H. atlantica has a circumglobal distribution in southern waters and reaches a size of, at least, 258 mm ML.

1. Photophores
   1. Large, compound photophores with posteriorly directed reflectors (see black arrows in photograph to the right).
   2. Arms IV with 4 longitudinal series on arm base (dorsal series with organs of mixed sizes).
   3. Terminal third of each arm I-III with row of large, elliptical, darkly pigmented, simple organs.


Figure. Ventral view of an anterior segment of the ventral mantle of H. atlantica, 57 mm ML, 48°S, 145°E, USNM cat. no. 814656. Black arrows point to the Posterior reflector of large photophores; white arrows point to small photophores. Photograph by R. Young.

Comments

More details of the description can be found here.

Species of the reversa-group are distinguished by the following characters:

1. Compound photophores
   1. Large and small photophores intermixed on ventral surface of mantle .
   2. 18 photophores (17 large and 1 small) around right eyelid.
2. Beak
   1. Weakly developed median ridge on each lateral wall.
3. Tubercles
   1. Absent.

This species is most easily separated from other members of the reversa group by (1) the arrangement of photophores on arms IV (H. reversa - 4 series, dorsal one with all small organs; H. eltaninae - 3 series), (2) the absence of specialized arm-tip photophores in H. eltaninae and H. reversa.

The posteriorly directed reflectors are also known in H. reversa, but the condition in H. eltaninae is unknown. With the exception of information on the posterior reflectors of the compound photophores, the above information is from Voss (1969).

New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, Southern Hemisphere

Geographical distribution

Histioteuthis atlantica exhibits a circumglobal southern distribution. Its distribution strongly overlaps with the more southern distribution of its close relative H. eltaninae. Histioteuthis atlantica is regularly found over ocean basins, shelf and plateau areas. (Voss, et al., 1998)

epi-bathypelagic

Known from seamounts and knolls

Depth range based on 40 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 39 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 23 - 3316
  Temperature range (°C): 1.059 - 15.850
  Nitrate (umol/L): 3.633 - 37.769
  Salinity (PPS): 34.231 - 35.376
  Oxygen (ml/l): 3.278 - 6.454
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.415 - 2.580
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.337 - 112.977

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 23 - 3316

Temperature range (°C): 1.059 - 15.850

Nitrate (umol/L): 3.633 - 37.769

Salinity (PPS): 34.231 - 35.376

Oxygen (ml/l): 3.278 - 6.454

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.415 - 2.580

Silicate (umol/l): 2.337 - 112.977
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Numerous small, darkly pigmented, simple photophores on the posterior region of the mantle only appear at maturity. The number and density of the photophores increases with size of the squid. Mature females are unknown. (Voss, et al., 1998)

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