Sepiadarium

Common Names

Sepiadarium species are commonly known as bobtail squid, a name they share with other small squid species. They may also be called paper nautilus due to the thin, papery, external shell they possess.

Characteristics

Members of the genus Sepiadarium have several key characteristics that distinguish them from other cuttlefish and squid:

• External shell: Unlike most cuttlefish, Sepiadarium species have a thin, papery, external shell that is divided into chambers. This shell is not used for buoyancy like the internal shells of other cephalopods. Instead, it acts as a protective covering for the animal.
• Size: These are small cephalopods, typically reaching a maximum mantle length of around 5-6 cm.
• Coloration: Sepiadarium species exhibit a variety of color patterns and can change their skin color rapidly for camouflage and communication.
• Arms and Tentacles: They have eight arms and two long tentacles, similar to other cephalopods. Their tentacles are used for capturing prey, and their arms are used for holding and manipulating objects.

Environments

Sepiadarium species are primarily found in shallow, coastal waters, including reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms. They are nocturnal animals, spending the day buried in the sand or hiding in crevices, and emerging at night to feed.

References

For more information on Sepiadarium, refer to the following sources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Wikipedia: Sepiadariidae
• Sealife Australia: Cuttlefish