''Mastigopsis'' is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...

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

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 n ...

; 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'' in that it has large fins, skin tubercles, no pocket between the bridles and the large dividing, protective membranes on the

tentacular club All cephalopods possess flexible limbs extending from their heads and surrounding their beaks. These appendages, which function as muscular hydrostats, have been variously termed arms, legs or tentacles. Description In the scientific l ...

s but the main difference is that this species has

photophores A photophore is a glandular organ that appears as luminous spots on various marine animals, including fish and cephalopods. The organ can be simple, or as complex as the human eye; equipped with lenses, shutters, color filters and reflectors, ...

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. 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 The Gulf of Mexico ( es, Golfo de México) is an ocean basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, largely surrounded by the North American continent. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United ...

, as far north as

Bermuda ) , anthem = "God Save the King" , song_type = National song , song = "Hail to Bermuda" , image_map = , map_caption = , image_map2 = , mapsize2 = , map_caption2 = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = , es ...

and the

Gulf of Maine , image = , alt = , caption = , image_bathymetry = GulfofMaine2.jpg , alt_bathymetry = , caption_bathymetry = Major features of the Gulf of Maine , location = Northeast coast of the ...

. 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