230 TEUTHIDiE. 



L. MARMORJ^., Verany. 



Body shorter and stouter than iu suhulata ; tentacular arms 

 longer ; tail not much produced. 



Plate QQQ, fig. 2. 



Loligo marmoriF, Verany, Moll. Med. vol. i. pi. 37. 

 „ media (pars) Auctorum. 



In the valuable lists of Irish cuttle-fishes published first by 

 Dr. Ball, and afterwards by Mr. W. Thompson, a distinc- 

 tion is indicated between LoUgo media and Loligo suhulata. 

 By the latter an elongated and much acuminated form is 

 intended ; by the former a shorter and stouter animal, an 

 individual of which, preserved in spirits, and taken oiF 

 Youghall, has been kindly forwarded for our examination 

 by Dr. Ball. 



This specimen agrees so well with the figures and 

 description of Loligo marmorce, given by Yerany, that we 

 do not hesitate to refer it to that species. In most 

 respects it closely resembles L. suhulata. The body, how- 

 ever, is stout and rather broad, and the lateral fins are 

 not only recurrent upon the tail, but appear to meet at its 

 extremity. The arms are short and stout ; and provided 

 with two regular rows of suckers ; the tentacular arms are 

 borne on long peduncles, which can reach to a level with 

 the middle part of the fins. The length of the body and 

 ordinary arms, taken together, is about four inches. The 

 skin appears to have been strongly dotted with purple or red. 



M. Alcide d'Orbigny maintains that the Loligo marmorat 

 is only the female of Loligo media. It is to be hoped 

 that, having directed attention to their diiterences, those 

 British naturalists who may have an opportunity of in- 

 quiring into their relations, will settle the doubt. 



