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The southern arrow squid, Nototodarus sloanii (Ommastrephidae), is a key species in New Zealand's pelagic ecosystem and is commercially fished. Specimens in this study were caught along the Chatham Rise—one of New Zealand's most heavily targeted fisheries areas. Nine different tissue types were analysed from 15 female and 15 male specimens for 13 trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Mn, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn). Trace element concentrations varied among tissue types with the highest concentrations observed in the digestive gland, the branchial hearts, and the kidney. The mean observed concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the muscular tissues were less than their respective maximum permissible levels for seafood consumption for adults. However, analysis of market squid showed that Cd contamination from the digestive gland to the mantle tissue occurs and can potentially pose a threat to human consumers. We recommend regular testing of the potential exposure of Cd in human diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oegopsid squid family Onychoteuthidae was recently revised based on morphology, but sufficient material for a complementary molecular analysis has not been available until now. In the present study, over 250 sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA for 222 individuals were analysed to create a combined phylogeny for the family. Results support monophyly for the family and all seven onychoteuthid genera (including Moroteuthopsis , established herein as the senior genus name for species formerly attributed to Kondakovia ); 29 genetically distinct species were recovered, with the BIN (Barcode Index Number) analysis for COI showing good congruence overall with morphological species groupings. No sequences were available for five additional known species, making the total family diversity likely to exceed 34 species. Seven of the BINs formed in this study appear to represent undescribed taxa, suggesting that even in this relatively well-studied family, much additional work remains before a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationships for the Onychoteuthidae can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]