The marine fauna of New Zealand: Oegopsida: Architeuthidae (Giant squid)
Förch, E.C. (1998). The marine fauna of New Zealand: Oegopsida: Architeuthidae (Giant squid). NIWA Biodiversity Memoir, 110. New Zealand Oceanographic Institute: Wellington. ISBN 0-478-08447-1. 113 pp.
Part of: New Zealand Oceanographic Institute Memoir. New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research: Wellington. ISSN 0083-7903, more
|  |
| Abstract |
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. |
|
