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Containing group: Enoploteuthis

Introduction

Enoploteuthis chuni is a mesopelagic boundary species associated with the shelf waters of Japan and adjacent waters (Tsuchiya, 1993; Young, 1995).

Characteristics

1. Tentacle
   1. Tentacle long, with distinct club.
   2. Carpal cluster oval.
   3. Two rows of different-sized hooks on manus.
   4. Four rows of suckers on dactylus.
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2. Hectocotylus
   1. Hectocotylus with two subequal-sized offset flaps.
   2. Modified portion without armature.
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3. Integumental Photophores
   1. Ventral mantle with six longitudinal stripes of integumental organs anteriorly but become diffused posteriorly.
   2. Ventral head with three longitudinal stripes of integumental organs.
   3. Ventral side of arm III with a series of organs on almost entire arm length along the base of aboral keel.

Life history

Spawning

In the Japan Sea, it was estimated that a female spawns about 5,500-13,000 eggs in summer.

Eggs

Eggs are oval, weakly greenish tint.

Distribution

Vertical distribution

Geographical distribution

This species seems to be a mesopelagic boundary species associated with continental or island shelves (Tsuchiya, 1993; Young, 1995). It is distributed from off the Philippines, East China Sea, Japanese coast of Japan Sea, Kuroshio-Oyashio transition zone to near Hawaiian waters.

References

Tsuchiya, K. 1993.

Young, R.E. 1995. Aspects of the natural history of pelagic cephalopods of the Hawaiian mesopelagic-boundary region. Pacific Science, 49:143-155.