Introduction

Iridoteuthis is similar in appearance to Stoloteuthis and Amphorateuthis. The genus contains two species, one of which is unnamed. The discovery of the second species has allowed us to better define the genus. Like all heteroteuthins, members of the genus are small and colorful. The best known and most distinctive species is I. iris known from Hawaiian waters.

Brief diagnosis:

A heteroteuthin with ...

• mantle broadly fused to head dorsally.
• funnel locking-apparatus having a curved groove with deep, angular pit.