The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid How does this tiny creature survive in the crazy world of the sea? By: Ella Endres

What are Hawaiian Bobtail Squids? These are little squids (approximately 2 inches long) that live in the shallow coastal waters of Hawaii. There are a few different zones (levels) in the ocean, our little friend the Bobtail Squid lives in the second shallowest level: The Neritic Zone. The deepest section of this zone the Squid can handle without imploding is 828 feet deep, that is a very rare depth for this animal. Their Scientific Name is Euprymna Scolopes. They are nocturnal and use Bioluminescence to find their way in the dark.

It’s so CUTE! What do They Look Like? Semi-circular fin. They propel them through the water as slow or as fast as they want to go. These tentacles have suckers along the inside that suck in it’s food. Eyes Mantle, this is the main part of their body. This is also the part that gave them their name. (Bobtail) It’s Bioluminescence Organ is down in it’s underbody. Siphon is a little tube around the Squid’s neck that helps it draw water into it’s body and then expel it.

How Does the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Get Food? The first thing you should know is that the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid is prey and predator. Many animals eat this squid, while this squid eats a lot of other animals. The main diet of the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid are crustaceans. Crustaceans are crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid hunts during the night, using it’s bioluminescence to guide itself. During the day to keep from being eaten, the Squid burrows under the sand to camouflage itself with the ocean floor. It then “glues” the sand to it’s body for it’s night hunting.

Survival It’s a big crazy ocean out there for the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid, the big question is: how do they survive it? A big help for this Squid is the fact that it’s nocturnal. This way there are less predators roaming around ready to eat it. Being tiny is a blessing and a curse for this little night-creeper. It is a curse because they can be eaten easily, but being small helps them hide in little nooks and crannies in the sea when a predator is on their tracks. Bioluminescence helps them to see in the dark, while helping to spook their prey.

Wrapping it Up This species has a threat, they are eaten more than they can help and they have pollution problems. If you have any questions about bioluminescence, feel free to ask me or Google always has the answer. FUN FACTS: The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid is always coated in a thin layer of sand. This animal has never been spotted anywhere but Hawaii. Not one of these squids ever looks exactly the same.

Bibliography http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/Escolopes.php http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animal-guide/octopuses- and-kin/hawaiian-bobtail-squid http://www.padi.com/blog/2015/10/15/5-facts-about-the-bobtail- squid/

Thank You! I Hope You Learned Something New!!!