Octopus gardineri (Hoyle 1905)

Octopus gardineri (Hoyle, 1905)

DIAGNOSIS.—Animals small (12.5–18 mm ML). Mantle elliptical to pear-shaped (MWI 66.6–68.0); neck constricted; head and mantle subequal in width (HWI 55.5–76.0); eyes bulbous, prominent. Funnel elongate, tapering, funnel organ W-shaped, outer limbs 25%–33% shorter than inner limbs. Arm length moderate (ALI 71.0–76.8), arm formula variable (subequal?), arms slender, tapering to tips. Suckers slightly elevated, moderate to large (SIn 16.7–16.8); in males, 5th and 6th or 6th and 7th suckers on arms II and III especially enlarged (SIe 20–24). Right arm III of males hectocotylized (HALI 208–250), subequal in length to fellow arm; ligula small (LLI 2.4–3.1), triangular, pointed, relatively broad, with central groove; calamus moderate in size (CLI 18.8), pointed, HASC 54. Web deep (WDI 34.8). Gill lamellae 5. Penis with rounded diverticulum extending at approximately right angle to long axis of penis (PLI 17.3–20.0). Surface of mantle, head, and arms smooth. Color in preservation uniformly tan to greenish grey.

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION.—Hoyle, 1905:976, figs. 144, 145, as Polypus gardineri.

TYPE LOCALITY.—North central Indian Ocean, Maldive Islands, Rotuma, Minikoi, Male Atoll, Hulule.

TYPES.—Syntypes: UMZC, 1 male, 12.5 mm ML, Hoyle label no. 860; UMZC, 1 male, 18 mm ML, Hoyle label no. 372; specimens in alcohol, good condition; disposition of 4 additional syntypes unknown, not traced.

DISTRIBUTION.—Known only from the type locality.