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Invertebrate
Data Deficient

Squid

Sepioteuthis lessoniana

Sepioteuthis lessoniana, commonly called the bigfin reef squid, tiger squid, glitter squid, oval squid or northern calamari, is a species complex in the loliginid squid family and one of three currently recognised species in the genus Sepioteuthis. Studies from 1993 onward suggest that bigfin reef squids may in fact comprise several very similar, closely related cryptic species.

Family

Loliginidae

Avg Size

20-40 cm

Habitat

This is a neritic, warm-water squid usually found between the surface and 100 m (328 ft) deep. It tends to stay close to shore near rocks and reefs, is somewhat more active at night, and moves into deeper water or seeks cover during the day; large numbers of juveniles often hide beneath floating driftwood. The most widespread member of its genus, it occurs in the temperate and tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

Behaviour

Bigfin reef squids are close relatives of the Caribbean reef squid, which is known for complex social interactions, and they likewise perform elaborate mating displays. They show both schooling and shoaling, with very young animals staying together (shoaling) without yet swimming in parallel (schooling). Unlike most squids they are rarely cannibalistic, so shoals can mix animals of different sizes without larger members attacking the smaller ones.

Squid

Where & When to See It

Erg Abu Ramada

occasional
Year Round

Abu Ghalawa

occasional
Year Round

Abu Hashish

occasional
Year Round

Abu Kifan

occasional
Year Round

Abu Nuhas

occasional
Year Round

Abu Ramada South

occasional
Year Round

Banana Reef

occasional
Year Round

Belina Wreck

occasional
Year Round

Big Giftun

occasional
Year Round

Blue Hole - El Bells

occasional
Year Round

Careless Reef

occasional
Year Round

Carnatic

occasional
Year Round

Chrisoula K

occasional
Year Round

Eel Garden

occasional
Year Round

Eel Gardens

occasional
Year Round

El Erug

occasional
Year Round

El Fanadir

occasional
Year Round

The Ulysses

occasional
Year Round

Abu Dabbab

occasional
Year Round

El Mina Wreck

occasional
Year Round

Elphinstone

occasional
Year Round

Erg Sabina

occasional
Year Round

Erg Somaya

occasional
Year Round

Fury Shoals

occasional
Year Round

Giannis D

occasional
Year Round

Gota Abu Ramada

occasional
Year Round

Habili Ali

occasional
Year Round

Jackfish Alley

occasional
Year Round

Lighthouse

occasional
Year Round

Moray Garden - Golden Blocks

occasional
Year Round

Napoleon Reef

occasional
Year Round

North Gabr El Bint

occasional
Year Round

North Ras Abu Galum

occasional
Year Round

Ras Burg

occasional
Year Round

Ras Ghozlani

occasional
Year Round

Ras Zaatar

occasional
Year Round

Rosalie Moller

occasional
Year Round

Salem Express

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Abu Nugar

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Claudia

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Eissa

occasional
Year Round

Shaab El Erg

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Eshta

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Maksur

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Petra

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Sabina

occasional
Year Round

Shaab Sataya

occasional
Year Round

Shabrur Um Gamar

occasional
Year Round

Shag Rock (Kingston)

occasional
Year Round

Siyul Kebira

occasional
Year Round

Small Crack

occasional
Year Round

Small Giftun

occasional
Year Round

Soma Bay Garden

occasional
Year Round

South Ras Abu Galum

occasional
Year Round

The Canyon

occasional
Year Round

The Caves

occasional
Year Round

The Islands

occasional
Year Round

Thistlegorm

occasional
Year Round

Three Pools

occasional
Year Round

Turft El Shahed

occasional
Year Round

Turtle Reef

occasional
Year Round

Umm Gamar North

occasional
Year Round

Umm Gamar South

occasional
Year Round

Abu Ramada North

occasional
Year Round

Bluff Point

occasional
Year Round

Hamda

occasional
Year Round

Kimon M

occasional
Year Round

Panorama Reef

occasional
Year Round

Ras Abu Helal

occasional
Year Round

Ras Disha

occasional
Year Round

Sha'ab Samadai (Dolphin House)

occasional
Year Round

The Barge at Bluff Point

occasional
Year Round

El Fanous West

common
Year Round

The Alternatives

common
Year Round

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