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Cephalopods!

 

Cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus) are considered to be the most complex and intelligent of the invertebrates. They are the most diverse in size of the molluscs. These elusive critters have evolved many adaptations that make them successful in the ocean, such as suction cup tentacles to capture prey (some squid have little hooks on the end which allows them to hunt more efficiently), venom (blue ringed octopus), bioluminescence (firefly squids, bobtail squid), dark coloration to live in the depths (vampire squid), chromatophores on their skin (can function in defense / alarm displays and courtship rituals), and the ability to change colors so that they can blend into their environment (mimic octopus). To date there are approximately 900 species of cephalopods worldwide, and those are only the ones we know about. I have had the chance to see some beautiful specimens while out here on the Gulf. 

b2ap3_thumbnail_Mastigoteuthis_agassizi_whiplash_squid.JPG      b2ap3_thumbnail_Japetella_diaphana_octopod.JPG

Mastigoteuthis agassiz, Whiplash squid                              Japetella diaphana, Octopod

b2ap3_thumbnail_Heteroteuthis_dagamensis_female_Bobtail_squid.JPG      b2ap3_thumbnail_Grimalditeuthis_bonplandi_.JPG

Heteroteuthis dagamensis, Female Bobtail squid                  Grimalditeuthis bonplandi

b2ap3_thumbnail_Abralia_redfieldi_hooked_squid.JPG

 

Abralia redfieldi, Hooked squid