Deep-water octopods (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) of the northeastern Pacific

Descriptions and illustrations are given of nine species of Octopoda from depths of 1,000 m to 4,000 m off the coast of Oregon. Eight are new: Grimpoteuthis bathynectes, G. tuftsi, Benthoctopus robustus, B. canthylus, B. oregonensis. B. yaquinae, B. macrophallus, and Graneledone pacifica. Four genera are treated: Cirroteuthis and Grimpoteuthis of the Cirrata and Benthoctopus and Graneledone of the lncirrata. Cirroteuthis muelleri is first recorded from the Pacific Ocean and is redescribed. The genus Benthoctopus in the North Pacific is discussed and a provisional key for the nine recognized species is provided. The variability and form of the radula of Graneledone are considered to be due to degeneracy and not primitiveness, and to lack of selective feeding pressure.