Lycoteuthis

Taxobox
name = "Lycoteuthis"

---

image_caption = "Lycoteuthis lorigera"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Cephalopoda
subclassis = Coleoidea
ordo = Teuthida
subordo = Oegopsina
familia = Lycoteuthidae
genus = "Lycoteuthis"
genus_authority = Pfeffer, 1900
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Lycoteuthis lorigera"
"Lycoteuthis springeri"

"Lycoteuthis" is a genus containing two species of squid: "Lycoteuthis springeri" and "Lycoteuthis lorigera". They are small animals which grow up to 8 cm in length.

These squid live in the deep sea at depths of up to 3000 meters, making horizontal migrations within their range along the steep shelves.

"Lycoteuthis" are particularly characterised by their photophores, shining organs which give them their German name "Miracle Lamps". The photophores are located in various parts of the body, with males having them on their mantle and head. The light of these photophores results from bioluminescence. The photophores serve as camouflage, since the body appears almost transparent by the light effects and normally visible structures, such as the eyes, lose their sharp outline.

External links