Cirrothauma murrayi

Cirrothauma murrayi is a nearly blind octopus whose eyes can sense light, but not form images. It has been found worldwide, usually 1,500 to 4,500 metres (4,900 to 14,800 ft) beneath the ocean's surface.[2][3] Like other cirrates, it has an internal shell, muscular fins for swimming, and a web connecting the arms.[4]

Cirrothauma murrayi

Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Octopoda
Family: Cirroteuthidae
Genus: Cirrothauma
Species:
C. murrayi
Binomial name
Cirrothauma murrayi
Chun, 1911

The species was first caught by an expedition led by Sir John Murray in 1910,[5] and it was later named in honor of Murray. It was described by German marine biologist Carl Chun in 1911.[3]

Description

Eye structure

The eye structure is very different from other octopods. Their eyes are small, lens-less and almost non-functional, as the eyes also lack irises and ciliary bodies.[6] The nearly sightless eyes are embedded deep in the gelatinous tissue of their head.[6]

Suckers

Cirrothauma murrayi has about six strong sessile suckers which help them swim as well as hunt fish.[6]

References
  1. Lyons, G; Allcock, L (2014). "Cirrothauma murrayi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T163011A963624.
  2. "Cirrothauma murrayi". tolweb.org. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  3. Vecchione, Michael; Young, Richard. "Cirrothauma murrayi". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  4. Mangold, Katharina; Vecchione, Michael; Young, Richard. "Cirrata". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  5. Aldred, Nixon & Young 1983, p. 4.
  6. "Cirrothauma murrayi". tolweb.org. Retrieved 2018-09-14.

Bibliography


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