Cephalopods of the Bay of Biscay

Being a group of fascinating marine mollusks, cephalopods are widely known in the ecosystems of the Bay of Biscay, they belong to the class Cephalopoda and include more than 800 species. They are mainly recognized for their intelligence and unique abilities and inhabit from coastal waters to abyssal depths.

With soft, symmetrical bodies, cephalopods may be protected by internal or external shells. Their tentacles, equipped with suckers or hooks, are used both to manipulate prey and to defend themselves. Their well-developed heads house complex eyes, similar to those of vertebrates. They are also carnivorous and use a horny beak to tear food, while they move by jet propulsion, expelling water through their siphon.

Thanks to the chromatophores in their skin, they can change color and texture, facilitating camouflage and communication. In times of danger, ink is released that confuses predators.

Although some species face threats from overfishing and climate change, their high fertility and rapid life cycles allow them to adapt. Therefore, they are studied as a valuable resource for human consumption.

This composition was created to participate in the 2nd edition of the Scientific Illustration competition “Flora and Fauna (sub)Marine of the Bay of Biscay” organized by the Plentzia Marine Station (PiE) and the Postgraduate Course in Scientific Illustration of the UPV/EHU. The following species can be seen in it:

a. Common octopus - Octopus vulgaris
b. Curled octopus - Eledone cirrhosa
c. Common cuttlefish - Sepia officinalis
d. Elegant cuttlefish - Sepia elegans
e. European squid - Loligo vulgaris
f. Veined squid - Loligo forbesii­
g. European flying squid - Todarodes sagittatus­
h. Southern shortfin squid - Illex coindetii
i. Greater argonaut - Argonauta argo
j. Giant squid - Architeuthis dux

Year: 2022
Technique: Digital illustration.
Illustration type: Scientific.
Type of project/Client: Personal.