While not as tiny as a Thai bobtail squid, the striped pyjama squid is certainly down there in size. However, they can pack a secret surprise. Pyjama squids are among the few known venomous and poisonous squid species. And a side note, they’re actually a species of cuttlefish, not squid. These cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus) can be found from the southern Great Barrier Reef down to central South Australia. They prefer sandy and muddy habitats of shallow coastal waters. The pyjama squid is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN. Meaning that there isn’t enough data collected on their numbers or their fate. But they likely suffer at the hands of habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Sepioloidea lineolata
Length: Up to 2 inches
Lifespan: Up to 2 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) The striped pyjama squid also goes by the name of the striped dumpling squid, due to its appearance.
2.) They are nocturnal (active at night).
3.) Possessing chromataphores (color changing cells in their skin) these little critters can rapidly change the coloration of their skin to better blend in with their environment or attract a mate.
4.) These cephalopods are poisonous and venomous. They produce a poisonous slime coating that wards off predation. They also have a venomous bite.
5.) Striped pyjama squids prey on small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans.
But wait, there’s more on the striped pyjama squid!
6.) Unfortunately for these tiny creatures, they are parasitized by dicyemids. Dicyemids are mesozoans (worm-like parasites) that infect the renal projections of cephalopods that live near the sea floor. They get their nutrition from the squid’s urine.
7.) Males initiate mating by pulling the female close and then touching head-to-head. The male squid then inserts a spermatophore, or a sperm packet, towards her mouth. She will hold on to this packet until she is ready to lay eggs. The male will also use a specialized arm to scoop out previously deposited spermatophore packets.
Did you know…?
Like other cephalopods, they can produce ink. But a cool feature of this ink is that it takes the shape of the pyjama squid. This distracts a predator long enough for the squid to escape.
8.) Like many other cephalopods, the males die soon after mating.
9.) After laying her eggs, the female will guard them till they hatch. She will alto not leave or even eat during this time. Ultimately, this takes its toll and the female’s life comes to an end shortly after her young hatch.
10.) The adults and juveniles spend the day partially buried in the sandy bottom, with only their eyes visible, to watch for predators and prey alike.
Now a Short Striped Pyjama Squid Video!
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