Abraliopsis hoylei (Pfeffer 1884)

Introduction

A. hoylei is the type species of the genus. This species was first described from, apparently, the Mascarene Islands (Pfeffer, 1912), western Indian Ocean. It is known from a single female specimen. Other records cannot be relied on as the number of new and unknown species makes earlier identifications questionable.

Characteristics

Figure. Oral view of tentacular club
of A. hoylei. Drawing from Pfeffer (1912).

1. Tentacle clubs
   1. Large ventral hooks of manus about 3 times height of counterparts of dorsal series (judging from drawing).Text states "Due to its strong dehydration, the distal part of the club cannot be well described." (Pfeffer, 1912)
      
   2. Carpal flap absent (?); aboral keel present (judging from drawing).
      
      
2. Arms
   1. Arms IV modelate in lenght; ALI IV = ca.75.
   2. Arms each with 19 - 21 hooks; arm III with 27 suckers total in two series; largest suckers with "pointed denticles on the upper edge."
      
3. Hectocotylus
   1. Hectocotylus not known.
      
      
4. Integumental Photophores

   Pfeffer (1912) describes the photophores in detail based mostly on the arrangement of "large" photophores. We interpret his description as indicating the presence of the following ventral head photophores:
   

   1. Median head series.
   2. Mediolateral head series.
   3. Lateral head series.
      
   
   
   
   

   Figure. Ventral view of A. hoylei showing assumed
   arrangement of ventral head, arms and mantle photophores
   (red lines), based on Pfeffer's description and the illustration. Drawing modified from Pfeffer (1912).
   

5. Also mentioned: First lateral series, second lateral series (head); median mantle sector in posterior 2/3 of mantle, angle mantle series.

Comments

Taxonomic status of this species is unclear. IF our interpretation of the photophore arrangements are correct, A. hoylei may not belong in the subgenus Abraliopsis, neither does the pattern fit any other known species of the genus. This suggests that our interpretation is incorrect. Unfortunately the type specimen is no longer extant. Specimens are needed from the presumed type locality.

Distribution

Geographical Distribution

References

Pfeffer, G. 1912. Die Cephalopoden der Plankton-Expedition. Zugleich eine monographische ubersicht der Oegopsiden Cephalopoden. Ergebnisse der Plankton-Expedition der Humboldt-stiftung, 2:1-815