REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [140] 
broader than long in adult specimens. The ratio of the breadth of the 
fin to the mantle-length in the larger specimens (with mantle 150™™ to 
225" Jong) is, in the males, from 1: 1.75 to 1: 2.00, while in L. Pealet, 
of corresponding size, the ratio is 1: 2.15 to 1: 2.30; in the females of 
var. pallida, of similar size, the ratio varies from 1: 1.45 to 1: 1.75 (see 
Tables F, G). Tentacular arms long and slender, varying in length ac- 
cording to the amount of contraction, in extension longer than ‘the body, 
the club or portion that bears suckers forming about one-third the whole 
length. In a few males the larger suckers on the middle of this portion 
are not so large as the largest on the lateral arms, but usually they are 
twice as large. In some females the principal suckers of the tentacular 
arms are very much larger than in others, and considerably exceed those 
of the males of equal length; they form two alternating rows, of eight 
to ten each, along the middle of the club; external to them there is a 
row of smaller suckers alternating with them on each side; the suckers 
toward the tips are very numerous, small, and crowded in four rows; at 
the tip there is a group of about twenty minute, smooth-edged suckers, 
in four rows. Outside of the suckers, on each side, there is a broad 
marginal membrane, having the edges scalloped, and strengthened be- 
tween the scallops by strong transverse muscular ridges; another mem- 
branous fold runs along the back side, expanding into a broad mem- 
branous keel or crest near the end. The arms of the ventral pair are 
intermediate in length between those of the second and third pairs. 
Ground-color of the body, head, arms, and fins pale, translucent 
yellowish white; the upper surface is covered with pale brown, unequal, 
circular spots, which are not crowded, having spaces of whitish between / 
them; the spots are more sparse on the head and arms, but somewhat 
clustered. above the eyes; entire ventral surface pale, with small, dis- 
tant, brownish, circular spots, which are nearly obsolete on the siphon 
and arms. The general appearance of the animal, when fresh, is un- 
usually pale and gelatinous. The pen is broad, quill-shaped, translucent, 
and amber-colored. 
A medium-sized male specimen, recently preserved in alcohol, meas- 
ured 145" from the base of the dorsal arms to the posterior end of the 
' body; length of body, 120™; length of caudal fin, 70™™; breadth of 
fin, 75"; length of first pair of arms, 42™"; of second pair, 50™™; of 
third, 60™"; of ventral pair, 53"; of tentacular arms, 150™™, (For 
other measurements, see Tables B to E.) 
Astoria, Long Island, Nov. 16 and Dee. 7, 1871 (Robert Benner). 
This form has been received hitherto only from the western part of 
Long Island Sound, where it is abundant with the schools of menhaden, 
on which it feeds. 
Reproduction of lost parts. 
I have observed in this species, as well as in Ommastrephes illecebrosus, 
numerous instances in which some of the suckers have been torn off and . 
