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Growth and development of Taonius megalops (Mollusca: Cephalopoda), and some phases of its life cycle
Author(s) -
Dilly P. N.,
Nixon Marion
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1976.tb03227.x
Subject(s) - mantle (geology) , biology , dorsum , mollusca , anatomy , polyplacophora , squid , transition zone , zoology , paleontology , fishery , geophysics , geology
Taonius megalops is a neutrally buoyant oceanic squid, very different in form when young and old. The young, has a round, sac‐like mantle and relatively long tentacles, while the adult has an elongated cone‐like mantle and relatively short tentacles. The transition in shape and form is gradual and has been followed in animals of between 3 and 180 mm dorsal mantle length. Statistical tests on various parameters investigated, both external and internal, revealed good correlation with the dorsal mantle length and confirmed the descriptions of the development of the chromatophores and subocular light organs with growth. It was concluded that these animals, captured in the Atlantic Ocean, all belonged to the species T. megalops Prosch 1849. This study has permitted us to suggest a tentative outline of the life cycle, although no adults were present in the material available.