Nototodarus sloanii (New Zealand arrow squid, Wellington flying squid) Description
English: Dorsal and ventral view of Nototodarus sloanii
Date 10 November 2015
Author Darren Stevens, NIWA
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nototodarus_sloanii.jpg
Nototodarus sloanii is a species of squid commonly known as the New Zealand arrow squid or Wellington flying squid. It is also known by its Māori name of Wheketere. It is a favoured prey species of a number of marine mammals and diving birds. It is an important food source for the New Zealand fur seal and the endangered species: New Zealand sea lion and yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). N. sloanii is sought by trawler fishermen for human consumption; in this trawling process, Australian sea lions are frequently killed, since they prey upon N. sloanii. Order: Teuthida, Suborder: Oegopsina, Family: Ommastrephidae, Genus: Nototodarus, Species: Nototodarus sloanii (Gray, 1849)
Synonyms:
Ommastrephes sloanii Gray, 1849
Todarodes sloanei (Gray, 1849)
Todarodes sloanei sloanei (Gray, 1849)
