Helicocranchia pfefferi, the banded piglet squid, is a small squid of the genus Helicocranchia. Adults of this species are mesopelagic.
Physical characteristics The average size of adult H. pfefferi is in mantle length (ML). The body consists of a large funnel with small paddle-like fins. They have small tentacles above their eyes. The funnel does not have valves, but contains a dorsal pad with three papillae as organs. Paddle-shaped fins are attached to a part of the gladius. H. pfefferi has a single ocular photophore and does not have photophores at its arm tips.
Habitat
H. pfefferi can be found in subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean, and in the Pacific Ocean, though this record may represent a new species of the same genus Helicocranchia. As paralarvae (<30 mm ML), they live near the surface of the oceans, between 100 m and 200 m deep. They descend to the mesopelagic zone as they mature, but exhibit a diel vertical migration pattern.
Prey Its diet resembles that of most squid: fish, shrimp, and squid.
References
Young, R.E. & K.M. Mangold (1922-2003). 2006. Helicocranchia Massy, 1907. Version 16 July 2006 (under construction). In: The Tree of Life Web Project.
External links
Images of Helicocranchia from the SERPENT Project Blog post with much information