Variability In Sepietta Oweniana (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) Hectocotyli

In this paper the morphological variability observed in hectocotyli of Sepietta oweniana specimens caught in the Sardinian seas (central western Mediterranean) is reported and measured. Atypical variants from the normal hectocotylus are described and illustrated. DNA sequencing of specimens with both the typical and atypical hectocotylization shows no genetic differences. The percentage occurrence of atypical hectocotylization and the possible causes of the origin of this phenomenon are briefly discussed.