Are squid intelligent?

Squid are among the most intelligent of invertebrates; some groups (for example Humboldt squid) have been observed hunting cooperatively.

How do squid catch and eat prey?

They use two long tentacles to grab prey, eight arms to hold and control it, and a beak to cut food into pieces for swallowing.

Can squid hide from predators?

Many squid can change colour for camouflage and signalling; some species are bioluminescent, and many can eject ink to distract predators.

Squid are rapid swimmers that move primarily by jet propulsion.

Are squid eaten by people?

Yes — squid are harvested by commercial fisheries in multiple regions and are widely used in cuisines around the world, commonly called "calamari."

What predators feed on squid?

Squid are preyed upon by sharks, other fish, sea birds, seals and cetaceans, particularly sperm whales.

When did squid diversify evolutionarily?

Squid diverged from other cephalopods during the Jurassic and radiated at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous.

Do all animals called "squid" match the same definition?

The name "squid" is used for animals in certain orders with specific characters, but many other molluscs within the broader Neocoleoidea are also called squid despite not strictly fitting those criteria.

Where to See Squid While Diving

Squid are cephalopod molluscs with an elongated soft body, a distinct head, bilateral symmetry and a mantle. They typically have large eyes, eight arms, and two long tentacles; many have a small internal chitinous rod-like gladius or pen.

Squid locate much of their prey by sight, use their two long tentacles to grab prey and their eight arms to hold and control it; a beak cuts food into pieces for swallowing. They are rapid swimmers that move by jet propulsion. Many species can change colour for camouflage and signalling; some are bioluminescent and use light for counter-illumination camouflage. Many squid species can eject a cloud of ink to distract predators. Certain species, such as Humboldt squid, have been observed hunting cooperatively.

Role in food web and humans

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Bonaire, Bunaken and Manado (North Sulawesi), Chumphon and countries such as Indonesia, Greece, Egypt for divers building trips around squid.