Sepioteuthis australis
26cm
0-10m
99 sites
Loliginidae
Imagine gliding through the shallows of Southern Australia, sunlight dappling the sandy seabed, when suddenly, a flash of iridescent colour catches your eye. You've likely encountered the Southern Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis australis), a cephalopod with a knack for putting on a show! These captivating creatures are often found in the neritic zone, rarely venturing deeper than 10 meters, making them perfect for both scuba divers and snorkelers. They're relatively small, with the average size of around 26cm, but can grow up to 38cm. Keep your eyes peeled near seagrass beds and rocky reefs, as these are their favoured hangouts. What makes the Southern Reef Squid truly special is its ability to rapidly change colour and texture. This mesmerizing display is used for camouflage, communication, and even courtship. Watch closely, and you might witness these masters of disguise blending seamlessly with their surroundings or putting on a dazzling light show to attract a mate. With a diver appeal score of 5/5, encountering these charismatic cephalopods is sure to be a highlight of any dive or snorkel trip in Southern Australia and the South Pacific.
The Southern Reef Squid can be identified by its elongated body shape and relatively small size. Its most distinguishing feature is its ability to rapidly change color, displaying a wide range of hues from brown and red to yellow and white. They have large, expressive eyes and a pair of triangular fins that extend almost the entire length of their mantle. Look for their characteristic 'hovering' behavior, where they maintain their position in the water column using gentle fin movements.
