III. On the structure and relations of the Alcyonarian Heliopora cærulea , with some account of the anatomy of a species of Sarcophyton ; notes on the structure of species of the genera Millepora, Pocillopora , and Stylaster ; and remarks on the affinities of certain Palæozoic Corals

Abstract

Introduction .—The author having undertaken the examination of the Deep-sea Corals dredged during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger,’ was led to the study of the structure of corals generally, and especially to the examination of the Milleporidæ, which seemed of peculiar interest, since they had been determined by Professor Agassiz to be Hydroids, and had been regarded by him as living representatives of the Palæozoic Rugosa. Millepora alciconis was obtained and examined at Bermuda, and another species of Millepora at Zamboangan, Mindanas, Philippine Islands. The examination of these Millepores was found to be beset with great difficulties, and the present notes on their structure are to be regarded as only preliminary. Further investigations will be made with specimens which it is hoped will be obtained at the Sandwich Islands. At Zamboangan, Heliopora cærulea was obtained, and found at once to be an Alcyonarian. Its structure is described in full in the paper. Another Alcyonarian of the genus Sarcophyton (Lesson) was examined for purpose of comparison. I t proved to present special features of interest, and a gene­ral description of its anatomy also is therefore given. Notes are further appended on the anatomy of a species of Pocilloporca obtained at Zamboangan, and that of a Stylasteracean dredged off the Meangis Islands in 500 fathoms.