Other names: Southern reef squid
The southern calamari (Sepioteuthis australis) is a reef squid native to the coastal waters of Australia and New Zealand. This species is characterized by its semi-transparent body that changes color when removed from the water. Southern calamari are highly sought after by both commercial and recreational fishers due to their abundance and nocturnal habits.
Other names
Southern reef squid
Length
~30" (max 38)
Weight
~1" (max 1)
Water
Salt
Depth
10 ft
Herring
Pilchards
Squid jigs
Yellowtail
Yo-Zuri Squid JigAlways open
10
No
Southern calamari inhabit shallow coastal waters, often near reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy areas
They prefer subtropical regions and are typically found at depths up to ten meters
This species is often seen in small groups, particularly during the night when it is most active
Their diet mainly consists of small fish and crustaceans, making them opportunistic predators
The breeding season varies across their range, with an annual reproductive cycle
Males display vivid colors during courtship and may become aggressive towards rivals
Females lay eggs in clusters attached to seagrass or algae, often in large aggregations
Southern calamari have a short lifespan of about a year, with rapid growth from juvenile to adult stages
