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Bigfin reef squid mating dance
Bigfin Reef Squid are a fascinating sight for divers in Gorontalo. Often, small groups of these squid hover in open water above the reef slope.
Mating Dance Captured on Video
During courtship, their bodies shimmer with changing colors and patterns. Only the luckiest of divers witness this remarkable mating dance of flashing colors and synchronized movement. Ted Foon, one of our guests, captured several minutes of this rarely witnessed behavior. We share highlights in our YouTube video.
Identifying Bigfin Reef Squid
The squid in this video is the Bigfin Reef Squid. Its scientific name is Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Its large oval fins make it easy to recognize. They run almost the entire length of the mantle. These fins give the squid a shape that resembles a cuttlefish. The body is semi-transparent. But it can flash brilliant stripes or waves of color. Scientists believe that these color changes help squid communicate during courtship and competition.
Bigfin Reef Squid typically grow to about 30 centimeters in length. They are common throughout the Indo-Pacific. Often in small groups, these squid gather in shallow water near coral reefs, seagrass beds, or mooring lines. During mating displays, males may guard a female while rival males attempt to approach. The rapid changes of color and pattern are part of this visual communication. However, in our video, no other males were present.
Conservation & Natural Observation
Reef squid are important predators in coral reef ecosystems. They feed on small fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. In turn, they are prey for larger fish, dolphins, and other marine animals.
Encounters with Bigfin Reef Squid are most memorable when divers remain patient and respectful. When divers maintain a distance and move calmly, the squid can continue their graceful courtship displays. These moments reveal the remarkable intelligence and beauty of reef cephalopods in their natural environment.
Squid are highly intelligent and show awareness of divers. If a diver spots a group of them, the squid will retreat by swimming backwards until they disappear from sight.
For your chance to see squid hovering over Gorontalo reefs, make your dive booking directly with us.
