WHATSTHATFISH
Octopus & squid

Twotone Pygmy Squid

Idiosepius pygmaeus

Also known as: Bobtail Squid, Pygmy Cuttlefish, Pygmy Squid, Tropical Pygmy Squid, Two-toned Pygmy Squid

Adult
@blogie · Isla Reta Beach Resort, Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines · May 20121 / 2
01

Overview

Found singly or in squads, around mangroves and seagrass beds, over shallow, coastal waters and lagoons.
They feed nocturnally crustaceans.

Some of the smallest squids, they can change colour when predators come near.
These squid have a glue gland on their backs so they can cover themselves in sand for camouflage. There is also a light organ in their bellies, that hosts bioluminescnt bacteria which produces the iridescent colours.

02

How to identify

Pattern
spots

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 2
LIVES IN

Found singly or in squads, around mangroves and seagrass beds, over shallow, coastal waters and lagoons.

04

Adult photos 2

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumMollusca
    3. classCephalopoda
    4. orderSepiolida
    5. familySepiolidae
    6. genusIdiosepius
    7. speciesIdiosepius pygmaeus Steenstrup, 1881

    SourcesWoRMSWikipedia

    06

    More in the family

    Sepiolida