The Squid

1
The Squid
Click Here to Begin
2
Table of Contents

• Cover Page
• Classification
• Habitat
• Predators and Prey
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Threats to the Squid
• Works Cited

3
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.
4
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.
5
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

6
Anatomy Physiology
7
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.

8
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.
9
Ecological Threats to Squid

• The main threat to squid is commercial fishing
• Overharvesting mature squid populations
• Fishing boats can destroy squid egg deposits

10
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.treasuresofth
  esea.org.nz/octopus-and-squid5
• Rare Photos Giant Squid Eaten by Sperm Whale.
  2012. National Geographic. http//news.nationalgeo
  graphic.com/news/2009/10/photogalleries/giant-squi
  d-sperm-whale-pictures/
• Squid. 2012. Exploring Nature Educational
  Resource. 17 Feb. 2012. http//www.exploringnature
  .org/db/detail.php?dbID43detID2796
• Squid Fact and Information. 2009. Squid World.
  http//www.squid-world.com/squid-predators.html