Müller, 1906
Diagnosis
A medium sized species. The carapace tapers strongly anteriorly with maximum height close to the posterior margin (C. ctenophora Habitus 1, C. ctenophora Habitus 3). Sculpturing, if present, faint longitudinal striae on the dorsal region of the rostra, and broadly spaced striae intercepting the antero-ventral margin below the incisure at an acute angle. Left and right asymmetrical glands located at the postero-dorsal and postero-ventral corners respectively. Careful examination of the right asymmetrical gland shows two sets of glands opening side-by-side; the large additional glands possibly release bioluminescent secretions.
Female, frontal organ partially differentiated, over double length of first antenna, capitulum slightly curved and spinose particularly on ventral surface (C. ctenophora 1). First antenna "a"-"d" setae less then half the length of the "e" seta. Second antenna endopodite "a" and "b" setae subequal, only "b" hirsute (C. ctenophora 2).
Male, frontal organ with down-turned, slightly bowed, capitulum finely spinous over its basal two-third's and blunt ended (C. ctenophora 3). Endopodite of first antenna with "a" and "c" setae shorter than the second segment. Armature of "e" seta fifteen pairs of long, evenly-spaced spines set almost at right angles (C. ctenophora 4).
Remarks
Similar to C. loricata (Conchoecia loricata), but larger, less abundant, with fainter carapace sculpturing and male first antenna, armature of "e" seta with more pairs of spines.
Distribution
Occurs in all oceans, at mesopelagic depths 300-800m. 1, 2 (R.R.S. Discovery Map).
Type specimens
None designated; status of original material uncertain.
Type locality
Not designated. Original description based on material from 26°-35°S in the Atlantic and near the equator in the Indian Ocean.