Squid Orgy

I just got back from a quick trip to the Izu Peninsula in Japan. My primary objective was to photograph aggregations of mating bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana).

Despite having horrific weather for most of the days, coming down with a high fever mid-dive and becoming half-delirious, plus dealing with teething problems involving a new camera and housing...I managed to some nice shots.

It'll take me a few days, but I'll write more about the amazing and somewhat eerie experience of being surrounded by dozens of large squid (a metre+ in length for the biggest ones) preoccupied with mating and laying eggs.

Here's a preview:

squid

Incidentally, can anyone clue me in on what the correct term for a "bunch of squid" is? Like...school of fish, herd of elephants, pride of lions, gaggle of geese, etc.