Species of Taonius are large squids (up to 660 mm ML) with long, slender terminal fins (as seen in the video still frame below) and hooklike teeth on largest club suckers. They are found circumglobally in the midwaters of the open ocean. An AVI format video clip of this animal is available at Cephalopods in Action.

Taonius pavo in the cockatoo position. © Michael Vecchione.

Brief diagnosis:

A taoniin ...

• with large, claw-like suckers in the medial two series on the club manus.
• with long, lanceolate, terminal fins.