On the first record of the genus Octopoteuthis (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) in the Sardinian Channel (central western Mediterranean Sea)

CUCCU, DANILA;CANNAS, RITA;MEREU, MARCO;FOLLESA, MARIA CRISTINA;Jereb P;CAU, ANGELO

2013-01-01

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Abstract

A specimen of the rare squid genus Octopoteuthis (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from 1600m in the Sardinian Channel (central western Mediterranean) is described. Meristic and morphological data are provided. The specimen was a spent female and details of the reproductive system and implanted spermatangia are reported. Genetic analysis of this specimen and comparison with those available for species in this genus were carried out. Due to issues associated with the taxonomy of the genus Octopoteuthis, it was not possible to identify the specimen to the species level. The taxonomy of the genus is discussed.