(ANIMAL SCIENCE) It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…a Japanese flying squid? Scientists have now proposed an explanation for the frequent sightings of a certain type of Japanese squid “flying” over the ocean’s surface. In fact, this squid can race through the air at speeds faster than Olympic sprinter, Usain Bolt. Read more about this unique phenomenon and how these cephalopods become airborne. — Global Animal
(OCEANS) Thousands of jumbo squid have beached themselves on the central California coast this week, committing what scientists are calling a “mass suicide.” Despite years of studying this phenomenon in which squid actually fling themselves onto shore, the cause has always been a mystery. However, new evidence suggests that poisonous algae may be intoxicating the Humboldt squid and causing them to swim ashore in Monterey Bay. Read on to learn more about the decades-old mystery. — Global Animal
(MARINE ANIMALS) CANADA — The Vancouver Aquarium is currently raising over 400 paralava, teeny tiny translucent baby squid that are no bigger than a grain of rice. Just like newborns, the squid are requiring a lot of attention. The little guys have to be fed continuously while they are learning to eat in order to grow to their average size of about a foot long. In the wild they breed off the coast of California and can be found all the way from Mexico to Alaska. Look below to watch the video and get up close and personal with these baby opalescent squid. — Global Animal
(SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY) When scientists discovered the fossilized ink sacs of a cuttlefish-like creature that had been dry for over 160 million years, they were amazed to find the Jurassic ink was nearly indistinguishable from the ink found in cuttlefish today. The fact that the ink hasn’t changed over the millennia suggests the defensive weapon hasn’t evolved much either. Read on for more on this discovery and how it could aid in the further understanding of extinct species. — Global Animal
(OCEAN CAMOUFLAGE) Many species within the animal kingdom use some form of camouflage, whether it is to hunt or for protection against predators. Zebras have their stripes, leopards have their spots, and some squid and octopuses can appear transparent or deep red depending on the environment. Read on for this new finding and how it may have important implication for medicine, sustainable fishing, and the science behind invisibility. — Global Animal
(SEA LIFE) The squid and the whale are predator and prey of the ocean deep, yet scientists are still perplexed at how such a sleek and able prey, with excellent smell and sight and an ink cloud for a quick departure, lacks the ability to escape a large, conspicuous mammal. Learn more about several hypotheses on how whales capture their slimy counterparts. —Global Animal
(GAY ANIMALS) — Animal reproductive strategies have baffled scientists for generations. From the male bottlenose dolphin to sheep, many species in the animal world exhibit same-sex relationships. With remote operating vehicles, researchers are documenting the mating habits of the male deep sea squid, who not only shows same-sex behavior, but mates with males as often as with females. Read more about what scientists think is the reason behind the sea squid’s “swinging” ways.
(ANIMAL PHOTOS) CALIFORNIA — Photographer Jon Schwartz was surrounded by a giant shoal of squid off the coast of San Diego. Check out his incredible underwater pictures of the squid, and find out why they swarmed Schwartz’s kayak. — Global Animal
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