Taonius

[GPO87]

Taonius species are found in tropiucal/ sub-tropical waters. Like other cranchiids they have very large eyes, and maintain transparent tissue into adulthood. The genus Taonius is currently though to have 3 species, most of which grow to about 30 cm mantle length. A distinguishing feature of these animal is the large cusps on the tentacle club suckers (giving them a claw-like appearance). Like some other cranchiids, Taonius are able to swivel their eyes to a forward facing position (presumably to gain a better field of vision).

(Image from Tolweb)

(Taonius borealis club - from tolweb)

 

[GPO87]

Here's a fantastic video of Taonius from MBARI

 

[tonmo]

So cool

 

[jeffday]

so JAMSTEC caught some footage of taonius borealis attempting to eat a crinoid in 2015. there was a paper too but it's in japanese. if anyone wants to read the google translated version i put together let me know and i'll post it or DM it to you.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1463600467666210818

 

[jeffday]

(also for the record not trying to fluff my own twitter stats or anything, just that for most of the footage i've attached the video inline with the tweets so you can view it here without having to click out to watch on youtube, etc)

 

[GPO87]

I read that paper! It was great! This video is wonderful.

 

[jeffday]

here's another taonius borealis, from nautilus this time: