Not usually known for their aesthetic beauty, the Caribbean Reef Squid possesses unique anatomical characteristics, including impressive colors and patterns, that fulfill a range of survival functions. Check out our infographic below to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

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CARIBBEAN REEF SQUID FACTS

Here are a few more interesting facts about Caribbean Reef Squid in addition to their aesthetic anatomical characteristics described above:

Every day they consume 30-60% of their overall body weight. They travel in schools of 4 to 30 and spread out at night to hunt individually. When hunting, they trick their prey by going vertical like underwater plant life. Juvenile reef fish, like the yellow jack, are sometimes found swimming alongside reef squid, possibly for protective purposes against larger pelagic fish. After offspring are born, the male and female parents die within a month. They have a jet propulsion system that enables them to quickly escape predators. Caribbean Reef Squid are not the same as cuttlefish. Cuttlefish can be recognized in comparison anatomically by their broader bodies and a fringe fin lining its whole body side.

CARIBBEAN REEF SQUID VIDEO

To see the beautiful Caribbean Reef Squid in action, take a look at the below video from Ocean Fontiers Dive Shop in the Cayman Islands. You'll see color changes, patterns, and its natural, elegant behavior.

Do you have stunning photos or footage of unique sea life? We might be willing trade you a premium sea life t-shirt from Shark Zen for it. Email us about what you have at info@sharkzen.com.

REFERENCES FOR CARIBBEAN REEF SQUID FACTS & FOOTAGE

Photography by Bob Cawood of the Florida Fishing Academy Youtube Video by Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop