Systematics of the Mastigoteuthidae Verrill, 1881 (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida) from New Zealand waters

Abstract

Squids in the family Mastigoteuthidae Verrill, 1881 are ecologically important, being prey to many apex predators, yet the diversity and systematics of the family remain poorly understood. Mastigoteuthid taxonomy has been controversial and unstable because species in this family are rarely caught and often damaged during capture due to their delicate nature. Out of 21 named species, recent reviews have accepted eight to 17 species. A complete taxonomic review of the New Zealand mastigoteuthids is undertaken here for the first time to identify and describe locally occurring species. Six species have been identified from New Zealand waters: Mastigoteuthis cf. dentata Hoyle, 1904; Mastigoteuthis psychrophila Nesis, 1977; Idioteuthis cordiformis (Chun, 1910); Mastigopsis hjorti (Chun, 1913); Magnoteuthis osheai sp. nov.; and Echinoteuthis famelica (Berry, 1909). A full review of this family is still required; an integrative taxonomic approach will be essential because there is often low interspecific and high intraspecific morphological variation.