This is Euprymna scolopes or Hawaiian bobtail squid
#COLORSOFTHEOCEAN_3
Look closely….what do you see? The colors of the ocean blend so effortlessly. As the sun shines though the surface, acting like a spotlight, as it shines on an Euprymna scolopes, or a Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes).
It hides in the day by burying itself in the sand. It will even glue sand grains to its body for camouflage. It comes out at night to hunt/feed. These squids can glow! They have a symbiotic relationship with a luminescent bacteria called Vibrio Fischeri.
They are not born with this bacteria but rather recruit them from the surrounding ocean waters. They house the bacteria in a specialized light organ. The bacteria benefit from the squid with room and board and the squid benefits because the bacteria will help the squid hide at night by glowing. The light shines through the muscles and the skin on the underside of the squid. The bacteria glow to match the moonlight from above and help to prevent the squid from casting a shadow.
Interesting fact, NASA sends the bobtail squid to space for research purposes. They hope that by studying the affects of spaceflight on the squid, they can better understand human health and the changes that may occur during long space missions. When astronauts are in low gravity their bodies microbes change. This can be researched with squid and their microbes. They are hoping to better understand, by the use of squid and their microbes, how to solve health problems that astronauts can face.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
Be sure to visit our Blog each and every month for the latest #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN post.
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