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Cirrina
Temporal range: Santonian–present
Oral view of Cirrothauma murrayi showing single row of suckers and paired cirri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Suborder: Cirrina
Grimpe, 1916 sensu Felley et al., 2001
Families

Opisthoteuthidae
Grimpoteuthidae
Cirroteuthidae
Stauroteuthidae
Cirroctopodidae

Synonyms
  • Cirrata
    Grimpe, 1916
  • Cirroctopoda
    Young, 1989

Cirrina or Cirrata is a suborder and one of the two main divisions of octopuses. Cirrate octopuses have a small, internal shell and two fins on their head, while their sister suborder Incirrina has neither. The fins of cirrate octopods are associated with a unique cartilage-like shell in a shell sac. In cross-section, the fins have distinct proximal and distal regions, both of which are covered by a thin surface sheath of muscle.

The suborder is named for small, cilia-like strands (cirri) on the arms of the octopus, a pair for each sucker. These are thought to play some role in feeding, perhaps by creating currents of water that help bring food closer to the beak. Cirrate octopuses are noteworthy for lacking ink sacs, having reduced or absent radula, and reduced gills.[1]

The oldest known member of the group is Paleocirroteuthis from the Late Cretaceous of Japan and Canada.[2]

There is not much data about cirrate octopods due to their fragility, making them particularly prone to becoming damaged when captured for sampling.

Phylogeny

[edit]

A molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA marker sequences by Sanchez et al., 2018, shows that the Cirrina is paraphyletic, i.e. it is not a single clade. Instead, a clade containing Opisthoteuthidae and Cirroctopodidae is sister to the Octopodida, while a clade containing Cirroteuthidae and Stauroteuthidae is sister to the clade that contains those other groups.[3] However, subsequent studies, using a greater coverage of species and genes, have found Cirrata and Incirrata to be monophyletic clades,[4] consistent with earlier morphological and molecular studies.[5][6]

Locomotion and feeding

[edit]

Cirrina octopods swim by a combination of fin action and medusoid propulsion.[7] This mode of locomotion differs from other octopods that primarily rely on jet propulsion, which is less effective in cirrates.[7] In cross-section, the fins have distinct proximal and distal regions, both covered by a thin muscle sheath.[7] The distal region has dorsal and ventral muscle layers similar to those in decapod fins. In the proximal region, the fin cartilage forms a flat central core, providing skeletal support for muscle attachment.[7] Limited data on the stomach contents of cirrate octopods indicate a diet primarily consisting of Crustacea and Polychaeta.[7]

The cirri, relatively long in Cirroteuthis with reduced musculature, may be used to scan seafloor for prey during feeding and to capture prey.[7] Reports on Stauroteuthis syrtensis suggest it consumes copepods and employs a hunting strategy that involves trapping prey in a muccous web produced by buccal secretory glands.

Reproduction

[edit]

It is currently unknown how long female cirrate octopus are able to retain sperm. It is believed that female cirrina octopods produce eggs for the majority of their lifespan.[8] Based on captured samples, scientists have been able to determine that female cirrina store a large amount of eggs, which vary in size and developmental stages.[9] They release mature eggs one or two at a time, with the pre-mature eggs remaining attached to the ovary by a follicular sheath.[10]

Cirrate octopods produce eggs which are different from Incirrates. For example, dumbo octopuses (Grimpoteuthis) lay their eggs one at a time. According to Ziegler,[11] there are not enough egg specimens to draw conclusions about cirrate octopod development. Currently, microscopical data gathered from egg specimens are only enough to support inferences. It is believed that the eggs of species found in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones are substantially different from eggs of species found in the epipelagic and bathypelagic zones.[12]

Classification

[edit]

The family level clades recognized within Cirrina has changed over time. Currently five families are recognized by the World Register of Marine Species allocated to two superfamily level clades, Superfamily Cirroteuthoidea (Cirroteuthidae, Stauroteuthidae) and Superfamily Opisthoteuthoidea (Opisthoteuthidae, Grimpoteuthidae, and Cirroctopodidae),[13] with these groups also recognized in recent molecular work.[4][14]

The family Opisthoteuthidae are primarily found in benthic regions of the sea, whereas Grimpoteuthidae and Cirroctopodidae reside in the benthopelagic regions. Lastly, the Cirroteuthidae family can be found in the pelagic region near the seafloor.[15]

The families Cirroteuthidae and Stauroteuthidae have been problematic, while they are distinct morphologically, molecular studies using mitochondrial genes revealed a single family (Stauroteuthidae being synonymized under Cirroteuthidae),[5] but more recent analysis using nuclear genes does show separation.[4] The family Grimpoteuthidae has also at times been synonymized under Opisthoteuthidae but is currently well supported.[5][16][4][17][18]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Cirrina

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from Grokipedia
Cirrata, also known as cirrate or finned octopuses, is a suborder of the order Octopoda within the class , characterized by their distinctive paired fins located above the eyes, semi-gelatinous bodies, and the presence of cirri—slender, fleshy papillae alternating with suckers on their arms. Unlike incirrate octopuses, cirrates lack an and possess a small, U-shaped internal shell, adapting them primarily to deep-sea life. They are exclusively marine and represent a primitive lineage among octopods, with approximately 50 described species (as of 2025) distributed across four families: , Grimpoteuthidae, Opisthoteuthidae, and Stauroteuthidae. These octopuses inhabit the deep ocean globally, from bathyal depths of approximately 500 meters to abyssal zones exceeding 7,000 meters, with notable concentrations in regions like the , North Pacific, and . Their gelatinous mantle and large, ear-like enable efficient swimming through gentle flapping or undulation, often resembling "" octopuses due to the fin placement. Cirrates exhibit a well-developed interbrachial connecting their eight subequal arms, which aids in prey envelopment, and they employ a combination of fin , jetting, and crawling for locomotion. Biologically, cirrate octopuses are adapted to low-oxygen, high-pressure environments, featuring compact gills with broad lamellae and a for feeding on small benthic such as crustaceans and polychaetes. Observations reveal complex behaviors, including vertical migrations between pelagic and benthic zones to forage, which links surface productivity to deep-sea food webs. Reproduction involves gelatinous eggs laid in clusters, with hatchlings displaying similar morphology, though embryonic development remains poorly understood due to their remote habitats. Their elusive nature has historically limited study, but recent observations and molecular analyses, including new descriptions as of 2025, continue to uncover their diversity and ecological roles.

Taxonomy and Evolution

Phylogeny

Cirrina, also referred to as Cirrata, is a suborder within the order Octopoda of mollusks, distinguished by the possession of paired fins, cirri along the oral surfaces of the arm suckers, and a small internal shell, in contrast to the finless, cirrus-lacking suborder. This division represents one of the two primary lineages of octopuses, with Cirrina typically adapted to deep-sea environments. Morphological evidence strongly supports the monophyly of Cirrina through several synapomorphies, including the presence of cirri—fleshy, paired projections adjacent to each sucker on the arms—the internal shell featuring a central os that supports the fins, and the paired, undulating fins themselves, which are unique among octopods. These traits collectively differentiate Cirrina from other s and underscore their evolutionary cohesion. Molecular phylogenetic studies have refined the evolutionary relationships of Cirrina, initially revealing conflicts in its monophyly. For instance, a genus-level analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers indicated that Cirrina may be paraphyletic, with some lineages nesting outside expected boundaries. Subsequent multi-locus phylogenomic approaches, however, have resolved these issues, confirming Cirrina as a clade sister to within Octopoda. Debates persist regarding the deeper placement of Cirrina within , with earlier hypotheses suggesting a basal position relative to based on limited molecular data. Recent comprehensive genomic evidence, however, firmly establishes Cirrina's position as the sister group to , forming the monophyletic Octopoda alongside Vampyromorpha in some analyses, thus clarifying its evolutionary history within cephalopods.

Fossil Record

The fossil record of Cirrina is notably sparse, primarily due to the fragile, gelatinous bodies of these deep-sea octopods, which have low preservational potential compared to shelled cephalopods like ammonites or belemnites. Known fossils are limited to exceptional lagerstätten with conditions favoring soft-tissue preservation, such as marine concretions or fine-grained sediments from the . This scarcity underscores the challenges in reconstructing their evolutionary history, with most evidence derived from isolated hard parts like jaws or rare body impressions. The oldest known cirrate octopod is represented by the genus Paleocirroteuthis, first described from the Santonian stage of the (~85 million years ago). Fossils of P. haggarti and P. pacifica have been recovered from Santonian-Campanian deposits in Hokkaido, , and Vancouver Island, , in North Pacific regions. These jaw fossils exhibit morphology indicative of cirrate octopods, consistent with the presence of paired fins supported by an internal shell and oral cirri along the arms, with the jaws composed of , indicating a body size comparable to modern cirrates. The presence of Paleocirroteuthis in the fossil record suggests that Cirrina had diverged from incirrate octopods much earlier in the era, likely adapting to deep-sea environments well before the end-Cretaceous mass . This timeline implies cirrates occupied bathyal to abyssal niches during a period when other cephalopods, such as ammonites, dominated shallower waters, potentially positioning cirrates to expand into vacated deep-sea habitats following the extinction of ammonites and other groups at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Significant gaps persist in the cirrate fossil record, with no confirmed specimens predating the , which limits insights into their origins and early diversification. Future discoveries may emerge from lagerstätten known for exceptional soft-tissue preservation, such as the Santana Formation in , where conditions could favor the fossilization of delicate cirrate structures like fins and cirri.

Physical Characteristics

General Anatomy

Cirrina, also known as cirrate octopods, exhibit a distinctive semi-gelatinous body plan adapted to deep-sea environments, featuring a saccular mantle that houses the viscera and is often translucent and fragile. The mantle is typically elongated or bell-shaped, with a narrow opening for the funnel, and is connected dorsolaterally to a pair of ear-like or paddle-shaped fins that arise between the eyes and the mantle apex, providing structural support and aiding in buoyancy. They possess eight subequal arms that are semi-gelatinous and bear a single row of suckers, interconnected by deep interbrachial webs that can extend 20-65% of the arm length; along the oral surface of the arms, between the suckers, are paired rows of fleshy, finger-like cirri that serve sensory functions. Internally, Cirrina are characterized by a small, cartilaginous shell, often U- or V-shaped, that supports the fins and lies within a shell sac, representing a reduced remnant compared to other cephalopods. The is typically reduced or vestigial, consisting of a chitinous structure with homodont dentition when present, and they lack an entirely, a trait distinguishing them from incirrate octopods. Their paired gills are compact, with 4-11 broad lamellae forming a half-orange or sepioid configuration, providing a relatively low surface area for respiration suited to their low-oxygen habitats. Most species in Cirrina have mantle lengths ranging from 10 to 30 cm, though extremes vary from as small as 18 mm to up to 33 cm, with total lengths including arms and fins reaching 20 cm in genera like ; their bodies are notably fragile and translucent due to the absence of innervated chromatophores, preventing color change capabilities. Sensory systems include large, prominent eyes with well-developed lenses, optimized for low-light conditions prevalent in their deep-sea habitats, while the cirri contribute chemosensory input for detecting environmental cues.

Deep-Sea Adaptations

Cirrina, the cirrate octopuses, exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations to withstand the extreme hydrostatic pressures of the , where depths often exceed 1,000 meters. Their tissues maintain exceptionally high water content, typically 92-95% in species like Stauroteuthis syrtensis, which minimizes and aligns internal with surrounding to prevent structural collapse under . Additionally, an internal shell remnant, or , composed of soft, cartilage-like material provides minimal structural support for the fins without conferring rigidity, allowing flexibility in high-pressure environments. Bioluminescence serves as a key in certain cirrate species for survival in the dark . In Stauroteuthis syrtensis, specialized photophores embedded in the oral surfaces of the suckers emit blue-green , either continuously at low intensity or in brighter flashes lasting 1-2 seconds, potentially aiding in to blend with faint or attracting prey. These photophores, derived from modified suckers, feature reflector layers of layered fibers beneath the light-producing cells, enhancing output efficiency in low-light conditions. Metabolic adaptations enable cirrates to thrive in cold, oxygen-limited waters. Species such as Stauroteuthis syrtensis display low metabolic rates, with oxygen consumption ranging from 4.6 to 25.8 µmol O₂ g⁻¹ C h⁻¹, comparable to and suited to sparse food resources and reduced oxygen availability at depth. Their gills feature low diffusion barriers and simplified lamellae structures, facilitating efficient oxygen uptake in oxygen-poor environments despite the challenges of cold temperatures that slow rates. Sensory adaptations enhance perception in the dim . Many cirrates possess enlarged eyes relative to body size, which maximize capture in perpetual . The distinctive cirri—hair-like appendages on the arms—likely assist in detecting currents through mechanoreception and may help manipulate webs to trap particulate prey in low-flow conditions.

Habitat and Distribution

Depth and Environmental Preferences

Cirrina, the suborder encompassing cirrate octopods, predominantly occupies deep-sea habitats spanning from the upper bathyal zone (approximately 100–1,000 m) to the bathypelagic (1,000–4,000 m) and abyssopelagic (4,000–6,000 m) zones, with certain species venturing into hadal trenches exceeding 7,000 m depth. These habitats are marked by extreme abiotic conditions, including consistently cold temperatures of 1–4°C, which support the octopods' cold-adapted . High hydrostatic pressures, reaching up to 600 atmospheres in the deepest zones, impose significant physiological demands, while sparse food resources and perpetual darkness define the , favoring species with gelatinous, neutrally buoyant bodies for energy-efficient existence. Habitat zonation within Cirrina varies by superfamily, reflecting adaptations to vertical stratification in the water column. Superfamily Cirroteuthoidea, including families like Cirroteuthidae, is typically benthopelagic or midwater-oriented, with species such as Cirrothauma murrayi observed drifting or swimming in the water column above the seafloor at depths often exceeding 2,000 m. In contrast, superfamily Opisthoteuthoidea, encompassing families like Opisthoteuthidae and Grimpoteuthidae, includes species in near-seafloor or benthic positions across bathyal to hadal depths; for example, Grimpoteuthidae such as Grimpoteuthis hover just above abyssal sediments at 5,000–7,000 m, while some Opisthoteuthidae occur from upper bathyal zones. Studying these preferences is complicated by the octopods' delicate structure, which renders them prone to damage in traditional gear, resulting in infrequent captures and underrepresentation in collections. Consequently, most insights derive from non-invasive methods, including deep-sea submersibles like the Alvin, which has documented behaviors at 1,300–4,000 m, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped for high-resolution imaging in the abyssopelagic realm. These technologies reveal the octopods' subtle interactions with low-oxygen and nutrient-poor settings, underscoring their resilience in otherwise inhospitable conditions.

Global Occurrence

Cirrina, the cirrate octopuses, exhibit a ubiquitous presence across the world's oceans, inhabiting all major basins including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. These deep-sea cephalopods are exclusively marine, with no documented occurrences in freshwater systems or shallow coastal environments, as their adaptations are tailored to deep-sea habitats generally exceeding . Their distribution reflects the interconnected of global deep-sea currents, allowing dispersal across ocean basins while maintaining ties to stable, cold-water habitats. The latitudinal range of Cirrina is cosmopolitan, extending from polar regions to tropical deep seas, with records spanning approximately 63°N in the to 74°S in the . Diversity patterns show a peak in temperate zones, where environmental stability and nutrient availability support a greater number of genera and species compared to extreme polar or equatorial deep waters. For instance, genera such as Opisthoteuthis are prevalent in temperate Atlantic and Pacific sectors, contributing to elevated in these areas. Endemism is prominent in certain regions, particularly the , where genera like Cirroctopus include species such as C. glacialis restricted to waters. In contrast, other taxa display widespread distributions; Japetella, exemplified by J. diaphana, occurs pan-tropically across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, while species are globally dispersed in cold abyssal zones, including the North Atlantic. Cirrina are largely non-migratory, remaining anchored to consistent deep currents, though some juveniles exhibit vertical ontogenetic shifts, ascending from benthic to pelagic realms during early development.

Locomotion and Feeding

Modes of Locomotion

Cirrina, the cirrate octopuses, primarily employ fin-based propulsion for locomotion, utilizing their paired, ear-like fins to achieve slow, sustained swimming through the deep-sea environment. This method involves flapping or sculling motions of the fins, often at rates of 4 to 30 strokes per minute, allowing for efficient movement in the low-energy conditions of the abyss. In species such as Grimpoteuthis spp., powerful fin strokes serve as the dominant form of active locomotion, enabling horizontal cruising just above the seafloor. Observations indicate that fin-swimming is the most frequently recorded mode, facilitating steady progress without reliance on more energetically costly alternatives. Secondary propulsion in Cirrina is limited, with jetting via the being reduced or absent due to modifications in mantle musculature that prioritize respiration over forceful water expulsion. For instance, in Stauroteuthis syrtensis, the mantle's thickened posterior muscles control subtle water flow primarily for ventilation rather than . Fine maneuvering and initial take-offs often involve arm waving or contractions, where the s are briefly gathered and then extended to initiate movement, typically transitioning quickly to fin-based . Medusoid pulsation of the arm-web complex can supplement in some species, creating a bell-like expansion to trap and expel water, though this is less common in observed behaviors. They may also employ crawling using their s for short-distance movement over the seafloor. Buoyancy control in Cirrina is primarily achieved through their gelatinous tissues, which reduce overall and enable for hovering or drifting, possibly aided by retention of as suggested by low excretion rates (0.3–12.4 µg NH₄⁺ g⁻¹ C h⁻¹) in S. syrtensis. This allows individuals to float passively with arms outstretched in a drógue-like posture, exploiting weak deep-sea currents for displacement. The semi-gelatinous body composition supports this energy-efficient strategy, with low metabolic rates (4.6–25.8 µmol O₂ g⁻¹ C h⁻¹) suited to prolonged low-speed cruising. However, the inherent fragility of their delicate, gelatinous structure limits capabilities for burst , restricting locomotion to gentle, sustained motions in environments with minimal .

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Cirrina, the cirrate octopods, exhibit a diet primarily composed of small crustaceans such as copepods, amphipods, mysids, and isopods, as well as worms. Stomach content analyses from species like Stauroteuthis syrtensis reveal a predominance of copepods, while observations of Cirroteuthis muelleri document consumption of amphipods, mysids, and polychaetes from the seafloor. Occasional prey includes gastropods, bivalves, small cephalopods, and , reflecting opportunistic scavenging in the resource-scarce deep-sea environment. Foraging strategies among cirrate octopods emphasize passive and low-energy methods suited to their deep-sea habitats. Species like Stauroteuthis syrtensis employ a mucus-based web formed by the oral arms to trap small planktonic crustaceans, with bioluminescent suckers potentially aiding in prey attraction, though direct confirmation remains limited. In contrast, benthic forms such as Grimpoteuthis spp. use their arm web for envelopment or entrapment of prey against substrates, supplemented by cirri-generated water currents to draw food toward the mouth. Cirroteuthis muelleri demonstrates a pelagic-benthic migration pattern, drifting in the water column before descending to the seafloor, where it spreads its arm web to scan and capture infaunal prey like polychaetes over short durations (5–49 seconds). Fin propulsion enables slow, controlled stalking, minimizing energy expenditure in food-poor depths. Digestive adaptations in Cirrina reflect their specialized deep-sea lifestyle, featuring a simplified stomach and reduced or absent , which limits mechanical breakdown of prey. The buccal and beaks handle initial processing, with enzymatic occurring in a basic glandular system; the posterior salivary glands are often reduced. These traits support low feeding rates, estimated at 1–2 meals per week based on sparse prey availability and observed behaviors in and , allowing efficient nutrient extraction from small, soft-bodied items. As mid-level predators, cirrate octopods occupy a key trophic position in deep-sea food webs, preying on primary consumers like crustaceans and worms while serving as forage for larger predators including sharks, teleost fishes, fur seals, and sperm whales. Their slow metabolism and protracted digestion contribute to carbon cycling by retaining organic matter longer in the benthopelagic zone, facilitating gradual nutrient transfer in oligotrophic environments.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Mating and Egg Production

Cirrina, the cirrate octopods, exhibit reproductive strategies adapted to their deep-sea habitats, with mating behaviors that remain poorly observed due to the challenges of studying these elusive cephalopods at depths exceeding 1,000 meters. Males transfer spermatophores using a terminal organ rather than a arm, as seen in their incirrate relatives; this structure, located within cavity, likely extrudes spermatophores through the for deposition near the female's mantle opening, though the precise mechanism of copulation remains unobserved. Observations of copulation are exceedingly rare, but evidence suggests a , with males capable of producing spermatophores continuously throughout adulthood, allowing multiple pairings over extended lifespans that can reach several years. Unlike semelparous incirrate octopods, where males often die post-mating, cirrate males show no such , supporting iterative reproductive opportunities in stable abyssal environments. Female cirrates are iteroparous, producing and laying eggs continuously across their adult lives without discrete spawning events, a strategy that contrasts with the batch-laying of many shallow-water octopods. Eggs are large and encapsulated, typically measuring 10-25 mm in length including the capsule, and are released singly or in small numbers (1-2 at a time) onto the seafloor, often attached to substrates like rocks, corals, or sponges. This ongoing oogenesis is evident from ovarian analyses showing oocytes at various developmental stages simultaneously, enabling low but steady egg output tailored to the nutrient-poor deep sea. Fecundity in Cirrina is notably low compared to incirrate octopods, with lifetime production typically ranging from a few dozen to several hundred eggs per . This reduced reproductive reflects an favoring somatic maintenance and in the consistent, low-predation conditions of the deep ocean, rather than high-volume output in variable coastal ecosystems. Such adaptations prioritize individual egg viability over quantity, with large reserves supporting extended embryonic development without maternal provisioning. Parental care in Cirrina is minimal or absent, with no observed brooding behavior akin to that of shallow-water or certain deep-sea incirrate octopods; females lay eggs and disperse, leaving them to develop independently in the cold, stable depths. Brief guarding may occur immediately post-laying in some cases, but there is no evidence of prolonged protection, aligning with the iteroparous life history that permits repeated reproduction without terminal investment. Male post-mating mortality is uncertain and unlikely, given the lack of semelparity in this suborder.

Embryonic Development and Brooding

Embryonic development in cirrate octopods (Cirrina) is characteristically prolonged, lasting from one to at least three years, owing to the consistently low s of their deep-sea habitats that slow metabolic processes. This extended timeline contrasts with shallower-water cephalopods and reflects adaptations to abyssal conditions, where egg size and ambient are primary determinants of developmental duration. Unlike many incirrate octopods, cirrates exhibit direct development without a planktonic paralarval stage; emerge as competent mini-adults equipped for immediate survival in their environment. Recent observations, such as those of a in 2018, have provided insights into morphology and capabilities. Brooding behavior in Cirrina is limited compared to coastal octopods, with females depositing eggs individually in tough, sculptured capsules produced by the rather than actively guarding them. These capsules, measuring 7–26 mm in length depending on the family, are typically attached to hard substrates such as octocorals or seafloor structures at depths exceeding 1,000 m, and there is no evidence of prolonged maternal ventilation or protection post-deposition. In some cases, females may retain eggs in the until a suitable attachment site is located, but ceases thereafter, emphasizing self-sufficiency of the encapsulated embryos. Hatchlings possess functional for , rows of sucker rudiments on their arms, and in some like , prominent cirri for sensory purposes, alongside a large that supports initial post-hatching nutrition. These traits enable advanced behaviors such as fin propulsion and prey detection upon emergence, with mantle lengths around 13 mm in observed specimens. Ontogenetic depth migration appears minimal in cirrates, as both eggs and hatchlings are recorded at consistent deep-sea depths (200–5,400 m), though some bathybenthic may exhibit subtle shifts toward deeper adult zones post-hatching. Egg capsule sizes vary across superfamilies, with larger dimensions (e.g., 18–26 mm in Grimpoteuthitidae) potentially supporting more benthic-oriented development in certain lineages. Despite these insights, significant knowledge gaps persist in cirrate , as few embryos have been studied in detail due to the challenges of deep-sea collection; comprehensive developmental series, mechanisms, and superfamily-specific variations remain poorly documented.

Superfamilies and Families

The suborder Cirrina is divided into two superfamilies: Cirroteuthoidea, which comprises pelagic species typically featuring large, prominent s, as seen in the family (including the genus Stauroteuthis); and Opisthoteuthoidea, which includes benthic to benthopelagic forms with variable development, such as those in the families Grimpoteuthidae, Opisthoteuthidae, and Cirroctopodidae. The superfamily Cirroteuthoidea contains one family (, with three genera), while Opisthoteuthoidea encompasses three families, for a total of four families in Cirrina: , Grimpoteuthidae (one genus), Opisthoteuthidae (four genera), and Cirroctopodidae (one genus). These families are distinguished primarily by differences in shell morphology, fin size, and web development between the arms, reflecting adaptations to their respective habitats. Taxonomic debates persist regarding the of some families, with molecular data from mitochondrial genes like COI and 16S supporting four distinct clades and challenging traditional groupings based on morphology; for instance, analyses confirm the separation of Grimpoteuthidae and Cirroctopodidae from Opisthoteuthidae, while Stauroteuthis aligns with . Cirrina includes approximately 50 described species (52 as of 2024 per WoRMS), though this number may increase with ongoing deep-sea explorations. The nomenclature for Cirrina was established by Grimpe in 1916, who defined the suborder based on the presence of cirri and fins. Subsequent updates, including revisions to family boundaries and superfamily assignments, are maintained in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) database, incorporating both morphological and molecular evidence.

Notable Genera and Species

The genus , commonly known as dumbo octopuses, is characterized by distinctive ear-like fins that propel these cirrate octopods through the , primarily in the deep waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. These fins, resembling the ears of the character , aid in hovering and maneuvering at depths exceeding 3,000 meters. A notable , Grimpoteuthis umbellasticta, was discovered in 2020 during remotely operated (ROV) explorations off the in the , highlighting ongoing expansions in cirrine diversity through modern deep-sea surveys. The genus Stauroteuthis features unique bioluminescent photophores integrated into modified sucker-like structures along the oral side of the arms, enabling emission of with a peak of 470 nm. In the North Atlantic, Stauroteuthis syrtensis deploys these glowing arm webs to lure planktonic prey in the , where the non-adhesive photophores facilitate passive capture rather than grasping. This adaptation represents a rare example of for foraging among cephalopods, observed at depths greater than 600 meters. Cirroteuthis species exhibit a large, gelatinous suited to extreme pressures, with Cirroteuthis muelleri observed at depths approaching 7,000 meters, among the deepest records for cirrate octopods. First described from a single specimen in 1885, Cirroteuthis magna underscores the challenges of studying deep-sea cirrines, as its total length reached 115.5 cm, among the largest recorded for the suborder. The genus Japetella displays pronounced , particularly in Japetella diaphana, where mature males are dwarfed compared to females and possess enlarged posterior salivary glands that grow five times faster, aiding digestion in deeper habitats. This species is circumglobal in midwater epipelagic to mesopelagic zones, with males descending to greater depths for niche partitioning, while females occupy shallower ranges before at depth boundaries. Many cirrine genera and species, including several in Grimpoteuthis and Cirroteuthis, were initially described from single preserved specimens collected via trawls in the 19th and early 20th centuries, limiting early understanding of their behaviors and distributions. Recent ROV expeditions, such as those by the and NOAA, have revealed live behaviors and new populations, significantly expanding known diversity in previously inaccessible abyssal environments.

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  24. https://repository.si.edu/bitstreams/3aa52fdd-4017-47a0-bcd7-af5c12f4da69/download
  25. https://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/geol/fachrichtungen/pal/ressourcen/berliner-palaeobiologische-abhandlungen/Band_03/19.pdf
  26. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1631069110000211
  27. https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Japetella-diaphana.html
  28. https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/ocean-science-news/dumbo-octopus-whimsical-survivor-deep
  29. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285946519
  30. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Stauroteuthis_syrtensis/
  31. https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/53182/1/3760.pdf
  32. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982218300344
  33. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00349529
  34. https://sjpp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13358-021-00240-0
  35. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Unidentified-eggs-and-embryos-of-cirrate-octopods-A-Egg-capsule-16-mm-capsule-length_fig17_266220687
  36. https://oceanrep.geomar.de/53366/1/4079.pdf
  37. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=11732
  38. https://doi.org/10.12657/folmal.031.026
  39. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/life-science/octopods-squids-and-other-cephalopods
  40. https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/rare-find-from-the-deep-sea/
  41. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.2307/1542994
  42. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5563153/
  43. https://www.livescience.com/worlds-deepest-octopus.html
  44. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.2307/1542461
  45. https://www.facebook.com/MBARInews/videos/making-a-rare-appearance-this-ethereal-cirrate-octopus-was-captured-on-film-by-m/597484434762506/
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