ON EGGS AND EMBRYOS OF CIRROMORPH OCTOPODS

Abstract

Six eggs and embryos of cirromorph octopods from different parts of the world are described. Differences in egg size and structure suggest that these specimens belong to at least five different species, none of which can be identified now. One differs markedly from all the others by having a large space filled with gelatinous material between the chorion and the outer, rigid egg case. The body shape of the embryo in this specimen is also distinctive. Only clearly recognizable embryos, all at advanced embryonic stages, have been taken into account. Features common to all specimens are described and discussed.