An odd looking cephalopod (probably Heliocranchia pfefferi)



A chimaera, possibly the spearnose chimaera, Rhinochimaera atlantica
Nigerian exotics
The small cephalopod is hard to identify, but may be the deep water species Bathyteuthis abyssicola, a squid, which is described as being a deep water species occurring between 700 and 2000m and has small, ear-like fins on the rear. Squid have two feeding arms, which are generally thinner and longer, and these are not apparent on the photos, so it might be something completely else... The specimen shown was caught and photographed in a tank.
Update!
The species may actually be Heliocranchia pfefferi, a glass squid. They are transparent when viewed against a dark background. The animal shown has one peculiar feature in common with H. pfefferi, namely the very large snout-like funnel. It is this which inspired the common name of "piglet squid". The fins are short and wide. These squids are found in tropical and sub-tropical waters world-wide.

The chimaera shown was seen in deep water, filmed by a remote operated vehicle. From the colour, being pale, it may be the spearnose chimaera Rhinochimaera atlantica - all other chimaeras shown in my reference books are a dark brown or grey. Chimaeras are cartilaginous fishes, like sharks and rays, and are generally bottom dwellers who use their large pectoral fins, rather than the whip-like tail, to swim.

Walking frog or angler fishes, family Antennariidae, are ambush predators who use a lure to attract their prey, and catch them with one large gulp. They do not move much, relying on camouflage to remain undetected. This one was filmed at about 37m depth, on a sandy area, moving about quite quickly, using the pectoral and ventral fins to walk - the tail was never used, and was curled forwards. From a jack or kingfish (family Carangidae) swimming past in some frames I estimate this fish to be small - maybe 10-15 cm long. I am not sure what species it is.

Frames from a small video showing a walking frog or angler-fish, taken at 37m depth.
References:
Thanks for Marjanna Dumville for providing the photos and videos. The names of the photographers is not known.
Smiths' Sea Fishes, MM Smith and PC Heemstra, 1986.
Guide to the Sharks and Rays of Southern Africa, LJV Compagno, DA Ebert, MJ Smale, 1989.
Cephalopods, a world guide. M. Norman, 2000.
Thanks to Mark Norman for further details and a more certain identification.
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