''Echinoteuthis'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of
whip-lash squid
The Mastigoteuthidae, also known as whip-lash squid, are a family of small deep-sea squid. Approximately 20 known species in six genera are represented, with members found in both the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zone of most oceans. Originally d ...
containing approximately three to five species. Some
teuthologist
Teuthology (from Greek , "cuttlefish, squid", and , ''-logia'') is the study of cephalopods such as octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. s consider ''
Idioteuthis
''Idioteuthis'' is a genus of whip-lash squid containing at least one species. Some teuthologists consider it synonymous with '' Mastigoteuthis'', but genetics have confirmed the placement of this genus as distinct from all other genera in this f ...
'' synonymous with this
taxon
In biology, a taxon (back-formation from ''taxonomy''; plural taxa) is a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit. Although neither is required, a taxon is usually known by a particular nam ...
.
The genus contains bioluminescent species.
Species
According to the
World Register of Marine Species
The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) is a taxonomic database that aims to provide an authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms.
Content
The content of the registry is edited and maintained by scientific specialist ...
the genus ''Echinoteuthis'' contains three species:
[
*'']Echinoteuthis atlantica
''Echinoteuthis atlantica'' is a species of whip-lash squid from the family Mastigoteuthidae. It occurs in the eastern North and South Atlantic Ocean. This squid is red in colour and similar to '' Echinoteuthis famelica'' of the Pacific but diffe ...
'' (Joubin, 1933)
*''Echinoteuthis danae
''Echinoteuthis danae'' is a species of whip-lash squid
The Mastigoteuthidae, also known as whip-lash squid, are a family of small deep-sea squid. Approximately 20 known species in six genera are represented, with members found in both the mes ...
'' Joubin, 1933
*'' Echinoteuthis famelica'' (Berry
A berry is a small, pulpy, and often edible fruit. Typically, berries are juicy, rounded, brightly colored, sweet, sour or tart, and do not have a stone or pit, although many pips or seeds may be present. Common examples are strawberries, raspb ...
, 1909)
However, the Tree of Life Project lists the following species in ''Echinoteuthis'':taxon inquirendum
In biological classification, a ''species inquirenda'' is a species of doubtful identity requiring further investigation. The use of the term in English-language biological literature dates back to at least the early nineteenth century.
The term t ...
'' and needs further study to determine if it is a valid species or a synonym.
References
External links
Squid
Cephalopod genera
Bioluminescent molluscs
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