Cephalopoda - Pacific Bobtail squid
Photo: Mark Paterson.
Bobtail squid are closely related to cuttlefish, but tend to have a rounder mantle and have no cuttlebone. They have eight suckered arms and two tentacles and are generally quite small (typical male mantle length being between 1 and 8 cm). They have kidney shaped fins and lack light emitting organs. Most i have had have been a spotted pattern.
During the day, bobtail squids lie buried in the sand, waiting for night when they will leave the bottom and hunt plankton in mid-water. Can be eaten by larger or aggressive fish
During the day, bobtail squids lie buried in the sand, waiting for night when they will leave the bottom and hunt plankton in mid-water. Can be eaten by larger or aggressive fish
- Scientific Name
- Sepioloidea pacifica
- Habitat
- Found around N.Z. in shallow coastal waters , Young caught early summer around weedy rocks and wharves
- Temperament
- Predator
- Tank Age/Maturity
- 400 litres preferably larger at least 3 months old.
- Diet
- Live foods, Mysid, small crustaceans and fish
- Special Requirements
- Need room to swim, and a lidded tank, they are good jumpers. Sandy base so they can hide to feel safe