Species · GBIF taxon 8920970
Bigfin Reef Squid
Sepioteuthis lessonianaAlso known as Tiger Squid, Glitter Squid, Oval Squid, Northern Calamari
Bigfin reef squids are highly active cephalopods distinguished by a large, oval fin that wraps almost entirely around their mantle, giving them a cuttlefish-like appearance. They possess remarkable camouflage abilities, rapidly shifting their skin color and pattern through specialized chromatophores to communicate, hunt, or blend into coral reefs. These intelligent predators often gather in small schools in shallow coastal waters, using complex visual displays to coordinate social interactions and ward off rivals.
MarineColor-changingActive Hunter
Licensed referenceDiego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Small fish, shrimp, and crabs
- family
- Loliginidae
- threats
- Overfishing, coastal development, and reef degradation
- life Span
- 8 to 11 months
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Night Diving: Use a red-filtered light to watch them hunt without blinding their sensitive eyes.
- Observe Camouflage: Watch quietly as they shift patterns from translucent to dark brown when approaching reef structures.
- Maintain Space: Keep a respectful distance to avoid triggering their defensive ink-jet response.