Cirroteuthidae

Cirroteuthidae is a family of pelagic cirrate octopuses comprising at least three species in two genera.

The cirrate octopods have a unique internal shell, positioned dorsally above the viscera and with a 'saddle-like' shape (or 'butterfly-like' in Cirrothauma due to the anterior corners being more drawn out).

The cirri, pairs of small finger-like projections between each sucker, are very elongate.

Both the elongate cirri and secondary web are features shared with Stauroteuthidae, but no other cirrate family.

[1] The family Cirroteuthidae contains two generally accepted genera containing at least four species, but also some possibly undescribed taxa.