This week we found a Bobtail Squid sparkling amongst the rubble that added a little bit of colour to our black sand environment. This photo captures the amazing colour and beauty of this tiny little creature. Thanks to our guest, Keiko, for sharing this image with us.
The Bobtail Squid is also known as the ‘Dumpling Squid’ and the ‘Stubby Squid’. They are related to the Cuttlefish, however differ in that they have no cuttlebone and a rounded mantle. They are from the family of Cephalopods.
The beautiful light emanating from their mantle is from the bioluminescent bacteria which lives in the Squid’s mantle. The Squid have a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria. The bacteria feed from the Squid while creating this light, helping the Squid to camouflage from predators above. These little guys can grow from one centimetre to only five centimetres in length, so need all the help they can get!
Another great find this week was a Black Hairy Frog Fish. These guys are not so common here in Lembeh, so both guests and guides were extremely happy to come across this little fellow out in the sand!
The usual suspects were also out and about, such as Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Mimic Octopus, Reef Octopus, Painted Frog Fish, Robust and Ornate Ghost Pipefishes, Seahorses of all sizes and loads of beautiful Nudibranchs.
Come and visit us in Lembeh, the critters are ready and waiting!! Joining us this week were guests from the Netherlands, USA and Singapore.
Happy Bubbles!
