''Mastigopsis'' is a genus 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 one single species, ''Mastigopsis hjorti''. Some teuthologists 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; however, genetic results indicate that this genus is not closely related with ''

'' but actually closer to ''

Magnoteuthis ''Magnoteuthis'' is a genus of whip-lash squid containing at least three species. Some teuthologists consider ''Idioteuthis'' or '' Mastigoteuthis'' synonymous with this taxon, but it is genetically and morphologically distinct. Species *Genus ' ...

''.

Description

''Mastigopsis hjorti'' is similar to ''

Idioteuthis cordiformis ''Idioteuthis cordiformis'' is a species of whip-lash squid found in tropical regions of the west Pacific Ocean. The species is commonly known as the 'love-heart squid' because the species name ''cordiformis'' is Latin for 'heart shaped'. Recentl ...

'' in that it has large fins, skin tubercles, no pocket between the bridles and the large dividing, protective membranes on the tentacular clubs but the main difference is that this species has photophores on its eyes. The suckers on the tentacular club are all of similar size, except for those nearest the tip. The funnel has a locking-apparatus which has an oval, slightly curved depression and towards the posterior its sides protrude having no cartilaginous fleshy projections. The fins are large and measure around 90% of the length of the

mantle A mantle is a piece of clothing, a type of cloak. Several other meanings are derived from that. Mantle may refer to: *Mantle (clothing), a cloak-like garment worn mainly by women as fashionable outerwear **Mantle (vesture), an Eastern Orthodox ve ...

. The mantle, head, funnel and the aboral surface of the arms in subadults are covered in large tubercles. There are two large circular photophores placed on the lower surface of eyeball. The maximum mantle length attained is 100 mm.

Distribution

''Mastigopsis hjorti'' has a wide distribution and is possibly a tropical-subtropical circumglobal species which ranges north as far as 40°N although the southern limits have yet to be determined. It has been recorded in the North Atlantic Ocean from the eastern parts of the Gulf of Mexico, as far north as Bermuda and the Gulf of Maine. It has also been recorded off South Africa in the eastern Atlantic, from the central Pacific Ocean and from the Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of the populations in oceans other than the Atlantic are uncertain.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q17287175 Squid Cephalopod genera Taxa named by Georg Grimpe