Pyroteuthis addolux

Pyroteuthis addolux
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Coleoidea
Order: Teuthida
Suborder: Oegopsina
Family: Pyroteuthidae
Genus: Pyroteuthis
Species: P. addolux
Binomial name
Pyroteuthis addolux
Young, 1972

Pyroteuthis addolux is a species of squid in the family Pyroteuthidae. It is distinguished from other members of the genus Pyroteuthis by the shape of photophores on the tentacles and the shape of the hectocotylus. The hectocotylus is located on arm IV, containing 10 proximity hooks, and six to 15 suckers at the tip. P. addolux ranges from south of the Hawaiian Islands, to the subantarctic boundary. They exhibit minor geographical variance, as southern specimens are slightly smaller than their northern counterparts. P. addolux is the only member of the genus to occur in the North Pacific, but additional members of the family Pyroteuthidae have also been found.[1] The species has been observed using bioluminescence to reduce its silhouette in dim surrounding light.

References

  1. Richard Brodeur and Orio Yamamura. 2005. MICRONEKTON OF THE NORTH PACIFIC, North Pacific Marine Science Organisation (PICES): pg21.