Discovery reports (1936) Discovery reports discoveryreports12inst Year: 1936 AMPHIURIDAE 279 fectly evident that they are all one and the same species: in particular the peculiar ciliated appearance of the scales affords an excellent character for identifying the younger specimens. The buccal shields are rather variable in shape; in the younger specimens they are in general rounded triangular, whereas in the larger speci- mens they may be somewhat more elongate. The species has separate sexes and is not vivi- parous. I think it quite probable that A. Joubini is in reality identical with the
Discovery reports (1936) Discovery reports discoveryreports12inst Year: 1936 AMPHIURIDAE 279 fectly evident that they are all one and the same species: in particular the peculiar ciliated appearance of the scales affords an excellent character for identifying the younger specimens. The buccal shields are rather variable in shape; in the younger specimens they are in general rounded triangular, whereas in the larger speci- mens they may be somewhat more elongate. The species has separate sexes and is not vivi- parous. I think it quite probable that A. Joubini is in reality identical with the A. polita described by Koehler in his work on the Echinoids and Ophiurids of the 'Belgica'. Having recently had an opportunity of examining one of Koehler's types in the Brussels Museum, I find that the character of the thorny spines (pi. vii, fig. 50) is not reliable, the spines being sometimes quite smooth Fig. 17. Part of arm of Amphiura Joubini, Koehler, showing character of arm spines: a, joints 1-4; b, from middle of arm. ;<i5. Further, the proximal spines are partly curved inwards, as is typical of A. Joiibini. The tentacle scales are incorrectly represented in Koehler's pi. vii, fig. 49; they are as in Joubini (Fig. 16 a). Also the buccal shields are like those oi Joubini, with straight outer edge. On the whole, I have hardly any doubt but that a direct comparison will show definitely that the two species are identical; the name Joubini will then have to give way to the name polita, as the older of the two. Amphiura Belgicae, Koehler Amphiura Belgicae, Koehler, 1901. Result. Voyage 'Belgica'. Echinides et Ophiures, p. 27, pi. vii, figs. 46-8. A. Mortenseni, Koehler, 1908. Scott. Nat. Antarct. Exped. Asteries, Ophiures et Echinides, p. 604, pi. xiv, figs. 121-2. A. Mortenseni, Koehler, 1912. IP Exped. Antarct. Franfaise. Echinodermes, p. 134, pi. xii, fig. 2. A. Mortenseni, Koehler, 1922. Austral. Antarct. Exped. Echinod. Ophiuroidea, p. 31, pi. Ixxx, figs. 5-8. A.
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