The Squid Click Here to Begin

Table of Contents Cover Page Classification Habitat Predators and Prey Anatomy and Physiology Threats to the Squid Works Cited

Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Bathyteuthis abyssicola Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Order: Teuthida Family, Genus, & Species: There are over 300 known species of squid, coming in all shapes and sizes. Onychoteuthis banksii Pterygioteuthis giardi

Habitat The habitat of the squid depends on the species, size, and stage of development the squid is in. Squid can be found in almost any salt water region of the world in both the shallows and in depths up to 9,000m. However, some species have been known to move into fresh water in search of food. Learn more about the Giant Squid and why it has been so illusive to scientists. CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE.

Predators & Prey Prey Predators Squid dine mostly on fish, crustaceans such as shrimp, and other squid See a squid in action by clicking on the image below: Squid are precious food sources for large fish, sea birds, sharks, and even sperm whales Squid is served as a delicacy in many parts of the world, where it is referred to as Calamari

Anatomy & Physiology

Feeding and Digestion Squid have 8 legs Squid grab prey with suction clubs on the end of the tentacles and pulling them into their legs. Stab prey with sharp beaks Prey is further broken down by the radula Once the food is shredded, their muscular tongue helps direct it down the digestive tract.

Other Important Structures Mantle covers the body Gill like slits for respiration Contains a siphon for jet propulsion Skin covered in chromatophores Change color to match surrounding Ink sac provides further protection See the amazing camouflaging abilities and use of ink glands in cephalopods by click on the picture above.

Ecological Threats to Squid The main threat to squid is commercial fishing Overharvesting mature squid populations Fishing boats can destroy squid egg deposits Squid Harvest on US West Coast

Works Cited Fish Watch: Market Squid. 2011. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/market_squid.htm Octopus and Squid. 2011. World Wildlife Federation. 17 Feb. 2012. http://www.treasuresofthesea.org.nz/octopus-and-squid#5 Rare Photos: Giant Squid Eaten by Sperm Whale. 2012. National Geographic. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/photogalleries/giant-squid-sperm-whale-pictures/ Squid. 2012. Exploring Nature Educational Resource. 17 Feb. 2012. http://www.exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=43&detID=2796 Squid Fact and Information. 2009. Squid World. http://www.squid-world.com/squid-predators.html