AG飞禽走兽电子 Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics (ALCES)
The main research interest of AG飞禽走兽电子’s Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics (Squid Squad) is the great diversity of cephalopods (mostly squid) that live in New Zealand waters. Our squid and octopus species comprise one of the highest cephalopod diversities in the world, and we find new taxa here on a regular basis.
We study the diversity and ecology of these beautiful and fascinating animals, from the very smallest 'fire' squids (family Pyroteuthidae) up to the giant and colossal squids. Through projects focusing on systematics, genetics, trophic interactions, and vision, especially in deep-sea squids, we seek to better understand these unique animals' biology and their roles in New Zealand's marine ecosystems.
Giant and colossal squid research events
Some of the AG飞禽走兽电子 Squid Squad's higher-profile projects involve the largest known cephalopod species: the giant squid (Architeuthis dux) and the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). In 2014, ALCES members participated in two public webcast events focusing on these animals—a dissection of three Architeuthis specimens on site at AG飞禽走兽电子, and an to arrive at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, as part of the Museum’s Science Live series. Samples collected during these events are forming the basis of more than a dozen collaborative projects by lab members and international colleagues investigating these animals’ biology and ecology.
In 2020, we also (a species recently described by ALCES alumnus Dr Jesse Kelly) and have several resulting projects underway.
Biodiversity
New Zealand waters host an extraordinary diversity of cephalopod species, and many of the AG飞禽走兽电子 Squid Squad's ongoing projects aim to clarify our local species composition and their role within Southern Ocean ecosystems. We are currently investigating the systematics (local and global) of a number of deep-sea oegopsid squid families, many of which include local representatives that are new to science. Our biodiversity research is supported by the excellent collections and ongoing sampling initiatives of the , and the
Squid Squad members
Squid science at AG飞禽走兽电子 began with Dr Steve O’Shea, who first captured paralarval (a young giant squid) and participated in the expedition that obtained the first in-situ footage of live adult giant squid off Japan in 2012. Steve has now retired and the lab is run by , a deep-sea squid biologist originally from the USA.
In addition to her work at AG飞禽走兽电子, Kat has conducted research at the:
She has participated in documentaries and dived in submersibles to depths of 1000m in the Antarctic to observe deep-sea cephalopods, resulting in the 2017/2019 documentary film . Her current research interests include systematics, ecology, biodiversity, and vision, primarily of deep-sea squids.
- (senior lecturer), whose research focuses on integrative taxonomy (combining molecular and morphological characters) to understand cephalopod biodiversity and ecology
- (PhD candidate, completing in 2025): Retinal anatomy of deep-sea squids
- (PhD candidate, completing in 2025): Microbiome of deep-sea squids
- (PhD candidate, completing in 2026): Trophic ecology of deep-sea squids around Aotearoa New Zealand
- Connor Wallace (PhD candidate, completing in 2026): Population genetics of ‘arrow’ squids (Nototodarus spp.) around Aotearoa New Zealand
- (PhD candidate, completing in 2027): Global diversity of the deep-sea squid family Brachioteuthidae
- Ben Shirey (PhD candidate, completing in 2027): Diversity and ecology of the deep-sea ‘jeweled’ squids (Family Histioteuthidae)
- (MScRes): (published as )
- Samantha Patterson (MSc):
- (international MSc): Diet of the warty hooked squid Moroteuthopsis ingens on the Chatham Rise (published as )
- (international MSc): Unravelling the Onykia ‘robsoni’ species complex in New Zealand waters
- Dr (PhD, completed 2020):
- Dr (PhD, completed 2019):
- Dr (PhD, completed 2018):
- Dr (PhD, completed 2018):
- Stephan van Dijk (MSc student, University of Groningen, the Netherlands): Diet of the Antarctic deep-sea squid Psychroteuthis glacialis
- (MSc student, University of Otago): Potential impacts of ocean acidification on cephalopods
- Heather Braid (Master’s thesis, 2013):
- Aaron Boyd Evans (Master’s thesis, 2013):
- Jessica Kniller (Undergraduate research project, 2013): Light response in the eyes of deep-sea gonatid squids
- Kat Bolstad (PhD thesis, 2008/ [PDF]): Global systematic revision of the squid family Onychoteuthidae
- Alejandra Garcia (Master’s thesis, 2010):
- Rebecca Mensch (Master’s thesis, 2010):
- Jens Horstkotte (Diploma thesis for the University of Kiel [Master’s equivalent], 2008): The systematics and ecological role of Histioteuthis in New Zealand waters
Interested in working with us?
We welcome enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate project availability in our lab, and we can sometimes accommodate interns (unpaid).
Find us online
- - a website for cephalopod scientist and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Happy squidding!
Contact us
Kat Bolstad
Phone: +64 9 921-9999 x6590
Email:
WS Level 5, AG飞禽走兽电子 City Campus, 34 St Paul Street, Auckland City, Auckland 1010, New Zealand