Banded Piglet Squid (Helicocranchia pfefferi), Gulf of Mexico

The “Banded Piglet Squid” or “”Pferrer’s Cranch Squid” (Helicocranchia pfefferi) is known for its characteristic behavior of arranging its tentacles and arms above ts siphon, creating the appearance of a pig… perhaps with dreds. It is believed that several cryptic species may be currently represented within this species. Males enact specific behaviors to attract females. Adult males and females die shortly after spawning and brooding young. All of this is part of the DEEPEND-RESTORE Project (www.deependconsortium.org).