Luminous Flying Squid

Scientific name: Eucleoteuthis luminosa
Alternative name/s:
Striped squid
  • Author(s)
    Allison Runck
  • Updated
    29/09/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Eucleoteuthis
    Species
    luminosa
    Subfamily
    Ommastrephinae
    Family
    Ommastrephidae
    Super Family
    Ommastrephoidea
    Order
    Oegopsida
    Superorder
    Decapodiformes
    Subclass
    Coleoidea
    Class
    Cephalopoda
    Phylum
    Mollusca
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    Body up to 22cm.

In contrast to other ‘flying squids’ of the family Ommastrephidae, Eucleoteuthis luminosa does not appear to form schools.

Identification

Eucleoteuthis luminosa is identified by two distinct lines and paired spots of light organs on the underside of the body.

Habitat

This muscular squid occurs in the open ocean from surface waters to at least 1,000m depth.

Distribution

Large discontinuous distribution, found in sub-tropical to temperate waters of all oceans.

Feeding and diet

Like other species in the family Ommastrephidae, this squid is believed to typically rest in deep water during the day and rise to shallower areas at night to feed. This daily migration is most likely assisted by the fact this family are all muscular fast-swimming squids.

References

  • Norman, M., (2000) Cephalopods- A World Guide, ConchBooks, Germany (Hackenheim)
  • Roper, C.F.E., M.J. Sweeney & C.E. Nauen, (1984) FAO species catalogue. Vol. 3. Cephalopods of the World: An annotated and illustrated catalogue of species of interest to fisheries, FAO Fish Synopsis, 125(3): 1-277.