| Ommastrephidae | |
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| Lesser flying squid (Todaropsis eblanae) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Oegopsida |
| Superfamily: | Cranchioidea |
| Family: | Ommastrephidae Steenstrup, 1857 |
| Subfamilies | |
Illicinae | |
Ommastrephidae is afamily ofsquid containing threesubfamilies, 11genera, and over 20species. They are widely distributed globally and are extensively fished for food. One species,Todarodes pacificus, comprised around half of the world'scephalopod catch annually.[2]
Some members of Ommastrephidae are known for theirjet-propelled flight, earning them the common name of "flying squid".[3]
The ommastrephids are small to large squids, withmantle lengths ranging from that of the glass squid (Hyaloteuthis pelagica) at 9 cm (3.5 in),[4] to the Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) at 1.5 m (4.9 ft).[5] The mantle narrows towards the back and possesses large terminal fins.[6] The family is characterized by an inverted T-shaped funnel locking cartilage.[7][6] They have an easily recognizable, slender, feather-shapedgladius with a hollow cone structure (the primary conus). Light organs (photophores) are present along the head and mantle of members of the subfamilyOmmastrephinae.[7][6]
Ommastrephidarms have a double series of suckers. The enlarged tips (the clubs) of the tentacles have four rows of suckers, except in the genusIllex, which has eight. Hooks are absent. One of the ventral arms develops into a secondary sexual organ (thehectocotylus) in males.[2]
All ommastrephids are activepredators. Their arms and tentacles bear sharp teeth and are used to grasp and bring prey to their beaked mouths.[8] They are very strong swimmers, and some species are known to glide out of water to escape predators.[7]
Ommastrephidparalarvae are distinctive for having fused tentacles, looking like a single "proboscis". It gradually splits into two as the paralarvae grow becoming completely separated once they reach mantle lengths of 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 in).[7][8]
Ommastrephids usually occur inpelagic waters, but can also be found inneritic habitats.[7] They are found worldwide.[2][8]
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Ommastrephidae was first established by theDanishzoologistJapetus Steenstrup in 1857. It is classified under thesuborderOegopsina of theorderTeuthida (squids). It is divided into fivesubfamilies which are further subdivided into 11 genera and more than 20 species.
The following subfamilies, genera, and species are classified in the family Ommastrephidae:
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