398 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [188] 



Prof. GL O. Sars lias taken it, off the Norwegian coast, in 60 to 300 

 fathoms. 



It occurs both on soft muddy bottoms and on hard bottoms. Both 

 sexes often occur together, but the males are usually the most numerous. 



Males, with spermatophores escaping, have been taken, from July 27 

 to September 21, at stations 138, 161, 163, 223, &c. 



One of the specimens obtained by Mr. Agassiz is remarkable for the 

 length and slenderness of the cirrus above the eyes (Plate XLI, fig. 3). 

 This is an immature male, and does not appear to differ in any other 

 way from ordinary specimens, of similar size. The appendage of the 

 hectocotylized arm is small and not fully developed (as is always the 

 case in young males), and has an ovate-triangular form, a slightly con- 

 cave surface, and only a few transverse lamellae. 



This species resembles 0. lentus, but has a much larger and rough or 

 lacerate cirrus above the eye. The modified arm of the male is also 

 different. 



It is somewhat related to 0. Greenland icm Dewh., but the male of the 

 latter has the third right arm much longer, with the modified spoon- 

 shaped portion relatively very much smaller and quite different in form, 

 and with more numerous folds, and the basal part bears 41 to 43 suck- 

 ers ; the other arms also have more numerous suckers; the web is less 

 extensive and the body is more elongated, and appears to be smooth, 

 and destitute of the large cirri above the eyes. 



0. obesus has the spoon-shaped part of the third right arm relatively 

 larger, and several of the basal suckers of the other arms in a single 

 row. It also differs in other respects. 



Specimens of this species were kept alive for several days, in order 

 to observe its habits. Several characteristic drawings, some of which 

 are here reproduced (Plate XLI, fig. 2; PI. XLII, figs. 1, 2), were made 

 from life by Mr. J. H. Emerton, showing its different attitudes. 



When at rest it remained at the bottom of the vessel, adhering firmly 

 by some of the basal suckers of its arms, while the outer portions of the 

 arms were curled back in various positions; the body was held in a 

 nearly horizontal position, and the eyes were usually half-closed and had 

 a sleepy look ; the siphon was usually turned to one side, and was long 

 enough to be seen in a view from above. 



When disturbed, or in any way excited, the eyes opened more widely,, 

 especially at night; the body became more contracted and rounded, 

 and was held more erect: the small tubercles over its surface and the 

 larger ones above the eyes were erected, giving it a very decided ap- 

 pearance of excitement and watchfulness. 



It was rarely, if ever, observed actually to creep about by means of 

 its arms and suckers, but it would swim readily and actively, circling 

 around the pans or jars, in which it was kept, many times before resting 

 again. 



In swimming backward the' partial web connecting the arms together 



