Systematics of the Cephalopod family Gonatidae from the southeastern Bering Sea

Abstract

The systematic relationships within the cephalopod family Gonatidae were examined utilizing specimens collected from the southeastern Bering Sea. Ten species; Gonatus onyx, Gonatus madokai, Gonatus tinro, Gonatus berryi, Gonatus pyros, Gonatus sp., Gonatus type A, Berryteuthis magister, Berryteuthis anonychus, and Gonatopsis borealis; were identified. Included in these are the identification of a probable new species, Gonatus sp., the verification of a questionable species, Gonatus tinro, and the classification of previously described but unclassified developmental stages. Morphometric characters were used for a retrogression analysis of each species' development. The developmental stages for those species found in the study area are described and illustrated in detail. The taxonomic and morphometric characters of the species are compared. Two closely allied species, Gonatus berryi and Gonatus sp. are compared and contrasted. A brief analysis of the growth and development of the genus Gonatus is also given.