Walvisteuthis jeremiahin. sp. (Mollusca: Cephalopoda), an onychoteuthid squid from the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Abstract We describe an additional species in the oegopsid squid family Onychoteuthidae from the Gulf of Mexico. Although similar to Onykia rancureli Okutani (=Callimachus rancureli sensu Bolstad), the species described here differs by having fewer hooks and carpal suckers on the tentacle clubs and a wider head. In considering the generic relationships of this species, we briefly review the genera Walvisteuthis, Callimachus, and Onykia and conclude that the proper genus for this species is Walvisteuthis and that this genus is indeed an onychoteuthid rather than comprising a monogeneric family Walvisteuthidae.