Chtenopteryx sepioloides
Figure. Chtenopteryx sepioloides, P. Rancurel.
This species was described from a series of small squid (maximum size was 19 mm ML) obtained from the stomach of the lancetfish Alepisaurus ferox. In spite of its small size, the species was recognized as being distinct by the presence of a relatively broad mantle and small visceral photophore.
A Ctenopteryx ...
- with visceral and ocular photophores.
- with arm suckers in up to 4 series.
Squid were taken from the stomach of lancetfish captured at the following localities: 27°07'N, 178°16'W; 19°30'S, 133°15'W and 18°02'S, 136°17'W.
- Chubby combfin squid
- Arms
- Arms subequal with arms IV slightly the longest.
- Arms I-III with suckers in up to 4 series and about 50 transverse rows.
- Arms IV with suckers in 2 series.
- Sucker dentition unknown.
- Mantle
- Mantle width 63-77% of ML.
- Photophores
- Oval photophore on viscera small, 2.5 by 1.75 mm in a 19 mm ML squid.
- Large, ventral photogenetic patch on each eye; in small squid each patch consists of 5 lobes.
Figure. Ventral view of mantle-cavity viscera showing the small size of the visceral photophore, syntype, female, 19 mm ML. Drawing modified from Rancurel, 1970.
- Tentacular club
- Number of transverse suckers unknown.
- Fins
- Longest fin ribs are 34% of the ML.
- Radula
- Only 5 teeth present in transverse row.
Figure. Drawing of radular teeth of C. sepioloides, 14 mm ML, from Rancurel, 1970.
- Only 5 teeth present in transverse row.
- Gladius
- Gladius rhachis with triangular cross-section.
Figure. Drawing of gladius of C. sepioloides, 14 mm ML, from Rancurel, 1970.
Measurements
Table from modified from Rancurel, 1970.ML, mm
15
15
18
19
MW, % ML
66.5
77
72.5
63
Fin L, % ML
73
86.5
72
79
Head W, % ML
46.5
53.5
50
50
Arm I, % ML
40
50
ca. 50
42
Arm II, % ML
40
60
ca. 55
47.5
Arm III, % ML
46.5
60
ca. 55
45
Arm IV, % ML
60
70
ca. 55
45.5
Club L, % ML
33.5
33.4
33.4
51.6
Comments
The 5-tooth radula is probably a feature of all members of the genus as we have seen the same type in a different species from Hawaiian waters. Accessory nidamental glands could not be detected in the immature females.
Rancurel, P. 1970. Les contenus stomacuax d’Alepisaurus ferox dans le Sud-ouest Pacifique (cephalopodes). Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M., ser. Oceanogr., 8: 3-87.