The mantle of L. grimaldii is covered by a dense layer of dermal cushions. The layer ends abruptly (see arrow in photograph below) in the anterior half of the fins presumably at about the point where the muscular mantle ends.
Figure. Ventral view of mantle and fins of L. grimaldii, 86 cm ML. Photograph from Joubin (1900).
Figure. Scanning electron micrographs of the cushions of L. grimaldii and their structure, scale bar in A-C = 1 mm, in D = 0.1 mm. A - Dermal cushions in normal position on mantle with anterior cushions overlapping posterior ones. B - Cushions viewed posteriorly. C - Longitudinal section through one scale and part of another. Note the spongy appearance. D - Closer view of the spongy structure of the cushion showing numerous vacuoles. Photographs from Roper and Lu (1990).
Figure. Ventral view of L. grimaldii found floating at the surface off Bermuda. Top - Dead and damaged squid. Note the size and color. Ruler is 30 cm. Bottom left - Enlargement of above photograph across the mantle and anterior edge of the fin to show scales. Bottom right - Closer view of scales where epidermis has been rubbed off showing white color. © . Squid collected by Tim Hasselbring
