Chtenopteryx

[GPO87]

These guys are distinguishable by the muscular ribbed fins present on the mantle. (Yes, it kinda looks like a comb). Number of species in this genera is disputed (possibly 3 or 4 depending on what source you look at).



Info at:
http://tolweb.org/Chtenopterygidae

 

[DWhatley]

OK, this is one ugly ... squid? (the fins would seem to almost qualify for Cuttlefish). In the photo anyway, the think looks like some kind of skeleton and threatening.

 

[GPO87]

yeah unfortunately, these lesser known squids don't have an abundance of "lovely" photos... or the ones that are nice, have watermarks embedded into them.

I totally agree though, I instantly thought that this squid looks a bit like a squid/cuttle cross.

 

[GPO87]

Crazy-awesome video alert!
So, it is believed that this is the first footage of a live Chtenopteryx species. How amazing! @DWhatley, I think you may need to retract your previous statement about it being ugly!

Thessaloniki Biology: Comb-Finned Squid

 

[DWhatley]

Comment retracted ! LOVE the stuff that they post on Nautilus Live

 

[tonmo]

404 not found

 

[GPO87]

All fixed @tonmo ! They had changed the URL to reflect the new identification of the animal. Should work now.

 

[tonmo]

VERY COOL

 

[sirreal]

spectacular!! Love the fluid motion of the fins on the mantle

 

[jeffday]

have some more footage of these guys. NOAA saw one in 2019 off blake plateau

 

[jeffday]

also turns out JAMSTEC has footage that predates the nautilus observation by six years

Chtenopteryx sicula (Swimming) | JAMSTEC E-library of Deep-sea Images

 

[tonmo]

nice find, as usual, Jeff! Thanks for sharing.