian seas further south 

 hardly an example has been obtained. With the exception of the 

 " Brindled Cowry of the Persian Gulf," C. princeps (=^ valutia Perry), 

 which it is not yet certain really came from this area, we think all the 

 Cyprcece. that are to be found in the region are amongst Mr. Town- 

 send's superb gatherings. 



The same symbols and abbreviations are here used as in our 

 previous papers, e.g. : 



I. — P.G., signifying Persian Gulf, inclusive of the Gulf of Oman, 

 with Maskat and Jask, bounded eastwards by long. 59° 40' E. 



11. — M.C., Mekran Coast of Persia and Beluchistan, between 

 long. 59° 48' E., and R. Hab. 



III. — I. India, meaning at this present opportunity merely the 

 environs of Karachi Harbour, for we do not propose to include now 

 any Cyprseidse that have not been personally dredged or collected by 

 Mr. Townsend, and accordingly make no mention of Bombay, Retua- 

 giri, or Paugina, as on former occasions. 



We may add, that Mr. Townsend, since returning to England, has 

 personally gone through his collection with us, and for much, of the 

 additional information now given we are indebted to him. 



Cypraea annulus L. 

 P.G. Gulf of Oman, Maskat. 



Very abundant, and from thence exported to India as an article of 

 commerce (F.W.T.). 



I. Karachi. A single dead specimen only occurred (F.W.T.). 



Cypraea arabica L. 



P.G. M.C. Generally common, principally occurring under rocks 

 at low tide. 



I Proc. Zool. Soc, October, igoi, pp. 382-399, 



