Ancistrocheirus

Ancistrocheirus lesueurii, the sharpear enope squid, is the only species in the genus Ancistrocheirus and family Ancistrocheiridae. With a mantle length of Template:Convert, this moderately sized squid may be found throughout the tropical and subtropical oceans. They tend to be found at mesopelagic depths (Template:Convert down).

Although only one species is recognized, some have suggested more than one species may exist due to differences in the paralarval morphology. Paralarva is the first free-living stage for cephalopods.

Characteristics

The buccal crown of the sharpear enope squid is heavily pigmented. The squid has no vesicles. There are hooks on all its arms. The suckers are absent from its manus and the squid's dactylus is reduced.

Photophores

Photophores occur throughout its body. Large photophores are present on its head, funnel, base of arms, and tentacular stalk. Other photophores are present on the ventral surface of its mantle (usually 22), with numerous very small photophores on its head, funnel, base of arms II and tentacular stalk. Mature males have large photophores on tips of arms IV opposite the mouth. Mature females have photophores on tips of their dorsal six arms. The number of large photopores on the squid's mantle increases as it matures.

Ecology

They are eaten by the sperm whale in Southeast Asia and the Galapagos waters

References

• Tree of Life web project: Ancistrocheirus lesueurii
• ITIS entry