Eledone schultzei explained

Eledone schultzei, the brush-tipped octopus, is a rare species of octopus.^[1] It has previously been known by other taxonomic names (synonyms) including Eledone thysanophora and Aphrodoctopus schultzei.^[2]

Distribution

It is found off the South African coast from Saldanha Bay to Table Bay in less than 10m of water.

Description

The brush-tipped octopus has a round body with eight arms and no shell. Its arms have one row of suckers. Brush-like digitate are found at the end of each of its arms, except for the hectocotylus.^[3]

Ecology

Its habits are mostly unknown, but it feeds on small crustaceans.

Notes and References

1. Branch, G.M. Griffiths, C.L. Branch, M.L. Beckley, L.E. 2000 Two Oceans: A guide to the marine life of southern Africa.
2. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Eledone schultzei (Hoyle, 1910).
3. Roper . Clyde F. E. . Mangold . Katharina M. . Octopus Schultzei (Hoyle, 1910): A Redescription with Designation of Aphrodoctopus New Genus (Cephalopoda; Octopodinae) . Bulletin of Marine Science . September 1991 . 49 . 1–2 . 59 . 27 April 2023 . 4.