Megaleledonidae


Megaleledonidae is a family of octopuses in the superfamily Octopodoidea. It was formerly placed in the family Octopodidae sensu lato as the subfamily Megaleledoninae but more recent studies have raised this taxon as a valid family. Megaleledonidae contains about 43 species in 12 genera.

Reproduction

Megaleledonidae are known to produce both fewer and larger offspring than octopods that live in more tropical climates. The eggs produced by Megaleldonidae are typically large with very slow embryonic development that can take up the majority of their lifecycle including from months to years.

Genera

The following genera are included within the family Megaleledonidae:Adelieledone Allcock, Hochberg, Rodhouse & Thorpe, 2003 Bathypurpurata Vecchione, Allcock & Piatkowski, 2005 Bentheledone Robson, 1932 Graneledone Joubin, 1918 Megaleledone Iw. Taki, 1961 Microeledone Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004 Pareledone Robson, 1932 Praealtus Allcock, Collins, Piatkowski & Vecchione, 2004 Tetracheledone Voss, 1955 Thaumeledone Robson, 1930 Velodona Chun, 1915 Vosseledone Palacio, 1978