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Containing group: Abraliopsis

Introduction

A. tui is an endemic Abraliopsis species from New Zealand and Kermadec waters. This species is a typical Abraliopsis-type having scattered photophore arrangement on the ventral mantle and head, and carpal flaps and distinct aboral keels on clubs. It resembles A. hoylei, A. pfefferi and A. pacificus. This group contains several undescribed species.

Characteristics

1. Tentacle clubs
   1. Two rows of Different-sized hooks on manus.
   2. Carpal flap and aboral keel distinct.
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2. Arms
   1. Arms IV distinctly long; ALI IV = 100-110.
   2. Arms with 17 - 23 hooks and ca.30 suckers (excl. arm IV).
3. Hectocotylus
   1. Hectocotylus with single long narrow flap along ventral margin.
   2. Modified portion with armature.
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4. Integumental Photophores
   1. Ventral mantle and head with scattered arrangement of integumental organs.

Comments

This group, with a scattered integumental photophore pattern, has few taxonomic characters but each species occupies a different watermass. They are identified by some morphometric or meristic characters such as fin length index, arm length index, hook and sucker count, etc.

Distribution

Geographical Distribution

This species is only known from New Zealand and Kermadec waters (Riddell, 1985).

References

Riddell, D.J. 1985. The Enoploteuthidae (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida) of the New Zealand region. Fisheries Reserch Bulletin (NZ), 27:1-52.