Squid & Cuttlefish | SEA Undersea

I've lumped Squid and Cuttlefish together because they're so often confusted – to the point where common names are often misleading. While they have many common external features, the main difference is internal: Cuttlefish have a unique internal shell (the cuttlebone) while squid do not.

Caribbean Reef Squid

Scientific name: Sepioteuthis sepioidea

This sample was spotted in Bonaire, where I've often seem on sites around Klein Bonaire. They're usually in pairs or small groups.

Broadclub Cuttlefish

Scientific name: Sepia latimanus

This is one of the larger and more common cuttlefish you'll see around Southeast Asia. It's often camoflaged with coloring to blend with the sandy bottom, and the appearance of barbs, yet when it wants to move, the barbs disappear and the color becomes more white.

Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Scientific name: Metasepia pfefferi

Aside from it's “flamboyant” coloring, the other interesting thing about this cuttlefish is that it “walks” along the sandy bottom.

Bigfin Reef Squid

Also known as: Glitter squid, oval squid

Scientific name: Sepioteuthis lessoniana

These rather small squids can often be found at night, when they can be almost annoyingly attracted to your dive lights.

Bobtail Squid

Scientific name: order Sepiolida

The term “bobtail squid” is the common name for a large group of small squids that haven't been scientifically categorized.