Loligo opalescens
Market Squid

Each year during the winter months, millions of market squid descend upon the edges of California's offshore canyons to mate, after which the females will attach their egg sacs to the bottom, forming a vast white carpet. This is the last act these animals will ever do; immediately after mating, the squid die. Perhaps it is an intentional sacrifice, to satiate the appetites of the swarms of predators which congregate, which would otherwise concentrate their efforts on the newly-laid eggs. In this way, the survival of another generation is assured.

Lens: 60 mm Macro
Film: Kodak E100S
Location: La Jolla, CA

©1998 Garry McCarthy