Where as Octopus is known for her intelligence, Squid is known for his speed and agility. Squid swims backwards, using water jets. His cigar-shaped body is well suited for swimming. His two fins balance his body while swimming, and Squid’s internal bony shell lends support to his mantle. With his two fins, Squid cruises along at constant speeds and sometimes darts about grabbing food with his tentacles.
Unlike Octopus, Squid is not solitary. He prefers to travel in schools, following the fish schools. Squid is quite social in His relations.
Quick moving Squid uses his speed to evade predators. When in danger, Squid will squirt a squid-shape blob of ink to fool the predator. Then, He jets away to safety. Squid may be fast but even the fearsome Giant Squid can become the favorite meal of Sperm Whale. Be careful that you do not rely only on your swiftness to protect you.
Squid's Teachings Includes:
“The squids' movement is directly dependent upon their brain. Without the function of thought they could not use the jet propulsion that they do to move.“ Copyright: Unknown
“Squid Dreaming helps us embrace the unknown and to explore aspects of life previously considered frightening.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.
The Squid has ten tenacles, two of which are extra long for grabbing prey. The Octopus has only eight tenacles.
Purchase adult books about squids from Amazon.com.
Purchase squid toys and children's books about squids from Amazon.com.
Photo of Squid courtesy of U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Va. Carper
March 5, 2008