Invertebrate

Caribbean reef squid

Sepioteuthis sepioidea

IUCN status: Unknown

A small, hovering squid usually seen in loose formations over the reef top, changing colour and texture as it communicates. Common in the shallows of the Lighthouse Reef walls, including the reef flats at the Aquarium and Long Caye.

Max size: Up to ~20cm mantle
Habitat: Shallow reefs and seagrass

Best places to dive with Caribbean reef squid

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season

Bonaire

Sighting likelihood by month
Month	Likelihood
January	commonly seen
February	commonly seen
March	commonly seen
April	commonly seen
May	commonly seen
June	commonly seen
July	commonly seen
August	commonly seen
September	commonly seen
October	commonly seen
November	commonly seen
December	commonly seen

Seen in small groups over shallow reef, often near piers and on night dives; present year-round.

Lighthouse Reef

Sighting likelihood by month
Month	Likelihood
January	commonly seen
February	commonly seen
March	commonly seen
April	commonly seen
May	commonly seen
June	commonly seen
July	commonly seen
August	commonly seen
September	commonly seen
October	commonly seen
November	commonly seen
December	commonly seen

Present year-round on shallow reefs; no seasonal peak. Not formally assessed on the IUCN Red List.

Little Cayman

Sighting likelihood by month
Month	Likelihood
January	occasional
February	occasional
March	occasional
April	occasional
May	occasional
June	occasional
July	occasional
August	occasional
September	occasional
October	occasional
November	occasional
December	occasional

Reef squid may occur over shallow reef and seagrass habitat.

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.

View 2 sources and checking notes

Caribbean reef squid, Wikipedia
What's it Like to Dive the Long Caye Aquarium, Belize Adventure