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Photo: Mark Henry |
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UK
Safari Tip:
Need help identifying marine creatures? Try this superbly
illustrated fold out ID chart - click
here
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See larger image
Latin name: Loligo (Alloteuthis) subulata
Size: Up to 45cm (18"), although some species of squid can grow much larger.
Distribution: Found all round the coast of the UK, but more frequently
found around the south coast.
Months seen: All year round.
Habitat: Sometimes seen stranded in rock pools, but more often found in deep water.
Food: Fish.
Special features: The body of the squid features eight short arms with
suckers, used for gripping food. There are also two long tentacles which also
have suckers and are club-shaped.
The squid moves through the water by jet propulsion. It draws sea water in
through cavities in its body and then shoots it out through a funnel near its
head.
 Squid have the ability to change colour very rapidly. This is skillfully used to
confuse prey and fool predators. It does this by moving special muscles next to
pigmented skin cells. When the muscles are contracted the pigment drains away
and the squid looks almost transparent.
Squid also use an inky smokescreen to evade predators. They eject the ink, turn
transparent, and then dart away, leaving the predator staring at the ink cloud.
 The
picture on the left shows what appears to be a jellyfish or two, but these are clumps of squid eggs which sometimes wash up on beaches.
UK Safari Marine Wildlife Section
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