There are about 300 species of squid. The largest are the giant squid and colossal squid.
Most squid are no more than 60 centimetres (24 in) long, although the giant squid may reach 13 metres (43 ft).
The colossal squid is the world's largest squid species in terms of mass and the largest invertebrate on Earth. Colossal squids weigh possibly as much as 750 kg (1,650 lb) and can grow to 12–14 m (39–46 ft) long.
The largest known specimen of colossal squid was captured on February 22, 2007 by a New Zealand fishing vessel off the coast of Antarctica. That individual weighed 495 kilograms (1,091 lb) and measured around 10 metres (33 ft). This specimen is the largest invertebrate ever found.
The colossial squid has the largest eyes documented in the animal kingdom. They are the size of basketballs.
The Giant Squid has a doughnut shaped brain with their esophagus running through the hole in the center. If the squid eats something too big, it can result in severe brain damage.
Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms arranged in pairs, and two longer tentacles with suckers.
All squid have a mouth with a radula, and jet propulsion with the siphon from the mantle. The radulla is a scraping organ in the mouth that scrapes nutrients from food sources.
Tentacles are used for locomotive power and capturing food sources.
Unlike the giant squid, whose arms and tentacles have only suckers lined with small teeth, the colossal squid's limbs are also equipped with sharp hooks: some swivelling, others three-pointed.
The squid's skin is covered in chromatophores, which enable the creature to change color to suit its surroundings, making it effectively camouflaged.
Scientists have created a fabric coating made of squid proteins that allows rips in cotton, linen and wool to "heal" themselves.
Squids do not live a very long life, mostly for only one or two years. This is why females release an enormous amounts (up to 11 pounds) of eggs to ensure the continuation of their species.
Despite their size, the giant squid and colossal squid are prey, as they are eaten by sperm whales and sleeper sharks.
All squids are carnivores; they eat other animals, not plants.
Japanese flying squid use jet propulsion to move around and can glide above the surface of the water for 30 meters.
Squid is a good food source for zinc and manganese, and high in copper, selenium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin.
In English-speaking countries, squid as food is often marketed using the Italian word calamari.
Squid ink is used to make pasta grey in color.
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| European squid By © Hans Hillewaert |
ANATOMY
Most squid are no more than 60 centimetres (24 in) long, although the giant squid may reach 13 metres (43 ft).
The colossal squid is the world's largest squid species in terms of mass and the largest invertebrate on Earth. Colossal squids weigh possibly as much as 750 kg (1,650 lb) and can grow to 12–14 m (39–46 ft) long.
The largest known specimen of colossal squid was captured on February 22, 2007 by a New Zealand fishing vessel off the coast of Antarctica. That individual weighed 495 kilograms (1,091 lb) and measured around 10 metres (33 ft). This specimen is the largest invertebrate ever found.
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| The largest known colossal squid ever captured. Wikipedia |
The colossial squid has the largest eyes documented in the animal kingdom. They are the size of basketballs.
The Giant Squid has a doughnut shaped brain with their esophagus running through the hole in the center. If the squid eats something too big, it can result in severe brain damage.
Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms arranged in pairs, and two longer tentacles with suckers.
All squid have a mouth with a radula, and jet propulsion with the siphon from the mantle. The radulla is a scraping organ in the mouth that scrapes nutrients from food sources.
Tentacles are used for locomotive power and capturing food sources.
Unlike the giant squid, whose arms and tentacles have only suckers lined with small teeth, the colossal squid's limbs are also equipped with sharp hooks: some swivelling, others three-pointed.
The squid's skin is covered in chromatophores, which enable the creature to change color to suit its surroundings, making it effectively camouflaged.
Scientists have created a fabric coating made of squid proteins that allows rips in cotton, linen and wool to "heal" themselves.
BEHAVIOR
Squids do not live a very long life, mostly for only one or two years. This is why females release an enormous amounts (up to 11 pounds) of eggs to ensure the continuation of their species.
Despite their size, the giant squid and colossal squid are prey, as they are eaten by sperm whales and sleeper sharks.
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| Encounter between the sperm whale and giant squid. By Mike Goren from NY |
All squids are carnivores; they eat other animals, not plants.
Japanese flying squid use jet propulsion to move around and can glide above the surface of the water for 30 meters.
SQUID AS FOOD
Squid is a good food source for zinc and manganese, and high in copper, selenium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin.
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| Squid salad Pixiebay |
In English-speaking countries, squid as food is often marketed using the Italian word calamari.
Squid ink is used to make pasta grey in color.
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