Bobtail Squids
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These squids make captivating and easily trained pets. Scott W. Michael
Overview
Often quite reclusive, Bobtail squids will bury in the sand with just their eyes showing, and will wait for prey to swim by. They have short life spans; most live less than two years in captivity.
Family: Sepiolidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Bobtail squid are animals of sand flats, and they ought to be kept in a biotope-type aquarium with an open sand-bed and minimal aquascaping or rockwork.
Maximum length: 5 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 190 L (50 gal)
Lighting: Diurnal cycle necessary. Moderate to bright lighting.
Water: Marine 27 °C (81 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
Feeding
Prefer live foods (small fishes or shrimp). Very small Euprymna may take live adult brine shrimp.
Aquarium Compatibility
Predators on crustaceans, perhaps fishes. Not suitable for reef aquariums.
Special Care
These squids are temperature sensitive and should not be kept at temperatures lower than 80°F (27°C). They are intolerant of fouled water; a good skimmer and high-volume water circulation is a necessity.
Notes
Try to get a small animal and raise it to maturity if you wish to keep it for the longest possible time.