Introduction

M. pyrodes is a very distinctive species and the only species of Mastigoteuthis known off Southern California, U.S.A.

Brief diagnosis:

A mastigoteuthid ...

• with numerous small but easily seen integumental photophores and a much larger photophore on each eyelid.
  
• with broad funnel locking-apparatus without antitragus and with undercut posterior margin and antitragus.
• with large club suckers (ca. 0.3 mm diam.)