Species profile
Bigfin Reef Squid
Sepioteuthis lessoniana
At a glance
Bigfin Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) is an IUCN Data Deficient octopus/squid present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 99 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Hawaii.
Notable details
- Long, broad fins run nearly the full length of the mantle, giving precise control.
- They change skin color and pattern in milliseconds for camouflage or communication.
- Mantle length can reach about 15 inches (38 cm) in the largest individuals.
- This species is among the most commercially important squid in the Indo-Pacific.
- Most individuals live less than one year, reproducing multiple times before dying.
Where Bigfin Reef Squid are seen
Background
Sepioteuthis lessoniana, commonly known as the bigfin reef squid or oval squid, is a commercially important species of loliginid squid. It is one of the three currently recognized species belonging to the genus Sepioteuthis. Studies in 1993, however, have indicated that bigfin reef squids may comprise a cryptic species complex. The species is likely to include several very similar and closely…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Bigfin Reef Squid article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other octopus/squid on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.