Predatory nocturnal molluscs like the crab and prawn whet the appetite of cephalopods such as octopus, sepia and squid. While some species of octopus, the most intelligent of the underwater creatures, bury their bodies in the sand in order to hide, the more visible species change their pattern or colouration. Sepia and squid also camouflage themselves in this way. The Sepiola-type squid, on the other hand, which is no bigger than a coin, employs both camouflage and concealment to avoid being seen. Catching sight of these tiny sepia, which only come out at night, requires expertise.
FIGHTING FOR ELBOW ROOM UNDER THE SAND
Although the underground sands may appear endlessly vast, they offer inadequate nesting space for underwater creatures. Sometimes a number of different creatures can be forced to use the same area. Due to shortage of space, different species and, mostly, related species fight over these ’sand nests’. When challenged by a related species, one species of crab, the Ilia nucleus, has to make a decision.