User:Alyssabaldwin222/Caribbean reef squid

Lead [edit -- removed sentences, added intro info from article body]
The Caribbean reef squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea), commonly called the reef squid, is a species of small, torpedo-shaped squid with undulating fins that extend nearly the entire length of the body, approximately 20 cm (8 in) in length. They are most commonly found in the Caribbean sea in small schools. As part of the Cephalopod class of Molluscs, these organisms exhibit specific characteristics to help them in their environment, such as tentacles for movement and feeding and color pigments that reflect their behavioral conditions.

History and Phylogeny [edit -- taken from lead, added new info]
The reef squid is included in the monophyletic family Loliginidae, which houses a discovered twenty-six species. The origin of the family is the geographical Cretaceous period within the Indo-Pacific sea region.

In 2001, marine biologist Silvia Maciá discovered that squid were able to propel themselves up out of the water about 2 m (6.6 ft) and fly approximately 10 m (33 ft) before re-entry; a discovery which led to the identification of six species of flying squid.

Distribution and Habitat [edit -- add new info]
Caribbean reef squid are also found around Brazilian reef habitats, due to a symbiotic relationship in which the squid protect juvenile fish from open-ocean predators.

Characteristics [new -- subsection]
Like most squid species, Caribbean reef squid exhibit an asymmetric, horizontal pupil, commonly referred to as 'W-shaped'. Its purpose is currently unknown, though research supports utilization in balancing light within their vision field. This creates evenly-visualized images.

Another phenomenon, deemed the "half-and-half" body pattern, is a body morph that occurs during interactions with other cephalopods. One half of the cephalopod's body gets darker than the typical coloration a few minutes after the interaction occurs. This color-change is also observed during the sleeping state. The extended 'quiet state' results in a pale, uniform color compared to the shorter 'active state' including varying colors, textures, and patterns.

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Reproduction [edit - add new info]
During the reproductive process, males get defensive over the females they are courting. A physical display resembling zebra stripes, known as 'Saddle-Striped,' is used to defend a female from other males in female-male pairings. The female response to this display determines whether mating occurs. Once approved by the female, males lay their Spermatophore at the base of the female's tentacles. Only half of the time does this action result in the transfer of the spermatophore to the oviduct for internal fertilization.

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