Whip-lash squid
Mastigoteuthis Glaukopis
The Mastigoteuthidae are a family of small deep-sea squids. There are about 20 species in two genera are known which are represented in the meso-and Bathypelagial of most oceans. Some scientists arrange the species but also as a subfamily Mastigoteuthinae in the Chiroteuthidae family.
Description
With a size of 3-15 cm mantle length most species are relatively small. The most outstanding feature is their extremely long tentacles that they can retract into pockets on her fourth ( and longest ) pair of arms, if necessary. Noteworthy also are the egg-shaped fins, which can account for up to 80 % of the mantle length in some species.
Unlike many other squid species, the species have from the family of Mastigoteuthidae not particularly broadened ends of their tentacles, which are but (sometimes even to the human eye barely perceptible) equipped with a very small suction cups. The latter have a very strong bond and are sometimes found on up to 70 % of the total tentacle length.
Many species are bioluminescent and equipped with light organs that are located either on the shell, the ends of the tentacles or the ocular surface. These organs include "lenses" of chromatophores, ie pigments cells that allow the squid to change the color of the emitted light. The coat of some species is dotted with conical or hemispherical bumps. The suction cups to the arms are provided with conical teeth are either large or are arranged on the distal side. The skin color of the species is typically a rich reddish brown.
The two types Idioteuthis tyroi and Idioteuthis cordiformis have in the early stages of development comparatively long ends to catch their tentacles.
Behavior
So far, hardly any examples of this family could be observed in their natural environment; many lessons have been learned on the basis of the captive squid. Only two species ( Idioteuthis hjorti and Mastigoteuthis magna) is known to float in a vertical position with downward head on the ocean floor. They keep doing with the help of their large fins your position. They also keep their long tentacles directed at the same distance upwards so that it has the name " tuning fork " position naturalized in professional circles. Their prey consists mostly of crustaceans of the deep sea.
Although the species possess an ink sac, which would allow them in shallower waters protection from predators, they have been observed up to now only at greater depths. In addition, the squid appears to be the ability to quickly navigate to missing using their siphons, they rely entirely on their large fins.
Species
- Genus Idioteuthis Idioteuthis cordiformis
- Idioteuthis danae
- Idioteuthis famelica
- Idioteuthis hjorti
- Idioteuthis latipinna
- Idioteuthis okutanii
- Idioteuthis tyroi
- Mastigoteuthis agassizii
- Mastigoteuthis atlantica
- Mastigoteuthis dentata
- Mastigoteuthis flammea (?)
- Mastigoteuthis glaukopsis
- Mastigoteuthis grimaldii
- Mastigoteuthis inermis
- Mastigoteuthis magna
- Mastigoteuthis psychrophila
- Mastigoteuthis Pyrodes
- Mastigoteuthis schmidti (?)
The classification of types marked with a question mark is still controversial.
Pictures
Mastigoteuthis atlantica
Mastigoteuthis flammea
Mastigoteuthis magna