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Re-evaluation of Graneledone setebos (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) and allocation to the genus Megaleledone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2003

A.L. Allcock
Affiliation:
Marine Systems Research Group, School of Biology and Biochemistry, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
F.G. Hochberg
Affiliation:
Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, California 93105, USA
T.N. Stranks
Affiliation:
Division of Programs, Research & Collections, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666E, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia

Abstract

The holotype of the Antarctic octopodid Graneledone setebos was re-examined and found to lack the epidermal warts characteristic of the genus Graneledone. It is similar in its large size to another Southern Ocean species, Megaleledonesenoi. A comparative study of G. setebos and specimens attributed to M. senoi led us to conclude that M. senoi is a junior synonym of G. setebos. Although M. senoi is not valid, the genus Megaleledone can be separated from other genera by the structure of the radula (which lacks marginal plates) and we therefore consider the genus to be valid. We propose the new combination of Megaleledone setebos and have refigured the beaks and radula of the holotype herein and expanded the description. A search of museum specimens and the literature shows that Megaleledone setebos is more common in Antarctic waters than previously supposed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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