Novel insights into early life stages of finned octopods (Octopoda: Cirrata)

Abstract The finned or dumbo octopods (Octopoda: Cirrata) constitute a cephalopod (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) taxon almost exclusively comprising organisms that inhabit the deep-sea. This renders studying general biology of adult cirrate specimens difficult task, but even more so when it comes to gathering knowledge on their early life stages. During his comprehensive research exploits development, late Sigurd von Boletzky (1942–2020) also sought shed light specific adaptations eggs and embryos these enigmatic deep-sea might show. Based seminal work, present article sets out provide additional data broad range stages, including egg capsules without any obvious embryonic stage as well those containing embryos. These previously unreported obtained from museum collections were analyzed using conventional morphological modern three-dimensional imaging techniques. overview includes four five oceans, i.e., Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern Ocean. information ovum, chorion, capsule size shape gathered literature, an attempt is made here for first time identify Boletzky's introduced down at least genus level. combined novel insights into stages octopods, aiming continue legacy with regard developmental still largely extant cephalopods.