Anomalies in Sepiolinae hectocotylization

Abstract

Four cases of anomalies of the copulatory arm in Sepiolinae (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) are reported. In one case (Sepietta oweniana), both dorsal arms were modified resulting in double hecocotylization. In another specimen probably of the same species the copulatory apparatus was formed by two fleshy multilobed formations situated on the dorsal and ventral side of the arm base. In one specimen of Rondeletiola minor the copulatory apparatus was inversely positioned on the arm base, and in one Sepiola intermedia specimen the inner free portion of the wrinkled tubercle was markedly enlarged.