Fertilized eggs are laid in shallow waters or plankton. After 14 days of incubation, the newly orphaned firefly squids hatch and are left vulnerable to predators like whales and other large fish.
The firefly squid spends its days at depths of 1,200 feet and at night migrates to the surface to hunt for small fish, shrimp and crabs. Equipped with special light-producing organs called photophores that can be found on many parts of the squid's body, the bioluminescent lights can be flashed in an endless number of patterns, either to lure prey, warn a rival or attract a mate.
From March to June, during the spawning season, the mature firefly squid gather on the shore of Toyama Bay, Japan to lay between a million and a billion eggs. After the squid lays its eggs, it begins to die, completing its one-year life cycle.
Thousands of tourists, fishermen and sightseers come to the coast of Japan to see the annual show of blue lights as millions of firefly squid gather to spawn. Fishermen catch the dying squid washed ashore to sell to restaurants. Firefly squid is considered a Japansese spring-time delicacy.