Story: Deep-sea creatures

Firefly squid (2nd of 3)

Firefly squid

The small firefly squid is dotted with blue light organs on its tentacles and mantle (body) that it can flash to attract and confuse its prey. Like many other creatures of the deep, it lurks in darkness by day, then at night rises towards the surface where prey is more abundant.

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This image has been provided courtesy of the NORFANZ partners – Australia’s National Oceans Office and CSIRO and New Zealand’s Ministry of Fisheries and NIWA. The use of this image does not imply the endorsement of the NORFANZ partners of the content of this entry.

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How to cite this page:

Paddy Ryan, 'Deep-sea creatures - The mesopelagic zone', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5275/firefly-squid (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 12 Jun 2006