''Taningia'' 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 ...

squid True squid are molluscs with an elongated soft body, large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles in the superorder Decapodiformes, though many other molluscs within the broader Neocoleoidea are also called squid despite not strictly fitting t ...

in the family

Octopoteuthidae The Octopoteuthidae are a family of squid comprising two genera. The family is characterized by tentacles which cease to grow after the paralarval stage, and the use of a penis, instead of a hectocotylus A hectocotylus (plural: ''hectocotyli' ...

. For over 150 years, it has been believed to comprise a single species known as ''

Taningia danae ''Taningia danae'', the Dana octopus squid, is a species of squid in the family Octopoteuthidae. It is one of the largest known squid species, reaching a mantle length of and total length of . The largest known specimen, a mature female, weig ...

.'' Recently it has been shown to contain at least two new species ('' T. fimbria'', ''T. rubea''). Another species, ''

Taningia persica ''Taningia persica'' is a species of squid in the family Octopoteuthidae. Its validity has been questioned. The description of ''Taningia persica'' is based on a paralarva of ''Taningia'' (4.7 mm ML) from the Gulf of Aden, presumably ''Tani ...

'', has historically been referred to but has been questioned. This genus is named after

Danish Danish may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to the country of Denmark People * A national or citizen of Denmark, also called a "Dane," see Demographics of Denmark * Culture of Denmark * Danish people or Danes, people with a Danish ance ...

fisheries Fishery can mean either the enterprise of raising or harvesting fish and other aquatic life; or more commonly, the site where such enterprise takes place ( a.k.a. fishing ground). Commercial fisheries include wild fisheries and fish farms, both ...

biologist Åge Vedel Tåning (1890-1958). Taningia danae5

References

External links

Tree of Life web project: ''Taningia''
Squid Cephalopod genera Bioluminescent molluscs {{Squid-stub