Southern Calamari
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.
Length~30 (max 38)
Weight~1 (max 1)
WaterSalt
Depth10 ft
- Other namesSouthern reef squid
- Length~30 (max 38)
- Weight~1 (max 1)
- WaterSalt
- Depth10 ft
Popular lures for Southern Calamari
Regulation for Southern Calamari
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit15
- Vessel limit45
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min sizeNo
- Measurement-
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- 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
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- 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