Squid, also known as true squid (though many other mollusks within the broader Neocoleoidea are also called squid despite not strictly fitting these criteria), are mollusks in the superorder Decapodiformes with elongated bodies, large eyes, 8 arms and 2 tentacles. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, and a mantle. They are mainly soft-bodied, like octopuses, but have a small internal skeleton in the form of a rod-like gladius or pen, made of chitin.
Squid diverged from other cephalopods during the Jurassic and occupy a similar role to teleost fish as open water predators of similar size and behavior. They play an important role in the open water food web. The 2 long tentacles are used to grab prey and the 8 arms to hold and control it. The beak then cuts the food into suitable size chunks for swallowing. Squid are rapid swimmers, moving by jet propulsion, and largely locate their prey by sight. They are among the most intelligent of invertebrates, with groups of Humboldt squid having been observed hunting cooperatively. They are preyed on by sharks, other fish, sea birds, seals and cetaceans, particularly sperm whales.
This category is for all squids that have appeared on Wild Kratts.
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