Nite dive @ Hantu - Return of the bobtail squid

Night diving in Hantu was amazing. The waters were absolutely rich. Annelid worms were all over the place, and so were the shrimp that fed on them. A closer look at branching coral always revealed crabs and brittle stars. Fish were also easier to spot, approach and photograph as they were asleep within coral and rock crevices. But the highlight of the night had to bobtail squid.

An amazing TWO specimens were encountered during this single night dive. Thrilling! One was right there during the descent, swimming right into the light. But it was too quick and too small for me to photograph. 40 mins later though, I ran into another one! Which seemed more calm and less in a hurry to get anywhere. So I spent a good 15 mins with it and got these shots.



Characteristic of bobtail squid, the animal landed on the sand bottom when it noticed a threat(me!) and slowly wriggled itself into the sand. When it'd got half its body in, it lifted its tentacles from beneath the sand and began sweeping sand over its back and head, until only its eyes were left peering over the sand. It was absolutely mind-blowing and amazing behaviour to observe!

Bobtail squid occur in several varieties and were also spotted in Sentosa.