Leach, 1817
Mantle short, broad, rounded posteriorly. Gladius not calcified, chitinous, or lacking. Fins round or kidney-shaped, not joined posteriorly. Funnel cartilage simple, straight. Eye covered by transparent skin. Three subfamilies, 14 genera. Mostly benthic or nerito-oceanic animals. Eggs laid on bottom, development direct. Some species may be in the plankton as juveniles or adults in the period of mating. Six genera in the South Atlantic, 3 in the plankton.
Planctonic stages recorded for:
Rondeletiola minor
Heteroteuthis dispar