Bobtail Squid
ExploreInvertebrate
Bobtail Squid
Euprymna berryi
The Bobtail Squid is a small, fascinating sea creature that glows in the dark ocean waters. It has a special light organ that helps it hide from predators by matching the moonlight above.
Habitat: Marine
Appearance
The Bobtail Squid is a small, flattened cephalopod with a rounded body and eight short arms surrounding its mouth. It has large, iridescent eyes and appears mottled brown, grey, or tan, allowing it to blend seamlessly. Its lack of a cuttlebone distinguishes it from true cuttlefish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassCephalopodaOrderSepiidaFamilySepiolidaeGenusEuprymna
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A bobtail squid only lives for about 5 to 8 months, a very short life!
Despite their name, bobtail squids are more closely related to cuttlefish than true squids!
They carry their eggs in sticky clumps, often hidden under rocks, until they hatch.
They use tiny jets of water to propel themselves or even burrow into the sand.
Special abilities
Ability
Glow Lantern
Bobtail Squids have a special light organ that houses glowing bacteria, helping them to camouflage their shadow from predators below.
Ability
Invisible Cloak
Bobtail Squids can change their skin color and texture in seconds to match sand or rocks because of specialized pigment cells.
Ability
Sand Shield
Bobtail Squids can quickly bury themselves backward into the sand or mud using special fins and jets, disappearing completely.
Ability
Ink Cloud Escape
Bobtail Squids can release a cloud of dark ink to confuse predators, allowing them to escape quickly when threatened.
Measurements & details
- Average Length
- 3.5 cm
- Average Weight
- 4 g
- Lifespan
- 7 months
Diet & Feeding
These small hunters stalk shrimp, crabs, and tiny fish on the seafloor under the cover of darkness.
Primary Foods
- small crustaceans
- juvenile fish
- polychaete worms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Japanese amberjack
Seriola quinqueradiata
A predator of small cephalopods like the Bobtail Squid.
eats
Greasyback shrimp
Metapenaeus ensis
A common crustacean prey item for bobtail squids.
symbiotic with
Bioluminescent bacterium
Vibrio fischeri
Lives in the squid's light organ, providing camouflage.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Glowing
Pertaining to organisms that emit light through bioluminescence or fluorescence.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Berry's Bobtail Squid
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you ever see a Bobtail Squid in the ocean, admire it from a distance and never try to touch or disturb it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Bobtail Squid?
3.5 cm
How much does Bobtail Squid weigh?
4 g
How long does Bobtail Squid live?
7 months
What does Bobtail Squid eat?
These small hunters stalk shrimp, crabs, and tiny fish on the seafloor under the cover of darkness.
Where is Bobtail Squid usually found?
Marine
How does Bobtail Squid hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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