NO. 1658. ALCYO^\iRIA OF THE CALIFORNIA^ C0A8T—NUTTIXG. 717 



Family MUIIICEID.E. 



Spicules usually projecting from the surfaces of the ccenenchyma. 

 A colleret of spindle-shaped spicules below the tentacular bases. 

 An 8-rayed operculum formed by spicules on the tentacle bases. 



Genus ELASMOGORGIA. 



Colonies with thin ccBuenchyma, not profusely branched. Calyces 

 verruciform, their margins infolded over the retracted tentacles, 

 giving an appearance of invagination to the latter. Spicules spindle- 

 shaped with verruciform projections. 



ELASMOGORGIA FILIFORMIS Wright and Studer. 



Elasmogorgia filiformis Wright and Studer, Challenger Report, Alcyonaria, 

 1889, p. 133. 



The single colony secured has a single whip-like stem with a 

 branch arising near its base. Length 275 mm. 



The calyces are very low broad domes or cpnes, rising but slightly 

 above the general surface on all sides of the stem and branch, sepa- 

 rated by about 3.5 mm., ovate in cross section, the longer diameter 

 being parallel with the stem. 



The spicules are heavy warty spindles, often one-sided and covered 

 with very jagged verrucse. There are also many smaller spicules, 

 some of whicl? are slender spindles, clubs, etc. The largest spicules 

 seem to be on the stem between the calyces, although they often 

 invade the walls of the latter, where they are usually of a distinctly 

 more slender type and arranged transversely, forming annul ations or 

 oval markings around the margins when viewed from above. 



The color of the colony is clear, light gray; axis dark brown. 



Distribution. — Station 4349, Point Loma light-house NE. 6.5 

 miles, 75-134 fathoms. 



The type was taken by the Challenger at Station 188, Arafura Sea, 

 south of Papua, 28 fathoms. Another specimen in University of 

 California collection, taken off San Pedro, California. 



The specimen agrees very well with the original description. 



Genus MURICELLA. 



Colony branched; ccenenchyma thin. Calyces, short truncated 

 cones projecting at right angles from the branches. Spicules large. 



MURICELLA COMPLANATA Wright and Studer. 



Muricella complanata Wright and Studer, Challenger Report. Alryonaria, 1889, 



p. 125. 



Colony imperfectly fiabellate in form, 15 cm. high by 23.7 cm. 



broad. The main stem gives off lateral branches and undivided 



branchlets, the former dividing once,, t^vice, or three times in a 



pinnate manner. 



