The marine fauna of New Zealand: cephalopoda: oegopsida: architeuthidae (Giant squid)

Incorrect ISSN.

A detailed study of 16 Architeuthis specimens obtained from New Zealand over a period of 15 years has revealed very high inter-individual variability. Each previously used taxonomic character has been measured and compared with the historical literature. Characters commonly used in other families, as well as several new characters, have also been noted and measured. New information is presented on external morphology, internal organs, diet, and distribution. Skin colours and textures have been recorded, arms and suckers have been examined in detail, and several tentacle clubs were available for study. Some food remains were identified which suggest that Architeuthis feeds mainly on mid-size deepwater fishes and a variety of smaller squid. Some crustacean fragments were also present. Trawl-caught specimens showed a preference for depths between 300 and 600 m deep, corresponding to the edge of the continental slope around New Zealand. In the process of examining which of the four Architeuthis species previously described from New Zealand best fitted the present specimens, it became necessary to examine the rationale for the erection of Architeuthis species throughout the world. Progressive scrutiny of each taxonomic character used by previous authors, in the light of variation exhibited by the present set of specimens, has resulted in the proposal that the family Architeuthidae should reduce to a single genus and species. The only defensible species is that of the earliest adequate description, Architeuthis dux Steenstrup. A revised summary description is presented, diagnosing the characters of the family and genus.