THE LIVING SPECIMENS IN THE AQUARIUM. 
103 
aro many varieties of this strange creature. The star-fish has a con¬ 
siderable tendency to locomotion, and is quite a lively object among the 
sedate occupants of the aquarium. The brittle star-fish is one of the 
handsomest specimens, displaying, in addition to its curious form, vivid hues, 
arranged in beautiful patterns. It is called brittle from the curious property 
BTAR-FISII. 
BRITTLE 8TAR.-FJSH. 
of spontaneously dividing itself, separating into pieces with wonderful quick¬ 
ness and ease. Touch it and it flings away an arm; hold it, and in a 
moment not an arm remains attached to the body. The star-fish moves by 
means of a multitude of little suckers on the under side of each ray, which 
adhere to the surface over which he walks, on the principle of the leathern 
“ suckers” with which boys raise 
bricks and stones, by exhausting 
the air between the stone and the 
sucker. In travelling, the star-fish 
puts three of his rays out in front, 
while the remaining two follow be¬ 
hind. They are evidently affected 
by the presence of light, and in the 
aquarium will grow lively when a 
lighted candle is brought near them. 
The Echinus, commonly called the 
sea hedge-hog, or sea-urchin, is a 
great treasure for the aquarium, and may be seized as a prize whenever found. 
They are mostly of a conical or spherical shape, divided into five segments, 
covered with minute holes, from which project tentacles, serving as organs 
of locomotion, touch, etc. The surface of the body is covered with shelly 
spines, of various forms and thicknesses. The mouth is in the centre; they 
feed upon marine productions. 
