Eerie beauty of the squid: Underwater photographs which capture spectacular colours of sea creature usually thought of as ugly

Bobtail squids use thousands of cells in the outer layer of their skin to change colour

They transform to attract a mate or blend in with their surroundings


These stunning images capture the amazing skin of the bobtail squid, who use thousands of cells to change colour.



The cephalopods have translucent skin with pigments called chromatophores, which appear as small patches or dots. They use the cells to transform so they can attract a mate or blend into their surroundings.



Underwater photographer Todd Bretl took the incredible pictures during one of his many expeditions into the sea.



Stunning: A picture of a bobtail squid taken by Todd Bretl, a specialist underwater photographer

Transformation: The photographer has captured the thousands of pigment cells squids have on their skin arms which cause them to change colour

He was raised on a boat in Bermuda and says he grew up with the ocean as his playground and constant companion.

His website says: 'After years spent in envy of the island's many scuba divers, he eagerly began diving as soon as he was able, at the age of 12.'



'Hundreds of dives later, and on an impulsive desire to try something new, Todd purchased some basic underwater photography equipment to experiment with during a 2008 dive trip to Palau.

'There, he had the serendipitous good fortune to spend much of his time with underwater filmmaking legend Stan Waterman, whose encouragement, inimitable good humor, and ageless enthusiasm inspired Todd.'



'After taking over two thousand images in Palau, Todd returned home utterly addicted to the unique balance of art, science, technology, and adventure provided by the pursuit of underwater photography.'

