Ram's Horn Squids [Spirulidae]

Description

Spirulidae, the only family within the order Spirulida, consists of small, deep-sea cephalopods known as ram's horn squids. These unique creatures are characterized by their internal, coiled shell which is reminiscent of a ram's horn, hence their common name. The shell is lightweight and chambered, serving both as a buoyancy aid and a structure to support the squid's internal organs. Spirulidae are small, typically only reaching about 45 mm in length, and have a light-emitting organ (photophore) near the eye, which is thought to aid in camouflage and communication. They inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, living in mid to deep water columns. Unlike most other squids, members of the Spirulidae family are believed to float in the water column with their head pointing downward, a behavior that is unusual among cephalopods.

Genera

Ram's Horn Squid [Spirula]

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Taxonomy