Gardener Squid

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Gardener Squid - "Sebastian Romu" © 2019

About

Common Names
Gardener Squid
Classification
Mollusc
These small five armed cephalopods are named after their elaborate nest building behaviour.

Description

Size
2 kg (4-5 pounds), 20-30 centimetres (9-12 inches) length.
Appearance
Five arms with suckers above a small beak. a pair of eyes, a pair of swimming fins, and a smooth rigid shell protecting their body. Their head and topside of their arms are covered in chromatophores which allow the squid to rapidly shift colours and patterns.
Sexual Dimorphism
No obvious differences.
Variance
There are several species of related animals, but only the gardener squid engages in the decorative garden building behaviour.

Ecology

Habitat
Tropical to sub-tropical salt water. Coral Reefs
Diet
Fish, shell fish, and other small animal prey.

Behaviour

Social Grouping
Solitary or in pairs, although larger communities of these squid can be found each with their own plot of reef they defend from interlopers.
Temperament
Wary with a curious attitude.
Intelligence
Clever animals
Reproduction
The namesake behaviour of these squid is likely related to attracting sexual partners. Males will construct coral arches, and decorate them and the surrounding sea floor with meticulously placed stones and shells. They engage in elaborate mating rituals involving aquatic dance between potential partners, after coupling a female will reside with her chosen mate and lay a cluster of several dozen eggs attached to the coral arch. When the young hatch they spend about a year free roaming before picking out a spot of reef to make their own gardens as adults.

Notable Sub-Species

No subspecies of gardener squids are known.

Domestication

General
None
Resources
Meat, Shells.

Stories

See Also