Rossia pacifica, also known as the stubby squid, is a species of bobtail squid native to the northern Pacific Ocean. Seen in winter on sandy slopes away from strong currents in moderately shallow water, it moves in summer to deeper water where it breeds. The female cements the egg capsules under a stone or in some other concealed location, and both male and female die soon after breeding.
The stubby squid is a small species growing to a maximum mantle length of about 5 cm (2.0 in) and a total length of 11 cm (4.3 in), with females being larger than males. The head bears eight short arms, a pair of retractable tentacles and two large eyes. The first pair of arms is shorter than the others and the third pair the longest.
The stubby squid usually rests on the seabed and moves around, either by undulations of its fins or by expelling a jet of water from its body cavity through a moveable funnel just below the head. When disturbed, it can leave behind a thick blob of black ink as it speeds away by jet propulsion. It is nocturnal and spends the day semi-buried in soft sediment on the seabed. To submerge itself, it directs a stream of water at the sand to create a funnel-shaped depression, then it settles in the hollow and scoops sand over itself with a pair of arms, just leaving the eyes exposed.While immobile, it folds its arms under its head. It feeds mostly on shrimps, but also consumes small crabs, opossum shrimps, fish and other cephalopods.
Breeding takes place in late summer and autumn in deep water. The female deposits up to fifty eggs in small groups, attaching them to the underside of stones, clams or seaweeds. The capsules are creamy-white and about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter, hard and durable. They take four to nine months to hatch, and the juveniles that emerge are miniature versions of the adults. The mature male and female die soon after breeding, having lived for about two years.
Whatever you call it this little creature is just too cute.
