Common name: Berry's bobtail squid

General information

Berry's Bobtail Squid, Euprymna berryi, is a small cephalopod known for its unique ability to camouflage by using symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria housed in a specialized organ. This species is nocturnal and buries itself in the sand during the day, emerging at night to hunt. While not as common in the home aquarium as some other cephalopods, Berry's Bobtail Squid can be a fascinating addition for experienced aquarists interested in cephalopod behavior and care.

Care

Caring for Berry's Bobtail Squid requires a species-specific setup due to their unique needs. A tank with a soft, sandy substrate is essential for their burrowing behavior. The water quality must be pristine, with stable parameters, and the tank should be well-cycled before introducing the squid. They are sensitive to changes in water quality and can be challenging to feed, requiring live or frozen foods such as small shrimp or fish.

Reproduction

In captivity, breeding Berry's Bobtail Squid can be quite difficult. They have a short lifespan, and the window for successful breeding is narrow. Males use a specialized arm to transfer a spermatophore to the female, who then lays clusters of eggs. The eggs must be kept in clean, well-oxygenated water to develop properly.

Symbiosis

The most notable aspect of Euprymna berryi is its symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria, Vibrio fischeri. These bacteria colonize the squid's light organ, allowing it to produce light that mimics moonlight, reducing its shadow on the ocean floor and helping it avoid predators while hunting at night.

Habitat

Berry's Bobtail Squid is found in shallow waters of the Western Pacific, including the waters around Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. They prefer sandy or muddy substrates where they can easily bury themselves during the day.