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Mastigoteuthis glaukopis group

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Containing group: Mastigoteuthidae

Introduction

Only one species (M. famelica) in the M. glaukopis group is well known. At present, each species is thought to occupy a different ocean: M. glaukopis- Indian Ocean; M. famelica - Pacific Ocean; M. atlantica - Atlantic Ocean.

Brief diagnosis:

Species of Mastigoteuthis ...

Characteristics

  1. Arms
    1. Arms III distinctly longer than arms I.

  2. Tentacles
    1. Little variation in sucker size over most of tentacular club.
    2. Club suckers large; reach a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm in large squid.

  3. Head
    1. Funnel pocket present.

  4. Funnel
    1. Funnel locking-apparatus ear shaped with large tragus and virtually no antitragus; posterior margin not undercut.

  5. Fins
    1. Fins slightly longer than broad (except, apparently in M. glaukopis).

  6. Tubercules
    1. Tubercules absent from integument except in paralarvae.

  7. Photophores and pigmentation
    1. Large round to oval photophore located on the anteroventral margin of each eyelid.
    2. No ocular or integumental photophores.
    3. Most pigment in closely-spaced chromatophores.
      4. Click on an image to view larger version & data in a new window
      Click on an image to view larger version & data in a new window

      Figure. Lateral view of the head of Mastigoteuthis famelica showing the size of the eyelid photophore (arrow). The rather large eyelid photophore (length ca 2.3% of ML) may be hidden by pigmentation. Photograph by R. Young.

Comments

M. glaukopis is known only from the holotype which is small (37 mm ML including tail) and has lost all trace of pigment. At present its geographical distribution is the only feature known to separate it from the other two species. M. atlantica is also poorly known, however, it has relatively large trabeculate protective membranes on the tentacular clubs which separates it from M. famelica.

Title Illustrations
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Scientific Name Mastigoteuthis glaukopis
Comments Side (top) and ventral views.
Reference Chun, C. 1910. Die Cephalopoden. Oegopsida. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Deutschen Tiefsee Expedition auf dem Dampfer "Valdivia" 1898-1899, 18(1):1-401.
View Dorsal and ventral
Size 37 mm ML
Type Holotype
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Citing this page:

Tree of Life Web Project. 2007. Mastigoteuthis glaukopis group. Version 19 November 2007 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Mastigoteuthis_glaukopis_group/65305/2007.11.19 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/

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