Pickfordiateuthis

Pickfordiateuthis is a genus of squid in the family Cranchiidae. It is a small genus containing only two species, both of which are found in the deep ocean. The genus was named after the American malacologist, Robert Pickford.

Common Names

There are no common names for the squid in the genus Pickfordiateuthis.

Characteristics

Squid in the genus Pickfordiateuthis are characterized by their small size, with the largest species reaching only 10 cm in length. They have long, slender arms and tentacles, and a distinct club-shaped mantle. Unlike many other squid species, Pickfordiateuthis have photophores, which are light-producing organs, on their mantle, arms, and tentacles.

Environments

Pickfordiateuthis squid are found in the deep ocean, typically at depths of over 1,000 meters. They are thought to be benthic, meaning they live on or near the seafloor.

Species

There are two recognized species in the genus Pickfordiateuthis:

  • Pickfordiateuthis pulchella (Pickford, 1945)
  • Pickfordiateuthis veranyi (Roper, 1969)

References

For more information about the genus Pickfordiateuthis, please consult the following references: