Leachia

Taxobox
name = "Leachia"


image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Cephalopoda
subclassis = Coleoidea
ordo = Teuthida
subordo = Oegopsina
familia = Cranchiidae
subfamilia = Cranchiinae
genus = "Leachia"
genus_authority = Lesueur, 1821
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Leachia cyclura"
"Leachia ellipsoptera"
"Leachia lemur"
"Leachia atlantica"
"Leachia pacifica"
"Leachia rynchophorus"

"Leachia" is a genus containing six species of glass squids. The genus is divided into two subgenera: "Leachia" and "Pyrgopsis".

Members of this genus live in tropical and sub-tropical waters worldwide. The mantle is up to 20 cm long in the largest species. The "Leachia" are characterised by the presence of two parallel ridges bearing raised cartilage spikes, which run along the underside of the body near the head. They have large round finds, which often constitute 20-30% of the entire mantle length. Like most glass squids, members of this genus possess a ring of light organs around their eyes. Bioluminescent cells produce light that cancels the shadow cast by their large eyes. Typical of cranchiid squids, juvenile "Leachia" species have stalked eyes. As they mature, females develop light organs on the ends of their third arm pairs. These are thought to be used in mating displays to attract males.

Classification

Genus "Leachia"
*Subgenus "Leachia"
**"Leachia (Leachia) cyclura"
**"Leachia (Leachia) ellipsoptera"
**"Leachia (Leachia) lemur"
*Subgenus "Pyrgopsis"
**"Leachia (Pyrgopsis) atlantica"
**"Leachia (Pyrgopsis) pacifica"
**"Leachia (Pyrgopsis) rynchophorus"

References

* Norman, M. 2000. "Cephalopods: A World Guide". Hackenheim, ConchBooks, p. 158.

External links