They were initially rated as second-class sloops, but were later reclassified as corvettes.

A barque rig was fitted to allow easy sail handling with a relatively small crew of 180.

[1] They were fitted with a two-cylinder horizontal single-expansion steam engine (although Perseus and Reindeer received single trunk steam engines) driving a single screw.

These engines generated 200 nominal horsepower, giving a speed of approximately 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph).

April 1866, accompanied Lord John Hervey and Henry Strutt, 2nd Baron Belper on a trip to Astakos to pay ransom for their captured friend Mr Coore[3] 23 January 1875: Sold for breaking up.