Scanning electron microscopical studies of some cephalopod radulae

Abstract

In an attempt to evaluate the possible uses of scanning electron microscopical (SEM) studies of cephalopod radulae, we examined the radulae of 58 specimens (representing 22 species of nine genera), the majority being from the genera Loligo, Rossia, and Illex. Octopod and decapod radulae have considerable differences and were easily distinguished, as were decapod radulae down to the family level. However, considerable differences in radular tooth form between individuals of a species, not related to size or sex of the animals, were found. Also, similarities between species in a genus, and genera in a family were noted. The advantages of the scanning electron microscopical method of examining radulae are discussed.