139 
The specific diagnosis is rather vague, through the existence of many varieties : 
Colony : Slender, entirely or partly wound into a loose spiral (usually 
sinistrorsal, sometimes dextrorsal), with max. three coils, (often less than 
one) or irregularly curved and sinuous. Length max. 0.5 m. ; basal diameter 
a few hundred p. at the utmost, increasing in the basal part to a height 
of— 1 dm. A swift diminishing of the diameter often occurs; for the rest 
the diameter diminishes gradually. The colonies may grow in groups. 
Spines : Very variable in shape and dimensions; of different length on 
opposite sides of the axis, so that the longest spines are found on the 
polyp-bearing side of the stem. Arranged in longitudinal rows, alternating 
in a quincunx. 
Polyps: In one single series; not very prominent. Sagittal tentacles 
inserted at a slightly lower level than the lateral ones, and longer than the 
lateral ones, which are mutual subequal. Tentacles cylindrical, sometimes 
with a basal constriction. Broad oral cone, not very high, flat on the upper 
side, with a small, round or indistinct mouth. (Cross-grooves between the 
polyps and longitudinal groove on the back of the axis; young polyps 
alternating irregularly with the adult ones). Interpolypar distance 0.9—2.5 mm. 
(usually 1.3 mm.); sagittal tentacles 0.6 — 28 mm., lateral ones 0.4 — 1.3 mm. 
var. asperispina (Saleyer-group). 
Spines: rather blunt, laterally compressed, d is tally inclined, convex 
proximal side, distal side slightly concave at the base of the spine; apex 
rough, base smooth; the rough surface extends on the proximal side farther 
down than on the distal side. The shorter spines are more acute and 
straigther. The longest spines are 75—525/7. (usua 11 y ± 150 p), the shortest 
spines are 45 — 200 a (usually ± 90 p„). Mutual distance 375 — 900 p„ (usually 
± 525 a). Number of longitudinal rows 5—9 (usually 7 — 8). 
var. lissispinci (Banda-group). 
Spines: long, slender, smooth surface, d is tally inclined, with convex 
proximal side and concave distal side. The longest spines are 75 — 315 p. (usually 
± 180 p.), the shortest spines are 45 — 200 p. (usually 90 p.). Mutual distance 
315—560 p. (usually 450 p.). Number of longitudinal rows 4 — 7 (usually 6). 
var. longispina (Moluccos-group). 
Spines : very long (in the basal part of the colony), slender, distally 
inclined, especially the top of the spine, which may be parallel or sub¬ 
parallel with the axis; rough top, smooth base. The longest spines are 
270—600 p. (usually ± 375 p.), the shortest spines are 165 — 225 p. (usually 
± 200 p,). Mutual distance 450-—750 p. (usually ± 600 p„). Number of longitudinal 
rows 5 — 7 (usually 5 — 6). 
