<p>Nesis and Nikitina (1986) described a new family of squids, &quot;Walvisteuthidae&quot;, based on a mature male which they named <em><strong>Walvisteuthis virilis</strong></em>. The squid was somewhat similar to onychoteuthids but it had a number of very peculiar features that caused the authors to erect the new family. The peculiar features appear to be modifications that arise at sexual maturity. <strong>&quot;<em>Onykia&quot; rancureli</em></strong> has been widely recognized as being very different from other members of this genus and several authors have suggested that a new generic name is needed (e.g., Toll, 1982; Tsuchiya and Okutani, 1991). This generic name is <em><strong>Walvisteuthis</strong></em>. </p>