Onychoteuthis

Onychoteuthis
Onychoteuthis
Onychoteuthis banksii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Coleoidea
Order: Teuthida
Suborder: Oegopsina
Family: Onychoteuthidae
Genus: Onychoteuthis
Lichtenstein, 1818
Species

See text

Onychoteuthis is a genus of squid in the family Onychoteuthidae. The type species is the Common Clubhook Squid (Onychoteuthis banksii). While the genus is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans, they can also occur in the North Pacific Ocean.

Contents

Anatomy

Head and circum-oral processes of the fore-foot. a, Neck. b, Eye. c, The eight short arms. d, Long prehensile arms, the clavate extremities of which are provided with suckers at e, and with a double row of hooks beyond at f.

Most species belonging to the genus have a mantle length of under 200 mm, however the larger members may measure over 300 mm. Bilobed photophores are found upon the surface of each eyeball. The temporary conjunction of the arms by means of the suckers enables them to act in combination. The animal has long prehensile arms, the clavate extremities of which are provided with suckers and a double row of hooks.

Species

Former species

The following four species have been reassigned to other genera.

  • Onychoteuthis fabricii now in Gonatus
  • Onychoteuthis ingens now in Onykia
  • Onychoteuthis lesueurii now in Ancistrocheirus
  • Onychoteuthis lichtensteinii now in Ancistroteuthis

External links


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