Notes on a Rare Species of Cranchiids Squid

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Other Title
  • Cranchiidaeに属するイカ類の一稀種について
  • Cranchiidae ニ ゾクスル イカルイ ノ イチ キシュ ニ ツイテ

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Abstract

A rare squid belonging to genus Galiteuthis was described. This specimen was found in. the first stomach of a sperm whale caught on June 30th, 1952 at 40°10'N, 147°10'E in the North Pacific. Comparing it with known species of the same genus, many differences were noted. Its main characters are as follows:<br> (1) Mantle not protruded posteriorly beyond the fins as described by BERRY (Plate 1 Figs. 1 and 2). (2) Fins and arms are markedly larger and firmer than those of all other species (Table 3). (3) Hand portion of tentacular club consists of 13 delicate hooks as shown in Fig. 3, which structure agrees with BERRY's description and differs much from that of JOUBINS. (4) Arrangement of suckers and pads on fixing apparatus resembles somewhat that of G. phyllura and not G. armata. (5) As regards the general structures of the membranous mantle, peculiar fins, enormously large non-stalked eyes, well-developed trabeculae and smooth horny ring of each sucker on the arms, similar to other described species.<br> Judging from above mentioned characters, the genus Galiteuthis may be divided into two forms-Pacific and Atlantic-as stated by PFEFFER for the Architeuthidae. In any case, this species not having been reported from the North Pacific except for SASAKI's description on the species from off Kamchatka, this specimen constituents a very remarkable addition, to the fauna of the waters adjacent to Japan.<br> Furthermore, the fact that this apparently deep-see squid was taken in the stomach of sperm whale, may give a suggestion as to the vertical distribution of the whale.

Journal

  • NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI

    NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI 21 (12), 1210-1214_2, 1956

    The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science

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