Onychoteuthis banksii (Leach, 1817)

Michael Vecchione, Richard E. Young, and Kotaro Tsuchiya

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Containing group: Onychoteuthis

Introduction

Onychoteuthis banksii is the type species of the genus. At one point in time this species was considered to have a circumglobal distribution. We now recognize, however, that this species represents a complex of species. No useful diagnostic information was provided in the original description, and subsequent descriptions are unreliable due to uncertainty in correct identification. As a result, this species cannot be identified at present. However, the holotype exists (British Museum) and is in fair condition so, ultimately, identification should be possible.

Characteristics

Photophores
1. Two circular intestinal photophores present. Posterior photophore 2-3 times diameter of anterior photophore.
2. Ocular photophore a long whitish patch on ventral surface of each eyeball.
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  Figure. Ventral view of the visceral photophores of O. banksii, holotype. Photograph by M. Vecchione.
Measurements of holotype
1. Mantle length - 30 mm
2. Arm lengths - All equal
3. Fin length - 18 mm
4. Fin width - 16 mm
5. Club length - 14 mm
6. Club hook numbers - 11 in ventral series, 11 in dorsal series.
7. Largest hooks - Hooks V6 and V7
8. Smallest mid-series dorsal hooks - Hooks D4 and D5

Comments

The holotype (BMNH 1986266) is in fair condition, slightly cleared and without chromatophores. The gladius and left tentacle are missing. Redescriptions of the holotype and specimens from the type locality are badly needed

Distribution

Type locality: Gulf of Guinea, eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean.

References

Leach, W.E. 1817. Synopsis of the Orders, Families, and Genera of the Class Cephalopoda. The Zoological Miscellany; being Descriptions of New or Interesting Animals, 3(30):137-141.

Title Illustrations

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Scientific Name	Onychoteuthis banksii
Specimen Condition	Dead Specimen
Type	Holotype
Image Use	This media file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License - Version 3.0.
Copyright	©

About This Page

National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D. C. , USA

Richard E. Young
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA

Tokyo University of Fisheries, Tokyo, Japan

Page: Tree of Life Onychoteuthis banksii (Leach, 1817). Authored by Michael Vecchione, Richard E. Young, and Kotaro Tsuchiya. The TEXT of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License - Version 3.0. Note that images and other media featured on this page are each governed by their own license, and they may or may not be available for reuse. Click on an image or a media link to access the media data window, which provides the relevant licensing information. For the general terms and conditions of ToL material reuse and redistribution, please see the Tree of Life Copyright Policies.

First online 23 June 2003
Content changed 09 July 2007

Citing this page:

Vecchione, Michael, Richard E. Young, and Kotaro Tsuchiya. 2007. Onychoteuthis banksii (Leach, 1817). Version 09 July 2007 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Onychoteuthis_banksii/19962/2007.07.09 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/