This is a very distinct form, though nearer to the foregoing than to the other species. Its separation from the sub-genus [Acasta] is quite artificial; its affinity to this sub-genus is shown by its weaker shell, non-porose parietes and basis; by the radii having their sutural edges smooth, and their summits not quite square; by the carino-lateral compartments being very narrow; by the less elongated basis, not furrowed, from not clasping the branches of the Gorgonia; and by the longitudinally striated scuta; nevertheless, from the similar habits, and from the graduated structure in the five foregoing species, it cannot be removed out of the genus [Balanus]. I have seen three sets of specimens of this species.
General Appearance.—Shell, sometimes with the rostrum, and sometimes with the carina, and corresponding portions of the basal cup, elongated; but not, apparently, to so great a degree as in the foregoing species; basis not furrowed, from not clasping the branches of the Gorgonia. Colour pale blueish-purple, with the radii whiter. The surface is studded with small calcareous points. The carino-lateral compartments are very narrow, not more than one tenth of the width of the lateral compartments; they are, moreover, scarcely wider at the base than at the summit. The summits of the radii are, apparently, a little oblique, or at least not so square as in the foregoing species. The shell is not nearly so strong as in the last three species; and the compartments separate by gentle force, and from the action of caustic potash. The largest specimen was .4 of an inch in basal diameter.
Internally, the parietes are not very strongly ribbed, or they are almost smooth, and there are no pores. The basis is concave and smooth within, and is not porose. The sutural edges of the radii are quite smooth, or sometimes they exhibit, in the lower part, mere traces of septa,—a character by itself sufficient to separate this from the foregoing species. The alæ have oblique summits, and the rather narrow portion added during the diametric growth of the shell, is white.
The Scutum, externally ([6 d]), has raised striæ, radiating from the apex; valve rather thick; internally, the articular ridge is but slightly prominent, and its lower end is rounded off: the depression for the lateral depressor muscle is slight; between this depression and that for the adductor muscle, the surface of the valve is prominent. Tergum, somewhat beaked; externally, the surface is depressed in the line of the spur: the carino-basal margin slopes towards the spur.
Animal’s body unknown.
Section C.
Parietes and basis permeated by pores. Radii not permeated by pores.