''Mastigoteuthis'' 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 at least seven valid 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
*Genus ''Mastigoteuthis''
**''
Mastigoteuthis agassizii
''Mastigoteuthis agassizii'' is a species of whip-lash squid. It is the type species of the genus.
Image:Mastigoteuthis agassizii.jpg, Oral view of a sucker from the middle of a lateral arm
Image:Mastigoteuthis agassizii2.jpg, Aboral view of a ...
''
Verrill, 1881
**''
Mastigoteuthis dentata''
Hoyle, 1904
**''
Mastigoteuthis flammea
''Mastigoteuthis flammea'' (flaming whiplash squid) 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 m ...
''
Chun, 1908
**''
Mastigoteuthis glaukopis
''Mastigoteuthis glaukopis'' 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 th ...
''
Chun, 1908
**''
Mastigoteuthis grimaldii
''Mastigoteuthis grimaldii'' is a species of whip-lash squid.
Image:Mastigoteuthis grimaldii2.jpg, Oral view of a sucker from the middle region of the arm
Image:Mastigoteuthis grimaldii3.jpg, Funnel component of funnel–mantle locking apparatu ...
''
( Joubin, 1895)
**''
Mastigoteuthis psychrophila''
Nesis, 1977
**''
Mastigoteuthis schmidti''
Degner, 1925
**''
Mastigoteuthis hastula''
* (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 ...
, 1920)
**''
Mastigoteuthis inermis
''Mastigoteuthis inermis'' 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 ...
''
* Rancurel, 1972
**''
Mastigoteuthis iselini''
* MacDonald & Clench, 1934
**''
Mastigoteuthis okutanii''
* Salcedo-Vargas, 1997
**''
Mastigoteuthis tyroi''
* Salcedo-Vargas, 1997
''
Magnapinna talismani
''Magnapinna talismani'' is a species of bigfin squid known only from a single damaged specimen. It is characterised by small white nodules present on the ventral surface of its fins. Description
The holotype of ''M. talismani'' is a specimen of ...
'' was previously placed in this genus, but is now considered a species of
bigfin squid
Bigfin squids are a group of rarely seen cephalopods with a distinctive morphology. They are placed in the genus ''Magnapinna'' and family Magnapinnidae. Although the family is known only from larval, paralarval, and juvenile specimens, some a ...
.
The taxa listed above with an asterisk (
*) are ''
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 need further study to determine if they are a valid taxon or a synonym.
References
;Notes
;Sources
*Salcedo-Vargas, M.A. 1997. Cephalopods from the Netherlands Indian Ocean Programme (NIOP) - II. Mastigoteuthid lineage and related forms. ''Beaufortia'' 47: 91-108.
External links
Tree of Life: Mastigoteuthis
Cephalopod genera
Bioluminescent molluscs
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