Reef Squid and Chromatophores
The Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea) is known to change color, shape and pattern to communicate with other reef squid and also their predators. They have an extensive number of patterns and colors they exchange between depending on the signal they would like to convey. The are able to communicate this way with the use of chromatophores. Chromatophores are cells in an organism which contain pigments such as xanthophores, erythrophores, leucophores, melanophores and cyanophores. Some pigments, such as iridophores, are iridescent and reflective which also give the Reef Squid a wide variety of choices. They are able to perform these actions through manipulating these chromatophores with their nervous system.
In a sense of danger, the Reef Squid can rapidly change colors to blend in with its surroundings. The ocean has a vast majority of different habitats and surroundings including colors. This gives us a good idea at how adaptive the Reef Squid is in terms of color and pattern changing.
Another way the Reef Squid communicates with other Reef Squids is through courtship. The video posted below shows how the squid attempts to attract a mate by changing to a white color. If the female agrees and likes what she sees, then she will turn white also. However, if the male squid doesn't meet her standards, then she stays the same color. If the male Reef Squid wants to get noticed by the one he has his eye on and other squids want to tread on his property, using his chromatophores, it can change to white on the half of his body that the female squid sees, and on the side that the other males are on, he can use another signal to warn the intruding male.
By using their nervous system, they can control their colors and patterns because of their chromatophores. They are able to communicate with predators and mates depending on the situation such as a threat, or even courtship rituals.
REEF SQUID COURTSHIP VIDEO
Post by: Ryan Dulmaine (1)
Sources: http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/29078-the-ultimate-guide-octopus-reef-squid-courtship-video.htm
http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/cephschool/WhyCephalopodsChangeColor.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Reef_Squid
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This is, in fact, a very relevant article, considering what we just talked about in class. The use of color in communication is a fascinating topic, considering both the physiological and communicative aspects. Color changing is a trait shared by many organisms, not all as closely related as types of squid, but as a rule the color changes are all used for communication and signalling. In particular, I found the displays of the squids reminiscent to those of chameleons. Both species show darker colors when threatened, and more flamboyant displays for mating purposes.
ReplyDeletePosted by Jacob Lane
This is a really fascinating article. I wonder how deep in the ocean these fish swim in because I know it is harder to see colors in the deep depths of the ocean, so I would believe that they must live around 50 feet water. I also would like to know where they receive the chemicals that donate the colors to their appearance, if it is vegetation or other colorful fish.
ReplyDeletePosted by Noelle Kellicker
This is a cool article! It can be related back to "Signals for Survival" where different signals are given in different situations. These squids must be a sight to see. It will be an interesting research topic to find out under what circumstances do females find males attractive, sort of like the red-breasted nuthatch experiment we learned about in lecture.
ReplyDeletePosted by Michael Shi
This article is really interesting and I hope we can actually discuss this in class. I know that other species of squid, the Humboldt squid in particular, live and hunt in packs and use their color changing ability, not only to communicate with one another, but to distract prey while other squid attack from behind. I wonder if the reef squid, if they hunt at all, demonstrates this behavior as well or if it is unique to the Humboldt.
ReplyDeletePosted by Michael Thomas
Changing the color of your skin by increasing the expression of a pigment is pretty much the coolest ability ever. I think it's interesting that they don't just use this as camouflage but for communication also. Maybe it's an example of ontogenetic ritualization.
ReplyDeleteI also know of some species of cephalopods that can change the texture of their skin in addition to their color. Do you know if the reef squid can do this as well?
Posted by Rachael Mroz
This squid reminds me of the mimic octopus. It can also change colour, and also modifies its shape to imitate other sea animals. It can copy flounder, seasnakes, jellyfish, lionfish, and even rocks.
ReplyDeleteHere's a video I found if anyone's interested
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvz5rYixLMk&feature=related
Posted by Rhys Ursuliak
This article was so interesting! It fits great with what we have been learning in class about communication through colors in birds. The birds use their colors to symbolize the health and fitness of the bird, while the reef squid uses its colors of more of a language, especially when communicating in courtship. This makes me want to learn about other ways that color can be used for communication.
ReplyDeletePosted by Abbie Saranteas
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ReplyDeleteI actually really love sea creatures and I thought this article was fascinating. It amazes me how much control the squid has over its coloration. Its insane to me that the squid can send two completely different messages by dividing its body in half with color. I definitely want to research what other organisms share that capability, such as the octopus. This article also made me wonder if octopus also have chromatophores or if they use a different method. I also had never thought about how squid reproduce and I think it's interesting that the female can store the eggs near her mouth and that they can survive there for an extended period of time.
ReplyDeletePosted by Suzanne Sullivan
I appreciate the feedback Ms. Saranteas. It is very good that you can relate these color communications with the ones discussed in class. There have also been studies done with honey bee's testing what colors in the spectrum they are attracted to the most. Researchers have discovered that the color they are least likely attracted to is green. The honey bee's are more attracted to violet colors. Since there are more purple colored flowers than there are green, the bee's respond to the flower that will create the best outcome of nectar for them. Those are just one of the many types of signals conveyed by colors.
ReplyDeletePosted by Ryan Dulmaine