Euprymna pardalota' sp. Nov. (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae), a new dumpling squid from northern Australia

Abstract

Examination of specimens of Euprymna Steenstrup, 1887 from northern Australia led to the discovery of a new species. It is described here as Euprymna pardalota sp. nov. It is distinguished from all but one other nominal species of Euprymna (E. phenax Voss, 1962) in having two rows of suckers on the arms, rather than four rows. It differs from E. phenax in a number of traits, including: the possession of large spots over most of the body, the shape of the funnel organ, the modification of the hectocotylus, and spermatophore length and structure. In addition, the discovery among the Australian Museum collection of a specimen of E. phenax, previously known only from the single male holotype, supports the validity of this taxon, which was previously described as unresolved.