Psychroteuthis glacialis explained

Psychroteuthis glacialis, the glacial squid, is the only known species in the monotypic genus Psychroteuthis, in the family Psychroteuthidae. While only one species has been confirmed, two undescribed species also probably exist. The species occurs in coastal waters near Antarctica and South America. It grows to a mantle length of 44cm (17inches).[1]

Ecology

P. glacialis is known to feed on many crustaceans, fish, lanternfish, Antarctic krill, and Antarctic silverfish, and has been known to practice cannibalism.[2] Animals known to routinely feed on glacial squid include the Antarctic petrel, light-mantled albatross, Ross seal, southern elephant seal, Weddell seal, Patagonian toothfish, wandering albatross, grey-headed albatross, the Adélie penguin, and the emperor penguin.[3]

Distribution

The squid inhabits the pelagic zone in subtropical regions. It is found in depths of 300m-1000mm (1,000feet-3,000feetm).[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Roper C.F.E., M.J. Sweeney & C.E. Nauen 1984. Cephalopods of the world. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy.
  2. http://www.cephbase.utmb.edu/preydb/prey.cfm?CephID=337 CephBase: Prey/Diet of Psychroteuthis glacialis
  3. http://www.cephbase.utmb.edu/preydb/prey.cfm?CephID=337 CephBase: Predators of Psychroteuthis glacialis
  4. Web site: Psychroteuthis glacialis, Glacial squid . 2022-03-04 . sealifebase.ca.