typhlonectes:

The curious courtship of the bigfin reef squid  

Is this a visitor from another planet? Very few aquariums in the world are displaying this bizarre species, which we first exhibited in 2012.  

Like many cephalopods, bigfin reef squid use pigmented skin cells, called chromatophores, to change color and pattern. Specific patterns and colors are used by males and females during mating, to attract one another. Each female lays 1,000-6,000 eggs, which take approximately three weeks to incubate. After mating, the adults die. They can live as long as 11 months.

via: Monterey Bay Aquarium

(via montereybayaquarium)

Source: typhlonectes

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