Sepiadariidae
Sepiadariidae is a family of cephalopods belonging to the order Sepiida, commonly known as bobtail squid. They are small, deep-sea squid that are closely related to cuttlefish. Sepiadariidae consists of a single genus, Sepiadarium, with three recognized species.
Common Names
Sepiadariidae are commonly referred to as bobtail squid due to their distinctive short, rounded mantle and lack of a distinct head. Other names include:
- Dwarf squid
- Pygmy squid
Characteristics
Sepiadariidae are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 2 to 10 centimeters in length. Their bodies are generally elongated and somewhat flattened, with a distinct head and a short, rounded mantle. They possess eight arms and two long tentacles, similar to other squid, but their fins are relatively small and located near the posterior end of the mantle. Unlike most squid, they lack an ink sac and instead rely on camouflage and rapid movement for defense.
Environment
Sepiadariidae inhabit deep-sea environments, typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters. They prefer soft-bottom habitats with abundant prey, such as crustaceans and small fish. These squid are often found in association with coral reefs and other complex marine ecosystems.
References
For more information on Sepiadariidae, please refer to the following resources: