Grimpoteuthis angularis explained

Grimpoteuthis angularis is a species of octopus in the family Grimpoteuthidae.[1] It was first described by Tristan J Verhoeff and Steve O'Shea in 2022, based on a single specimen found in New Zealand.[2]

Taxonomy

The species was given the name angularis, referring to the octopus' angled shell.[2] Verhoeff & O'Shea proposed that the common name of the species should be angle-shelled dumbo octopus.[2] This species (as well as other Grimpoteuthis) may belong in its own family, the Grimpoteuthididae.

Description and habitat

The shell of Grimpoteuthis angularis is V-shaped, notably different to other Grimpoteuthis; the relatively elongate cirri are also distinctive.[2] The holotype was discovered on the Chatham Rise to the east of New Zealand, at a depth of 628 metres.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Grimpoteuthis angularis Verhoeff & O'Shea, 2022 . 2022 . 1565821 . Marine Mollusca . 19 November 2022.
  2. Verhoeff . Tristan J . O'Shea . Steve . 2022 . New records and two new species of Grimpoteuthis (Octopoda: Cirrata: Grimpoteuthididae) from southern Australia and New Zealand . Molluscan Research . 42 . 4–30 . 10.1080/13235818.2022.2035889. 247020706 .