Southern Arrow Squid

Nototodarus sloanii

The southern arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii), also known as the New Zealand arrow squid, is a medium to large squid reaching up to 42 cm in mantle length. It has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with short, muscular fins and large eyes adapted for hunting in low-light conditions. Found in the southwestern Pacific, primarily around New Zealand from the shelf break to offshore waters, it inhabits pelagic environments at depths of 0 to 500 meters. This species is commercially important in New Zealand and is targeted by a major fishery. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other squid, hunting cooperatively in schools. Night divers in New Zealand waters occasionally encounter these squid attracted to dive lights, where they display rapid chromatophore color changes. Their speed, agility, and intelligence make them captivating encounters for divers lucky enough to see them.