Page:Scientific results HMS Challenger vol 18 part 1.djvu/827

Rh The genus Larnacidium has the same shell-formation as the foregoing Larnacilla, and differs from it only in the possession of radial spines on the surface, which in all known species exhibit a symmetrical disposition. From the nearly allied genus Larcidium it differs in the characteristic mode of connection between the two shells, owing to the different kind of growth. In Larcidium this connection is effected only by radial beams, whereas in Larnacidium (as in all Larnacida) by two lateral latticed tubes, the wings of the primary transverse girdle.

1. Larnacidium staurobelonium, n. sp.

Cortical shell smooth, with four strong conical, radial spines in the lateral plane, opposite in pairs, two on the poles of the principal and two on the poles of the transverse axis. Pores subregular, circular, twice as broad as the bars; about twelve on the half meridian. Proportion of the three axes = 2 : 3 : 4. Medullary shell spherical, one-third as broad as the cortical shell.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.12, breadth 0.09, height 0.06; pores 0.008, bars 0.04; medullary shell 0.03.

Habitat.—North Pacific Station 244, depth 2900 fathoms.

2. Larnacidium hexabelonium, n. sp.

Cortical shell thorny, with six strong, three-sided pyramidal, radial spines, lying opposite in pairs on the poles of the three dimensive axes. Pores subregular, circular, three times as broad as the bars; about fourteen on the half meridian. Proportion of the three axes = 2 : 2.5 : 3. Medullary shell spherical, one-third as broad as the cortical shell.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.14, breadth 0.11, height 0.08; pores 0.01, bars 0.003; medullary shell 0.04.

Habitat.—South Pacific, Station 295, depth 1500 fathoms.

3. Larnacidium polybelonium, n. sp.

Cortical shell very spiny, with numerous (twenty to thirty or more) larger thin radial spines, about as long as the shell. Pores irregular, twice to five times as broad as the bars; about sixteen on the half meridian. Proportion of the three axes = 2 : 2.5 : 3. Medullary shell lentelliptical, half as large as the cortical shell.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.11, breadth 0.09, height 0.07; pores 0.004 to 0.01, bars 0.002; length of the medullary shell 0.06, breadth 0.05, height 0.04.

Habitat.—Western Tropical Pacific, Station 225. depth 4475 fathoms.

Definition.— with a double, trizonal, Larnacilla-shaped medullary shell, enclosed in the central capsule, and enveloped by a simple or double, latticed or spongy, lentelliptical, cortical shell.