Hawaiian Bobtail Squid

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Facts

• Firstly, you cannot take the beautiful Hawaiian Bobtail Squid for granted just because it isn’t large. This holds true due to the remarkable secret that its tiny body contains. It’s an amazing one.
• The most noteworthy fact about this incredible ocean creature remains its symbiotic relationship. This it holds with a species of bioluminescent bacteria. Further, these actually lives within part of its body.
• In addition, this gorgeous little cephalopod actually holds a closer relationship to cuttlefish than to other squids. Just like cuttlefish, it can swim either by using the fins on its mantle or via water-jet propulsion.
• Though this amazing creature has a rather restricted habitat range, it does not currently appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its numbers appear to be stable for the moment.

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Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Physical Description

No observer would consider the most noteworthy aspect of the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid to be its size. That holds true because a typical mantle length among members of this incredible species remains less than 1.2 in (3 cm).

In addition, the total body length rarely exceeds 2.5 in (6.3 cm). In fact, adult individuals average weighing less than 0.1 oz (2.7 g). Therefore, it truly represents an exceedingly small type of cephalopod.

Yet the most amazing fact about this species remains its symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria. The octopus must selectively acquire the symbiotic bacteria after birth.

Furthermore, it typically must do so within the first 24 hours. These then inhabit a special organ in its body. Finally, the squid then uses these (at will) to effect a light-based camouflage.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Sepiolida
• Family: Sepiolidae
• Genus: Euprymna
• Species: E. scolopes

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the fascinating and beautiful Hawaiian Bobtail Squid has a restricted habitat range. That’s because the stunning small animal only inhabits a highly specific portion of the central Pacific Ocean.

This spectacular species principally occurs in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands, in the United States, hence the common name. However, it also appears in limited numbers around Midway Island, as well.

Further, this tiny cephalopod appears to only inhabit shallow coastal waters. Individuals generally remain hidden by day, and move about at night. This is due to its camouflage being the most effective at that time.

Unfortunately, it also possesses a short lifespan, usually of less than one year. During that time, the animal primarily preys upon small shrimp and similar crustaceans. Finally, it itself falls prey to a variety of ocean creatures.

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