The Cuttle Fish, of which there are many different species, is a native
of all the temperate and tropical seas. Its body is, in general, of
an irregular oval shape, and of a jelly-like substance, and usually
covered with a coarse skin, having the appearance of leather. Unlike
all other inhabitants of the water which are without a backbone, the
Sepia possesses two large and brilliant eyes, covered with a hard
transparent substance.
The Cuttle Fish, figured in the engraving, is furnished in front
with eight arms or feelers, with which it grapples with its enemy,
or conveys its prey to its mouth. These arms are most curiously
constructed, and afford it ample means of defence; they possess in
themselves a strong muscular power, and this is materially assisted
by numerous cups or suckers, placed along the whole of their inner
surface, with which they fasten themselves to any object they come in
contact with. These feelers appear to be also endued with some peculiar
power, of a galvanic nature; since the pain which they inflict does not
cease for a long time after the removal of the animal, leaving a kind
of stinging sensation, like that produced by nettles, which remains for
many hours, and is followed by a troublesome irritation and itching.
[Illustration: THE CUTTLE FISH.]
[Illustration: BEAK OF A CEPHALOPOD.]
The size to which this creature grows has been variously stated; and,
although evidently exaggerated by some authors, there can be no doubt
that it attains a very considerable magnitude. When attacked in its own
element, it has been known, even in the seas of temperate latitudes,
capable of overcoming a powerful mastiff. The jaws of all this tribe
are, likewise, extremely strong, formed like the beak of a parrot, and
very hard. In addition to these means of defence, it possesses within
its body a bladder, containing an inky-coloured fluid, which it has the
power of throwing out at will, and, by thus discolouring the water, it
escapes the pursuit of its enemies. This inky liquid, when dried, forms
a very valuable colour, used by artists, and called, after the animal,
_Sepia_. The eggs of the female are of an oval form, and joined to each
other in clusters. They are of the size of filberts, of a black colour,
and commonly known by the name of _Sea Grapes_. They are found attached
to sea-weed, rocks, and other marine substances.
The Cuttle Fish generally remains with its body in some hole in a rock,
while its arms are extended in every direction, to seize the wanderer
that may chance to pass its place of ambush. Its appetite is voracious,
and it seizes as its prey every living thing that it has the power to
conquer.
The species figured in the engraving is very common on the English
coasts, and the bone which is enclosed in its body is frequently found
on the sands; it is a well-known substance, and much employed in the
manufacture of tooth-powder. This bone, which, with the exception of
the jaws, is the only solid part in the Sepia, differs in shape in
the different species, but is always somewhat oval in its form, though
varying considerably in texture.