Burying behaviour in the bobtail squid Sepiola atlantica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae)

Abstract

The burying behavioural pattern of the small Atlantic bobtail squid (Sepiola atlantica) in natural substrate is described, quantitatively differentiating the movements in different phases and the chromatic changes associated with this behaviour. All specimens showed the same two-part sequence of burying, which triggered a display of colour changes peculiar to this species. Our results suggested that this was a consistent behaviour during burial. The mean latency time in the alert posture was 9.55 ± 5.49 s. The mean duration of the first phase was 12.2 ± 4.37 s. The mean duration of the second phase was 10.2 ± 2.95 s. The average time spent completing the behavioural pattern was 21.9 ± 4.93 s. Burying time was not related to size. Differences observed between individuals were associated with the number of movements in each phase. However, these movements were not significantly related to the size of the animals. A comparison of the burying pattern of this species with other members of the family Sepiolidae is made. © 2010 Unione Zoologica Italiana.