Prosch, 1849
This family contains 15 genera and about 35 species. At least 8 species are reported from European waters. The general outlook show a great diversity. These squids can be either very small or attain gigantic sizes. Two cranchiid species occur in the region, Galiteuthis armata and Teuthowenia megalops. However, these species can not be distinguished sufficiently until they begin to display adult characters. Therefore, their hatchlings and juveniles are not keyed out here. Yet, the short descriptions for larvae or juveniles may be of help.