OPHIURANS.
Ophiopholis. (Ophiopholis bellis Lym.)
Fig. 148. Ophiopholis, from above; natural size.
There are but two species of the ordinary forms of Ophiurans in Massachusetts Bay; the white Amphiura (Amphiura squamata Sars), with long slender arms, and the spotted Ophiopholis ([Fig. 148]), with shorter and stouter arms, and in which the disk is less compact than in the Amphiura, and not so perfectly circular. All Ophiurans are difficult to find, from their exceeding shyness; they hide themselves in the darkest crevices, and though no eye-specks have yet been detected in them, they must have some quick perception of coming danger, for at the gentlest approach they instantly draw away and shelter themselves in their snug retreats.