Chiroteuthids are small to medium in size (up to 78 cm ML), rather gelatinous, slow moving, deep-sea squids usually with elongate necks and slender bodies. Considerable morphological differences exist among genera, three of which in the past were placed in separate families. However, they all share a very distinctive paralarva known as the doratopsis stage. Members of the family have numerous chambers in the arms, head and mantle filled with a light-weight fluid, ammonium cloride, that provides near-neutral buoyancy for the squids. Most species have extremely long, slender tentacles.

Diagnosis

Member of the chiroteuthid families ...

• with a doratopsis paralarva.
• with a "decorated" tail.