Descriptions of the paralarvae of two loliginid squids in southern African waters

Abstract

Morphological differences between paralarvae two loliginid squid species common in southern African waters (Loligo vulgaris reynaudii and Lolliguncula mercatoris) are described. The differences are: Loligo — cheek patches consisting four dark chromatophores, nine large dark dorsal chromatophores on the mantle, tentacular clubs broad and much wider than tentacle stalks, proximal row three club suckers with others tetraserial, suckers large enough to appear crowded on the club surface; Lolliguncula — cheek patches with three dark chromatophores, two pairs of large, dark dorsal chromatophores on the mantle, tentacular clubs narrow, proximal club suckers arranged in three pairs, suckers small, not particularly crowded. Relationships with other myopsids are briefly discussed.