Fig. 354. Developmental stages of Larvæ, Astroides calycularis, × 40.
Another massive coral, the Astroides calycularis, has a different mode of growth, the tubes not being fused together. When seen standing out these yellowish-red polyps have been mistaken for small anemones. The larvæ of this coral leave the egg while still in the large chambered body cavity of the parent, where they swim about for a time, till they escape through the mouth. They are worm-like in form, and swim by means of cilia, which are thicker at the foremost end. The mouth first appears after leaving the parent, but as they soon become exhausted by the effort they assume a contracted form, and attach themselves, as do anemones, by pressing the thicker end of the body against a rock, the whole contracting into a thick round disc, while longitudinal furrows become visible at the upper part where the mouth sinks in. At the end of these furrows twelve tentacles appear. The accompanying illustration shows the various stages through which the larvæ pass in rapid succession ([Fig. 354]); at the same time it has already commenced to secrete its calcareous skeleton. This is not formed as a connected whole but from a number of separate centres of secretion formed between the polyp and the substance to which it has attached itself, and which become gradually fused into a perfect skeleton. A section of the polyp at this stage forms an interesting microscopical object.
The so-called eight-rayed corals consist of the one genus Tubipora, the members of which are few in number and not varied in form (Fig. 358, No. 10). In the structure, however, of skeletons they are unique among extant corals. Each individual secretes a smooth-walled tube without calcification of the vertical septa. These tubes, like the pipes of an organ, stand almost parallel, and are united to form a stock by means of transverse platforms. The formation of buds does not appear to take place in this family.
Another of the eight-rayed corals is Gorgoniidæ. These are permanently fixed to the spot on which they are found, and form a bush-like growth, giving no idea of the living coral, as it rises in graceful branching colonies, in deep water, and represents a portion of Gorgonia nobilis with polyps expanded (Figs. 344 and 358, No. 9).
Other corals present numerous other departures from the types we have been considering, but so far modified in form as that of the Sea-pen, Veretillum ([Fig. 355]), the stock part of which is surrounded by polyps continued down a portion of the cylindrical stalk. The best known of the species is Pennatula phosphorea of the Mediterranean.
Fig. 355.
1. Pennatula phosphorea; 2. Synapta chirodata; 3. Anchor-shaped spiculum and plate from the ectoderm of same.
Pennatulidæ.—This family derives its name from penna, a quill. Their spicula also resemble a penholder in appearance, shown in [Fig. 358], No. 3. The polyps are without colour, provided with eight rather long retractile tentacula, beautifully ciliated on the inner aspect with two series of short processes, and strengthened by these crystalline spicula, a row being carried up the stalk, together with a series of ciliated processes. The mouth, occupying the centre of the tentacula, is somewhat angular. The ova lie between the membranous part of the pinnæ; these are globular, of a yellowish colour, and by pressure can be made to pass through the mouth. Dr. Grant wrote:—“A more singular and beautiful spectacle could scarcely be conceived than that of a deep purple Pennatula phosphorea, with all its delicate transparent polyps expanded and emitting their usual brilliant phosphorescent light, sailing through the still and dark abyss, by the regular and synchronous pulsations of the minute fringed arms of the polyps.”