XXI. On the genera heterophyllia, battersbyia, palæcyclus, and asterosmilia; the anatomy of their species, and their position in the classification of sclerodermic zoantharia

Abstract

1. The admirable classification of the Zoantharia by MM. Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime, although very elaborate and natural, presents several very decided “breaks” in the continuity of the generic succession. The great distinction between the important families of the Turbinoliæ and Astrœidæ renders the classification rather more arti­ficial than it really is; and at first sight this classification may appear not very practical, on account of there being several genera which either cannot be placed at all or are arranged provisionally amongst certain divisions or families. The objects of this communication are to describe the species of a genus which unites the family of the Turbinolidæ to that of the Astrœidæ, to describe some very peculiar Heterophylliæ and Battersbyiæ and to classify them, and to remove the genus Palœcyclus from the family of the Fungidæ into that of the Cyathophyllidæ.