Common Bobtail

Overview

Sepietta oweniana, commonly known as the common bobtail, is a small marine mollusk belonging to the bobtail squid family. Like other members of its order, this species lacks a rigid internal cuttlefish bone, giving it a rounded, compact body shape. They are frequently encountered near sandy and muddy bottoms where they split their time between swimming in open water and resting beneath the seafloor sediment.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits the eastern Atlantic Ocean and extends across the Mediterranean Sea. Within its geographic range, populations are found distributed in shallow to moderately deep coastal waters, with local abundance heavily influenced by temperature gradients and regional latitude.

Appearance

Common bobtails feature distinctive large, rounded pupils and possess eight arms equipped with biserial suckers. Additionally, they have two specialized tentacles featuring numerous tiny, uniform-sized suckers arranged in transverse rows, which assist the animal in securing active prey.