Happy Thursday everyone! Today’s focus is the firefly squid! On request of Mason.
The firefly squid, also known by such names as sparkling enope squid and hotaru-ika in Japan, is a deep sea wonder. Firefly squids, or Watasenia scintillans as they are known by the scientific community, are the only living squid within their family. They are commonly found in Japan around spring time and eaten there in restaurants.
The most notable feature of the firefly squid, and the one they earn their name from, is their wonderful show of bioluminescent lights along them that glow in the deep. Their lives are spent at a depth of 700 to 1,300 feet below the ocean's surface, putting them within the Mesopelagic zone, also known as the twilight zone.
Overall the firefly squid is rather small compared to other squids. Coming in at only 3 inches of length. However all over the body are tiny photophores, which emit the blue light they are famous for. The depth they are found at can be varied, due to them following vertical migration, and a yearly migration for breeding.
The bioluminescence of the squids works by flashing lights, attracting fish towards the light show. They also use this during mating season to attract mates. however unlike other squids, they are monogamous, and only take one partner their whole lives.
I hope everyone has a good Thursday!
