The Antarctic neosquid (Alluroteuthis antarcticus) is the only neosquid in the genus Alluroteuthis.[2] The tentacles are relatively short compared to the arms.

Antarctic neosquid
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Oegopsida
Family: Neoteuthidae
Genus: Alluroteuthis
Odhner, 1923
Species:
A. antarcticus
Binomial name
Alluroteuthis antarcticus
Odhner, 1923[2]

Nils Hjalmar Odhner, discoverer of the species, suggested that Parateuthis tunicata, discovered by Johannes Thiele in 1920, might be a young Antarctic neosquid. The validity of this suggestion is still in question. The name is derived from its habitat in the Antarctic Ocean.

Distribution

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Alluroteuthis antarcticus occurs in from depths of 0–2,800 m (epipelagic and mesopelagic waters), and paralarvae can be found in the upper 200 m (epipelagic waters).[1] Its range may be circumpolar with an Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic distribution.[3]

Ecology

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It preys upon Antarctic krill, Antarctic silverfish and other squids.[1] However, Isotopic evidence suggests a diet in prey that are likely mesopelagic zooplankton that feed on sinking organic matter.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Barratt, I. & Allcock, L. (2014). "Alluroteuthis antarctica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T163260A991014. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T163260A991014.en.
  2. ^ a b ""Alluroteuthis antarcticus"". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
  3. ^ a b Guerreiro, M.; Phillips, R.; Cherel, Y.; Ceia, F.; Alvito, P.; Rosa, R.; Xavier, J. (2015). "Habitat and trophic ecology of Southern Ocean cephalopods from stable isotope analyses" (PDF). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 530: 119–134. doi:10.3354/meps11266.