Bobtail squid

Scientific name : Euprymna berryi

Small bobtail squid, spherical body, 2 large rounded fins at the poterior end. Large eyes. A layer of iridescent cells gives to the animal a typical blue green, changing colour. When the chromatophores (the cells with the brown pygment) expand, the iridescence is concealed (see photo below). Four rows of suckers on the tentacles. A light organ exist on the belly, that hosts bioluminescnt bacteria. Light emission is adjusted according the environmental light, and hides the silhouette of the squid, seen from below, against the bright background of the sea surface. Body 5 cm. Encountered on sandy bottoms, usually in lagoon or bay. Buried under the sand at day, it can glue sand on its back using glue glands. It swims at night, using the light organ for camouflage when approaching the preys (normally benthic crustaceans). Many Euprymna species exist, the best way to distinguish them is to look at some modified suckers in the adult males (probably used for mating). Females are even more difficult to identify.

Associated organisms
With the luminescent bacteria, that hosts in a ventral pouch.

	Description	Author	Place	Size
	Euprymna berryi using 2 tentacle to throw sand on the head, for camouflage.	GIAN MARIA MAZZA	Philippines, Moalboal	702 kB