About Doryteuthis opalescens (S.S.Berry, 1911)
Adult Doryteuthis opalescens can reach a total size of 11 inches (28 cm). Females are typically larger than males: male mantle length ranges from 3 1/2 to 5 inches (9 to 12.7 cm), while female mantle length ranges from 5 to 7 inches (13 to 19 cm). The mantle of D. opalescens is not fused to the head. Its body is 4 to 5 times longer than it is wide, and its fins are equal in both length and width. This squid has 8 arms, plus 2 longer tentacles that end in tentacular clubs, which are equipped with suckers. The tentacular clubs are narrow, with 4 total rows of suckers: 2 large rows in the center, bordered by outer rows of smaller suckers. The 8 arms each have only 2 rows of alternating suckers running along their length. In male D. opalescens, the left ventral arm is specialized, or "hectocotylized", to transfer spermatophores during mating. The eyes of D. opalescens are covered by a non-perforated membrane called a cornea, a defining trait of myopsid squid. The body color of D. opalescens can range from white to brown, and individuals can change color shade using chromatophores according to their mood and for camouflage. Their base coloration is normally bluish-white to mottled brown and gold, and they change to dark red or brown when excited, frightened, or feeding.
