Sparkling Enope Squid

The Sparkling Enope Squid (Watasenia scintillans), also known as the Firefly Squid, is a member of the class Cephalopoda, subclass Coleoidea, order Teuthida. It is the sole species in the genus Watasenia.

Species characteristics
The Sparkling Enope Squid is found in the Western Pacific ocean at depths of 600 to 1200 feet and possesses bioluminescent properties. Each tentacle has an organ called a photophore, which produces light. By flashing these lights, the Sparkling Enope Squid can attract small fish to feed upon.

The Sparkling Enope Squid is the only species of cephalopod in which evidence of color vision has been found. While most cephalopods have only one visual pigment, firefly squid have three, along with a double-layered retina. These adaptations for color vision may have evolved to enable firefly squid to distinguish between ambient light and bioluminescence.

The Sparkling Enope Squid measures about 3 inches long at maturity and dies after one year of life.

Mating
The Sparkling Enope Squid can also light up its whole body to attract a mate. The mating season of the Sparkling Enope Squid lasts from March to June.