Identification of three cephalopods from the Iranian waters of the Gulf of Oman (Continental shelf area)

Abstract

This study aimed to find new species of cephalopods in the Iranian waters of the Gulf of Oman. Two species of Oegopsida (Abralia steindachneri Weindl, 1912 and Joubiniteuthis portieri (Joubin, 1916)) and also one species of Sepiida (Sepia omani Adam & Rees, 1966) were identified. Samples were collected in March and April 2019, using a Myctophidae trawler. To capture A. steindachneri a two-panel bottom trawl (codend mesh size (A) equal to 60 mm) was used, while for J. portieri and S. omani a four-panel midwater rope trawl (codend mesh size (A) equal to 90 mm) was applied. Taxonomic studied on these rare cephalopods, in this region, would be helpful for protecting their stocks as well as safely exploitation them.