These are usually rather small and very fragile deep-sea squids that are often badly damaged during capture. As a result, few species have been described. Unlike other chiroteuthids, the subadult retains the peculiar doratopsid paralarval tentacular club. Characteristics Photophores Absent.
Eyes Commonly project ventrally from head.
Arms IV with relatively few suckers aligned virtually in single series. Tentacular club Small, compact and with or without keel. Low protective membranes along both boarders. Not divided into dactylus and manus. Tail Appendages undescribed.