Animal Species:Spongetip Octopus - Eledone palari
Nothing is known of the behaviour of these mysterious species as none are known to have ever been observed live.
Identification
The skin of the Spongetip Octopus is gelatinous, and their arms have deep webs and a single row of suckers. Their common name is derived from spongy tips found in the arms of mature males, which are thought to play some role in reproductive behaviour. Eledone palari has an ink sac and no fins on the mantle.
Size range
Males mature at 30mm mantle length and females at 60mm mantle length.
Distribution
Indonesian and Australian waters.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Eledona palari specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Eledona palari is a benthic octopus found at depths of between 200 and 600m.
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is thought females produce large eggs, up to 15mm long.
Classification
- Species:
- · palari
- Genus:
- · Eledone
- Family:
- Octopodidae
- Order:
- Octopoda
- Subclass:
- Coleoidea
- Class:
- Cephalopoda
- Phylum:
- Mollusca
References
Norman, M., (2000) Cephalopods- A World Guide, ConchBooks, Germany (Hackenheim)
Lu,C.C., & T.N.Stranks (1991) Eledone Palari, A new species of octopus (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) from Australia, Bulletin of Marine Science, 49(1-2): 73-87.
Allison Runck
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