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Query: classification: "42.72"

AuthorS.J. Hickson
TitleFour specimens of Pteroeides Steenstrupii Kölliker collected by P. Buitendijk, Tandjong Priok 1907
JournalZoologische Mededelingen
AbstractThere are 4 specimens with the following measurements in length: specimen A. 280 mm. specimen C. 100 mm. „ B. 150 „ „ D. 90 „ The largest of these has fully developed leaves with a marginal length of about 40 mm.
In specimen B the leaves are represented by broad triangular lobes having a maximum marginal length of 5 mm.
In specimen C the leaves are also remarkably small but larger than in specimen B.
In specimen D, the smallest of the series, the leaves are still larger having a maximum marginal length of 10 mm.
It is evident, I think, that of these four specimens only one (specimen A) is normal. The others have either been injured or have undergone some pathological change.
It is difficult to understand what kind of injury the specimens could have undergone which destroyed all the leaves and left the rachis intact unless they were attacked by some carnivorous fish that had a partiality for the leaves. It is however extremely improbable that Pteroeides is preyed upon by any carnivorous animal. I have examined a very large number of specimens of the genus from different parts of the world and have never seen any injury to the leaves that could be attributed to fish bites. The only Pennatulacean that has been found in the stomach of fish is Virgularia, a genus which has no spicules in any part of the leaves or rachis; and there is no evidence that any other genus of Pennatulacea is attacked by fish or any other carnivorous animals. The
Document typearticle
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