Bigfin Reef Squid

ID points

• Broad fins along both sides, running almost the whole length of the mantle
• Flickering, flowing patches of colour over the skin
• Often hovers in small groups above reef flats

Basics

Family

Loliginidae

Length

20–40 cm

Depth

0-100 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Shallow coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Shallow water over coral reefs

Diet

Small fish, shrimp

Easily confused with

Clown TriggerfishA patch of large round white spots on the bellyCuttlefishA wavy skirt-like fin running around both sides of the bodyGuineafowl PufferInk-black body covered in dense, even white spots

Fun fact

The Bigfin Reef Squid is a common schooling squid of shallow water, with a large fin running the whole length of its body. It can change the colour and pattern of its skin in an instant, using it to talk to companions, to hide and to court, making it a master of colour language among cephalopods.