Introduction

Species of Abraliopsis are small squids that are most easily recognized by spherical "black" photophores (usually three) at the tip of each Arm IV. The black appearance is due to black chromatophores that tightly cover the photophores but when the latter luminesce, the chromatophores withdraw from the photophores. This feature is shared with Watasenia scintillans from waters around Japan.

Brief diagnosis:

An enoploteuthid ...

• with large, black photophores at the tips of arms IV.
• with hooks of manus in two series.