Squid

Squid are a diverse group of marine cephalopod molluscs, usually with elongated bodies, eight arms, and two longer tentacles used for catching prey.

Squid are a diverse group of marine cephalopod molluscs, usually with elongated bodies, eight arms, and two longer tentacles used for catching prey. They occur in coastal and open-ocean habitats worldwide, and more than 300 species are known. Squid are active swimmers, carnivorous, and closely related to octopuses and cuttlefish.

Classification

Squid are cephalopod molluscs, part of the class Cephalopoda and subclass Coleoidea. Sources vary in how they are classified at the order level, commonly using Teuthida or Teuthoidea.

Anatomy and behaviour

Squid typically have a soft, elongated body, large eyes, eight arms, and two longer tentacles. They are known for rapid swimming, camouflage, and ink release when threatened.

Habitat and distribution

Squid live in marine environments worldwide. They occur in both coastal waters and open-ocean habitats, and some species drift while others are swift swimmers.

Diet and ecology

Squid are carnivorous predators that eat animals such as fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. They are also an important food source for whales, seabirds, and other marine predators.