179 
S. pustulosa , each point with 2 — 3 pairs of chevron spindles; a distinct collaret, polyp-bundles 
more distant, and with numerous very small spicules lying on the cortex between the 
large spindles; 
S. flexilis, each point usually with one pair of large spindles, sometimes with another pair ; 
with a collaret or crown less conspicuous than in 5 . pzistulosa ; canal spindles much larger 
than in S. pustulosa ; 
S. flexilis var. compacta , each point with a pair of large spindles; with a basal collaret of 
about four rings; a characteristic abundance of bow-shaped tuberculate spicules, both slender 
and broad. The more compact mode of branching, with numerous hummocks of crowded 
polyps on a few short divisions of the stem, is like that of S. flexilis. 
S. cram a, each point with 2 pairs of spindles in chevron with occasional intermediates, passing 
below into the sloping spindles of the polyp ; with very large polyps. 
1. Scleronephthya crassa (Kukenthal). 
For description see: KUKENTHAL, Alcyonaceen von Ternate, 1896, p. 132, 2 figs. 
-Versuch einer Revision der Alcyonarien, II, 1906, p. 378. 
Stat. 181. Amboina. 36—54 M. Mud, sand and coral. 4 Ex. 
Four specimens of a creamy-grey colour and substantial build agree closely with the 
form which Kukenthal described as Paraspongodes crassa. There is no supporting bundle, but 
the polyp-stalk is well strengthened by sloping spindles irregularly disposed, and stronger dorsally 
than ventrally. The anthocodial armature consists of eight points, each of two pairs of spindles 
in chevron, with the addition of occasional intermediates, and passing below into those supporting 
the polyp stalk, the uppermost of which may come to lie horizontally in certain states of con¬ 
traction. A cross section of the stem showed what Kukenthal’s specimens did not disclose — 
a distinct central fusion to form the beginning of a spicular axis; and this points definitely to 
the genus Scleronephthya. 
The polyps are large, up to 2 mm. in total length with a breadth of 1.1 mm. The 
spindles of the points are 0.4 — 0.6 mm. long; in the body of the polyp they may attain a length 
of 1 mm. All are densely covered with small simple prominences. 
In the cortex of the stem lie spindles up to 1.4 mm. in length with a breadth of o. 1 2 mm., 
thickly covered with compound warts. In the densely spiculose canal walls lie spindles up to 
1.3x0.15mm. in size, covered with simple conical, or slightly warty, projections. 
The specimens all show the same mode of growth -—- a rigid stout encrusting stem with 
single polyps or with polyp-bearing lappets arising directly from it, often almost from the base 
of the stem. The stem gives rise to branches and twigs, both bearing polyps which are denser 
towards the tips of the twigs. 
The finest specimen has a basal membrane encrusting a stone. From this arise two main 
stems (one of which was broken off), the larger with a height of 6.2 cm., a spread of about 
4 cm., and a maximum stem diameter of 2.3 cm.; the smaller with a height of 5 cm. and a 
spread of 5 cm. The twigs and branches in all the specimens are much more flexible than the 
rigid main stem. 
Previously recorded from Ternate (30 M. depth). 
