Ceylon Sea Anemones. 129 



rounded with an elevated hexagonal ring, taking the form of 

 a cup, on the centre of which is the transverse slit of the 

 mouth. 



This parasitical Anemone is found on Pearl Oysters, in the 

 Harbour of Trincomalie. It grows very rapidly in the Viva- 

 rium,— and is a good guide for ascertaining the quality of the 

 sea water in which it is placed. When the water is impure, 

 or any animal in it dead and decaying, this Actinia shrivels up 

 and assumes a dark brown or blackish colour, and as the 

 water is purified the creature regains its pellucid form. 



Anthea Akachntda. Kel 



Resembling the A. Indica, but much smaller, and the 

 disc is spotted black. The tentacles worm-like ; pellucid 

 white, and spotted dusky. Found on rocks and shells. 



Anthea Aueea. Kel 



This is a very minute species ; when elongated, nearly one 

 inch high, and scarcely 4 lines in breadth. Body pellucid, 

 tentacles few, short ; golden yellow. 



Found on rocks and shells. 



Anthea Meleacrina. Kel. 



Body short, broad, greenish, translucent, slightly tuber- 

 cular. Tentacles numerous, of moderate length, narrow, 

 pointed greenish brown, with darker brown rings. Mouth 

 slightly elevated, Disc pale green. 



Height i inch, Breadth If to 2 inches when expanded. 



1858.] 



s 



