Aquarium. 



8863 



It has often been a matter of speculation to me, in what manner the 

 anemone contributes to the happiness or sustenance of the crab in 

 this remarkable social family of different Orders. The anemone ap- 

 pears to me to have the better of the bargain, for it obtains not only 

 food, but the means of locomotion, as well as a certain kind of pro- 

 tection from its friend. Now, from the fact that the specimens of 

 Adamsia without the corresponding Pagurus, in my possession, are 

 always disfigured by portions of the cast slough, which adhere so 

 closely to them that it is scarcely possible to keep them " decent in 

 appearance," even with the most attentive treatment of the forceps, I 

 cannot help thinking that Pagurus finds the slough of Adamsia a "de- 

 licate morsel,'* and, if one may be allowed the expression, " eats his 

 friend." Specimens of Adamsia, with the crab, always appear per- 

 fectly clean, and divested of any portions of the epidermis usually 

 adherent to anemones in confinement. 



One of the remaining specimens of solitary Adamsia met with a 

 sad fate, In the tank above referred to are five full-grown specimens 

 of Asterina gibbosa. A few days since, I noticed one of the star- 

 fishes remained for a lengthened period partly attached to the ane- 

 mone, and partly adhering to the shell on which the latter was located. 

 I tried gently to remove it, but without effect. Presently the star-fish 

 was joined by a friend, and the two remained fixed on the anemone 

 for more than a day. When they had altered their position the ane- 

 mone was found to be partially eaten ! The mangled remains were 

 carried about for a short time by the prawns aforesaid, but they did 

 not care to make a meal thereof. I do not remember to have seen it 

 recorded anywhere that any marine animals are actinivorous. Query, 

 would the star-fishes have found it possible to attack the Adamsia 

 during the existence of its protecting crab ? 



I am fortunate in possessing a very fine specimen of Peachia has- 

 tata, upwards of four inches in length, which was obtained from Mr. 

 Smith, a London dealer, in the early part of May last. It was ori- 

 ginally procured from Guernsey. The arrival of the " illustrious 

 stranger" was anticipated some days previously, and a special habita- 

 tion prepared, consisting of a shallow glass pan, fifteen inches in dia- 

 meter by seven high. Fully one-half of the pan was covered with 

 sea-sand. Upon it were placed some fresh fronds of Ulva latissima, 

 and the remaining portion filled up with water. The vessel was kept 

 in a dark part of the room. I may mention, en passant, that this 

 makes a capital aquarium for Zoanthus Couchii ; some specimens 



