Galiteuthis phyllura Berry 1911

Introduction

This may be the largest species of Galiteuthis if it reaches a length of 2.7 m ML as Nesis (1982) thinks. G. phyllura has been observed repeatedly by underwater vehicles. Hunt (1996) describes a behavior observed by an ROV that may be typical of many cranchiids. When disturbed, this squid hyperinflates the mantle with water and releases ink inside the mantle cavity. It thereby transforms itself from a nearly transparent squid into a very dark one.

Characteristics

image info

Figure. Ventral view of cartilage with tubercules at funnel-mantle fusion, G. phyllura, 173 mm GL. Drawing from Young (1972).

1. Photophores
   1. Medial (near lens) ocular photophore bar-shaped.
      
      
2. Tubercules at fused locking apparatuses
   1. At mantle-funnel fusion: 2-4 small, conical tubercules.
   2. At mantle-nuchal fusion: none.

Comments

Additional features of the description can be found here.

Nomenclature

Galiteuthis beringiana (Sasaki, 1920)is a junior synonym of this species (Nesis, 1982).

Life History

Figure. Growth stages of G. phyllura, ventral views. A - 170 mm GL. B - 33 mm GL. C - 79 mm GL. D - 13 mm GL. Note characteristic elongate chromatophores at anterior end of mantle. Drawings of life history stages from Young, 1972.

Distribution

Geographical distribution

The type locality is Monterey Bay, California (temperate eastern North Pacific). Its distribution extends from off Baja California to the Bering Sea to off northern Japan (Nesis, 1982).

References

Hunt, J. C. 1996. The behavior and ecology of midwater cephalopods from Monterey Bay: Submersible and laboratory observations. Ph. D. Dissertation, Univ. Calif. Los Angeles. 231 pp.

Young, R. E. 1972. The systematics and areal distribution of pelagic cephalopods from the seas off Southern California. Smithson. Contr. Zool., 97: 1-159.