Lycoteuthis
Encyclopedia
Lycoteuthis is a genus
containing two species of squid
: Lycoteuthis springeri and Lycoteuthis lorigera
. They are small animals which grow up to 8 cm in length.
These squid live in the deep sea at depths of up to 3000 meters, making horizontal migrations within their range along the steep shelves.
Lycoteuthis are particularly characterised by their photophore
s, shining organs which give them their German name "Miracle Lamps". The photophores are located in various parts of the body, with males having them on their mantle and head. The light of these photophores results from bioluminescence
. The photophores serve as camouflage
, since the body appears almost transparent by the light effects and normally visible structures, such as the eyes, lose their sharp outline.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
containing two species of squid
Squid
Squid are cephalopods of the order Teuthida, which comprises around 300 species. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a mantle, and arms. Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms arranged in pairs and two, usually longer, tentacles...
: Lycoteuthis springeri and Lycoteuthis lorigera
Lycoteuthis lorigera
Lycoteuthis lorigera is a species of squid in the genus Lycoteuthis. They grow up to 8 cm in length....
. They are small animals which grow up to 8 cm in length.
These squid live in the deep sea at depths of up to 3000 meters, making horizontal migrations within their range along the steep shelves.
Lycoteuthis are particularly characterised by their photophore
Photophore
A photophore is a light-emitting organ which appears as luminous spots on various marine animals, including fish and cephalopods. The organ can be simple, or as complex as the human eye; equipped with lenses, shutters, color filters and reflectors...
s, shining organs which give them their German name "Miracle Lamps". The photophores are located in various parts of the body, with males having them on their mantle and head. The light of these photophores results from bioluminescence
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Its name is a hybrid word, originating from the Greek bios for "living" and the Latin lumen "light". Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring form of chemiluminescence where energy is released by a chemical reaction in...
. The photophores serve as camouflage
Camouflage
Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
, since the body appears almost transparent by the light effects and normally visible structures, such as the eyes, lose their sharp outline.