CEPHALOPODS. 



491 



The two best-known species of this genus inhabit the Mediter- 

 ranean. The one is Eledone moschatus, known in Italy under the 



Fig. 330. Octopus macropus (Risso). 



Fig. 331. Octopus brevipes 

 (d'Orbfcny). 



name of Muscardino, from the strong odour of musk which it emits, 

 even after death and desiccation ; the other is Eledone cirrhosus, a 

 small species, bluish-grey on 

 the back, and whitish under 

 the belly. 



The habits of Eledone mos- 

 chatus have been carefully 

 studied by M. Verany. The 

 able naturalist of Nice pre- 

 served many of these animals 

 during a month, in a great 

 aquarium, noting their habits. 

 When in a state of tranquillity, 

 the Eledone clung to the sides 

 of the glass tank in which it 

 was kept. Its head is then 

 inclined forwards, with the 

 body sac hanging behind ; the funnel, turned upwards, presents 

 the orifice between the arms. In this state the animal is yellowish 

 in colour, its eyes dilated, its inspirations regular. But if irritated, 



33~- Octopus horridus (d'Orbigny). 



