''Echinoteuthis atlantica'' 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 mesopelagic and bathypelagic zone of most oceans. Originally d ...

from the

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

Mastigoteuthidae 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 ...

. It occurs in the eastern North and South Atlantic Ocean. This squid is red in colour and similar to ''

Echinoteuthis famelica ''Echinoteuthis'' is a genus of whip-lash squid containing approximately three to five species. Some teuthologists consider ''Idioteuthis'' synonymous with this taxon. The genus contains bioluminescent species. Species According to the World Re ...

'' of the Pacific but differs in having a well developed protective membrane 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 li ...

which is absent on ''E. famelica''. The presence on this membrane on ''

Echinoteuthis glaukopis ''Echinoteuthis'' is a genus of whip-lash squid containing approximately three to five species. Some teuthologists consider ''Idioteuthis'' synonymous with this taxon. The genus contains bioluminescent species. Species According to the World Re ...

'' from the Indian Ocean suggests that this may be a

synonym A synonym is a word, morpheme, or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word, morpheme, or phrase in a given language. For example, in the English language, the words ''begin'', ''start'', ''commence'', and ''initiate'' are all ...

of ''E. atlantica'', in which case ''glaukopis'' has priority. Image:Mastigoteuthis atlantica2.jpg, Oral and lateral views of arm suckers Image:Mastigoteuthis atlantica3.jpg, Oral and lateral views of club suckers Image:Mastigoteuthis atlantica4.jpg, Eyelid photophore

References

*Joubin, L. 1933. Notes préliminaires sur les Céphalopodes des croisières du Dana (1921-1922). 4e Partie. ''Annales de l'Institut Océanographique'' 13: 1-49.

External links

Tree of Life web project: ''Mastigoteuthis atlantica''
Mastigoteuthis Molluscs of the Atlantic Ocean Molluscs described in 1933 {{squid-stub