Deep beneath the waves of the vast ocean, an extraordinary creature dwells. Roaming freely with its elongated body and majestic movements, its identity is revealed by its signature oval fins, almost enveloping its entire mantle. It’s our species of the day - 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 (Férussac, 1831), better known as the bigfin reef squid.
Our story begins in the boundless waters of the Indo-Pacific region, where our squid thrives in vibrant and diverse habitats, asserting its claims from the far eastern Sea of Japan all the way to the Bay of Bengal. Its mantle is elliptical in shape and can reach lengths of up to 40 centimetres. Adorned with a mesmerising array of colours, bigfin reef squid is a master of camouflage. Manipulating its specialised skin cells called chromatophores, our marvellous magician can effortlessly blend into its surroundings and vanish from any potential threats.
The bigfin reef squid may be a maestro of evasion, but it ain’t no coward. Instead, it is a fierce predator, embodying a splendid blend of elegance and prowess. Its most striking feature, as its name suggests, is its large oval fins that extend along the sides of its mantle. The muscular nature of the bigfin reef squid’s fins offers the necessary strength for swift propulsion and maneuverability, allowing it to navigate the underwater realm with precision and vigour. Feeding primarily on crustaceans, its lightning-fast movements,accompanied by its versatile arms and tentacles, the bigfin reef squid can snatch unsuspecting prey with ease. Like a skilled artist, it captures its target and swiftly brings it towards its sharp beak for consumption. Its predatory aptitude and versatility contribute to its survival in the competitive open water.
‘One arrow can easily be broken, but a bundle of ten cannot.’ Despite being a solitary hunter, schooling behaviour is observed in the bigfin reef squid. Picture a bustling underwater community, where individuals come together in a cohesive solidarity for a multitude of reasons, be it survival or reproduction. In the early days of their life, the tiny hatchlings venture into the vast ocean with no particular order. But as they mature, something magical takes place. Around 30 days after hatching, they start to form schools with their fellow squid companions, transforming the once-random movements into a harmonious symphony of synchronised swimming. It’s as if they have unlocked the secret language of togetherness, moving in parallel lines and creating a mesmerising belt-shape arrangement. This newfound unity, magnified by their advanced cognitive ability, augments both the attack and defence capability of the school. Together, they become a force to be reckoned with.
With such remarkable adaptability, our ferocious squid is well-equipped to exploit any opportunity to expand its territory. Fuelled by its tenacious ambition, the big reef squid is found expanding its range beyond their native Indo-Pacific waters, and in recent years, it has even been sighted in the Mediterranean Sea, likely as a result of a human-mediated introduction. With a spectacular growth speed, accompanied with its outstanding versatility, the bigfin reef squid could have a profound impact on its newly colonised territories, and scientists are still closely monitoring the situation to understand the long-term consequences and attempt to mitigate any potential cascading effects.
A sublime magician or a ruthless opportunist, the bigfin reef squid is undeniably a captivating marine being. Want to learn more magnificent creatures that nature has to offer? Join us at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum and witness their allure up close!
Text: Nick Lin
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