Our Local Cephalopods
Meet the most commonly seen cephalopods. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colours, but all have one thing in common: they are superstars and rulers of this fantastic kingdom!
Common Octopus
Octopus Vulgaris
The rockstar of all five. Rockhugger, shapeshifter, opportunist, mastermind and the best sky-diver ever seen. Loves the camera.
Dwarf Bobtail Squid
Sepiola rondeletii
It is one of the smallest cephalopods in this kingdom, but yet one with a very powerful asset: counter-illumination thanks to bioluminescence.
European Squid
Loligo vulgaris
In the skies of the kingdom, this powerful 'jet fighter' darts up and down at an incredible speed with its wingman.
Cutllefish
Sepia officinalis
The only one that can float and hoover around. Top-notch camouflage skills and a captive gaze that will knock you off your feet.
White Spotted Octopus
Callistoctopus macropus
Flamboyant and bohemian, this octopus can only be seen at night. It has elegant long arms and can bury itself in the sand in no time.
Let's get acquainted...
Meet the quirky gang of cephalopods in 'The Kingdom of Yabisa': octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and the bobtail squid – the molluscs with a head-footed charm! Their name, "cephalopod," derives from Greek, hinting at their intriguing head-arm connection.
Cephalopods typically have arms, tentacles, or a combination of the two. They have dexterous, sucker-lined arms, ever-changing camouflage skin, complex eyes and remarkably well-developed brains and nervous systems.
We have two different octopuses that regularly pose as models for the Octoparazzo: the Common Octopus is a true chameleon of the sea. Its colour palette ranges from sultry dark reddish brown to elegant white, with a mind-boggling array of fifty shades of grey in between. Think of it as the ocean's version of a fashionista, with a dash of blues and yellows thrown in for a pop of flair.
In contrast, the White Spotted Octopus prefers a classic look, rocking a rusty red outfit adorned with pristine white spots. It can turn red like a show-stopping mushroom with clear white dots—or even full-on snowball white when it's in a tizzy.
Mollusca
All cephalopods are a molluscs ( invertibrates )
Nautiloidea & Coleoidea
There are two subclasses of Cephalopoda: In one corner, we have the ancient Nautiloidea sporting external shells that haven't changed for a staggering 450 million years! Meanwhile, in the other corner, the Coleoidea, including the mischievous octopuses, sleek squids, and cuddly cuttlefish, flaunt their soft bodies with some of them a form of shell tucked inside. Coleoidea has two Superorders : Octopodiformes & Decapodiformes.
Octopodiformes
The superorder of Octopoda contains all the octopus's family members. 'The Kingdom of Yabisa' has two octopuses that we often see: the Common Octopus ( Octopus vulgaris ) and the White Spotted Octopus ( Callistoctopus macropus ). There are more roaming the open seas of this kingdom, like the 'Argonaut', 'Blanket Octopus' and 'Football Octopus' but unfortunately, I haven't seen one of them.
Decapodiformes
Within the Superorder Decapodiformes fall the squids, cuttlefish and bobtail squid we see roaming every corner of the kingdom. The tremendous swift and fast European Squid ( Loligo vulgaris ) and its stouter cousin, the Common Cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis ), can be seen often. During the winter, the most miniature and precious one appears, the Dwarf Bobtail Squid ( Sepiola rondeletii ).
Common Octopus
The common octopus, scientifically known as Octopus vulgaris, is a creature of mesmerising complexity and adaptability. It is the most-seen octopus at 'The Kingdom of Yabisa' and is known to surprise the Octoparazzo every year again with a whole new generation of top models!
It can be found worldwide in both tropical and temperate waters. They are particularly abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, Japan, and the Eastern Atlantic, and they typically dwell in coastal waters between depths of 1 to 200 meters. These medium-large octopuses commonly weigh between 3 to 5 kilograms and measure between 30 to 91 centimetres in length. They boast eight stout arms of equal length and thickness, each adorned with two rows of suckers extending from a moderately-sized mantle, typically 3 to 5 times the size of its mantle.
The common octopus exhibits a flexible activity period, being active both day and night, influenced by predators and other octopus species in its vicinity.
Instantly recognisable by its bulbous head, sinuous arms, and large, expressive eyes, the common octopus stands out for its appearance and remarkable intelligence. Boasting the most significant brain-to-body ratio among all invertebrates, these creatures demonstrate an extraordinary capacity for learning and problem-solving.
Among its most striking features is its remarkable camouflage abilities. The common octopus can seamlessly change its colour and texture to blend with its surroundings by utilising specialised pigment cells known as chromatophores and muscles beneath its skin.
Further enhancing its allure is its exceptional dexterity. Equipped with suckers on each arm capable of tasting and manipulating objects with remarkable precision, the octopus demonstrates versatility in catching fast-moving prey such as fish and crustaceans, as well as in constructing shelters from shells and rocks.
Despite their typically solitary nature, common octopuses exhibit social behaviours, communicating through visual displays, colour changes, and tactile interactions. They occasionally engage in complex mating rituals, though females may display cannibalistic tendencies after mating.
Females lay clusters of eggs in concealed crevices, diligently guarding them until hatching. Subsequently, the mother octopus typically perishes, having devoted her energy to ensuring the survival of her offspring...
master in disguise
deimatic display
swimming octopus
web-casting
eye
Dwarf Bobtail Squid
The Dwarf Bobtail Squid ( Sepiola rondeletii ) is native to the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. It has eight suckered arms and two tentacles. It is a small cephalopod: females grow to max. 60 mm in mantle length (though usually from 40 to 50 mm), while males do not grow larger than 25 mm. The weight is between 0.1- 1.4 grams in mass. It has a rounder mantle than cuttlefish and has no cuttlebone. It can swim using two fins on its mantle or jet propulsion. Its eyes are huge compared to its body, making it look super cute.
The Bobtail squid has a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria. The bacteria occupy a specialised light organ tucked within the underside of its mantle. These bacteria produce light through a chemical reaction, allowing the bobtail squid to adjust its glow to match the moonlight, which will help it evade predators and not be seen by prey. The bacteria, in turn, get nutrients from the bobtail squid to support their growth.
A squid vents 90 % of its bioluminescent bacteria each morning into the seawater. The bacteria replenish during the day when the squid is buried in the sand. By evening, when it's time to feed, the squid has a new crop of bacteria in its light organ. Bobtail squid have remarkable control over their bioluminescence. They can regulate the intensity and duration of the light produced by adjusting the amount of oxygen and nutrients supplied to the light organ.
Bobtail squid are nocturnal and feed on small prey on small molluscs, crustaceans, shrimp and small fish.
In 'The Kingdom of Yabisa' are a few coves with abundant Bobtail Squid. However, it is only seen during the colder winter months.
In 2021, NASA scientists sent over a hundred of its cousins ( the Hawaiian bobtail squid ) up on a rocket ship and into orbit, helping scientists understand the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
it can glue sand to its body
lock on prey
defence position
colourful gems
European Squid
The European squid, scientifically known as Loligo vulgaris, belongs to the family of inshore squids. It has a streamlined, slender, cylindrical, and elongated body with rhomboid fins exceeding 50% of mantle length. It has eight arms and two longer tentacles equipped with suckers. Individuals can grow to 60 cm.
It is an emblematic member of the cephalopod family found predominantly in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea temperate waters. European squid plays a crucial role in marine food webs, preying on various small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
In the skies of The Kingdom of Yabias, powerful 'jet fighters' are darting up and down at an incredible speed. Their abilities are impressive: Accelerating from 0-30 kilometres per hour within seconds. Spinning a full 360 degrees in the blink of an eye. Charging at you like they're late for a date, slamming on the brakes just in time before zooming off again. And, oh, did I mention their colossal 'puppy' eyes? But beware, appearances can be deceiving—they're APEX predators of the skies!
Like all cephalopods, it has three hearts: two branchial hearts and one systemic heart. The branchial hearts pump blood to the gills, where oxygen is taken up.
couple of squids
defence mode
close up of skin
juvenile squid
male display
using its tentacles
Common Cuttlefish
The common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis is a relatively broad and somewhat flattened cephalopod, appearing oval in cross-section and with paired fins from behind the head to the tip of the body. It has eight arms and two elongated tentacles. These arms are specialised for grasping prey after it has been grabbed by the tentacles. The tentacles are cylindrical, muscular structures which can be quickly elongated. They end in a tentacular club, with five to six rows of suckers that are specially adapted for prey capture. It has an overall length between 15-35 cm and weight somewhere between 2-4 kg.
They have a cuttlebone, which allows cuttlefish to adjust its buoyancy by regulating the gas-to-liquid ratio within the shell.
They are recorded from the eastern Atlantic, the Baltic and North Sea to South Africa and the Mediterranean.
Individuals are capable of very rapid colour change, especially when threatened. They may also take the colour or patterning of its background, controlling the 10 million colour cells within their skin; they can quickly change colour, pattern, and texture—sometimes completing the illusion by making shapes with their tentacles to blend into the background better.
Furthermore, the cuttlefish possess a highly developed nervous system and complex brain, rivalling those of many vertebrates regarding intelligence. Its large brain-to-body ratio enables advanced cognitive abilities, including learning, memory, and problem-solving. Studies have shown that cuttlefish are capable of observational learning and exhibit individual personalities, demonstrating complexity in behaviour previously underestimated in invertebrates.
Another remarkable adaptation of the common cuttlefish is its unique mode of locomotion. By expelling water from a muscular funnel, the cuttlefish can propel itself with incredible agility and speed, allowing it to navigate complex marine environments easily. Additionally, its fin-like mantle enables precise control over movement, enabling it to hover, dart, and manoeuvre with exceptional fluidity.
Reproduction in cuttlefish is equally intriguing. Males employ elaborate courtship displays, utilising visual signals, such as changing skin colour and pattern, posturing and arm movements, to attract potential mates. Once mating occurs, females deposit clusters of eggs within protective gelatinous capsules attached to the seafloor or submerged objects. After hatching, juvenile cuttlefish undergo a rapid growth phase, reaching sexual maturity within one to two years, depending on environmental conditions.
The typical lifespan of the Common Cuttlefish is between 1-2 years.
w-shaped eye pupil
majestic look
buried in the sand
cuttlefish couple
White Spotted Octopus
Callistoctopus macropus, known as the White Spotted Octopus, is a cryptic and understudied species. It's a genus of nocturnal, red octopuses in the family Octopodidae.
They are easily identifiable by their reddish colouring, the white papillae that line their bodies, and their long arms.
It can grow to a mantle length of 20 cm (8 in) with a total length of 150 cm (59 in). It has long, unequal arms. The longest arms are typically 5 to 9 times mantle length. The first pair of arms are a metre or so long and are much longer than the remaining three pairs. The arms are all connected by a shallow web.
The White Spotted Octopus is also known as the Atlantic White-spotted Octopus or Grass Octopus. It can be found in shallow areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the warmer parts of the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region.
This octopus feeds on tiny organisms, although I have seen it attacking the Common octopus several times.
Almost only seen at night, when it roams 'The Kingdom of Yabisa' with all its grace
skin with 'papillae'
majestic and elegant
fighting octopuses
eye
deimatic display