Adorable

Isn’t this piglet squid the cutest little thing? Via the Telegraph via Pharyngula.

The animal, named because of its tuft of bristle-like arms and tentacles and rotund shape, is normally found more than 320 feet (100m) below the surface of the ocean.

Because of its deep water habit, little is known of the behaviour of the squid, although not surprisingly, judging by its body shape, it is known to be a sluggish swimmer.

The squids’ bodies are almost completely clear except for some pigment-containing cells, or chromatophores, which give this specimen its distinctive appearance.

Properly called Helicocranchia pfefferi, the animals are also noted for the light producing organs known as photophores located beneath each of their large eyes.

This specimen, about the size of an orange, was collected by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium where director Mike Schaat managed to capture it on film.

In other news, eldest child has left to go back to the University of Arizona. I am sad and relieved at the same time, and now enjoying some much-needed quiet after the holidays. Well, I will be enjoying it even more once youngest child goes back to Palomar College next week…