Discoteuthis laciniosa

Vertical distribution

The little vertical distribution data available suggests that in Hawaiian waters D. laciniosa occupies mesopelagic depths during the day and migrates into epipelagic waters at night.

Geographical distribution

The type locality is about 40 miles NNE of Bermuda. D. laciniosa occurs throughout the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans (Nesis, 1982/87).

1. Arms

1. 1. Large arm III suckers with 10-12 low, scalloped teeth on distal margin.
2. Tentacles
   1. Dorsal series of suckers absent on distal half of club dactylus (i.e., suckers in three series near tip of club).
   2. Medial suckers on manus of club flat relative to D. discus (inner ring height ca 35% of diameter compared to 60% of diameter).
   3. Largest club suckers with numerous (50-60) minute, irregular, low, scalloped teeth around entire inner ring.
3. Head
   
   1. Beaks: Descriptions can be found here: Lower beak; upper beak.
      
      
4. Funnel
   1. Funnel locking-apparatus with V-shaped groove.
5. Mantle
   1. Flaplike papillae on free anterior margin of mantle (see drawing on below).
6. Photophores
   1. Small organ on membrane connecting arms III and IV.
   2. One small pair on ventral margin of mantle.
7. Gladius
   1. Conus present.

The smallest known specimen is a paralarva of 5mm ML (drawing). The paralarva is easily recognized by the wide separation of the fins due to the broad gladius, and by the mantle flaps. By 14 mm ML the fins virtually equal the mantle length. Mature squid are unknown.

Comments

Young and Roper (1969) were doubtful that the 5 and 9 mm ML specimens belonged to the same species. Nesis (1982/87) indicates that the mantle flaps/papillae are developed only in juveniles. Apparently the young he had seen, in contrast to the above illustrations, lacked the flaps. This suggests that there may be a variety of species that are close to D. laciniosa.