Types of squid_How many types of squid are there

Squid is an ingredient we often eat. Many people like to eat squid. Squid has many benefits to human health. Regular consumption can prevent many diseases. However, there are many types of squid. But most people may not be particularly clear about the types of squid. Different types of squid have different effects. So how many types of squid are there? The following introduces the types.

There are several types of squid

1. Piglet Squid

The scientific name of the piggy squid is "Helicocranchia pfefferi", and it looks like the cute piggy in cartoons. First, this avocado-sized squid species lives 200-1000 meters below the water's surface and can often be found swimming upside down, with its tentacles pointing upward like a wisp of hair on a chubby pig's head.

2. Vampire Squid

The Latin name of the vampire squid is "Vampyroteuthis infernalis", which means "vampire squid from hell". The species was first documented in 1903 by German cephalopodist Carl Chun, who was impressed by the squid's large red eyes and ghostly black-lined "cloak."

It is reported that the vampire squid is taxonomically between squid and octopus. Its "cloak" connects its tentacles together, a feature that is unique among cephalopod species. Vampire squids have dozens of peculiar fleshy structures distributed on their tentacles, which can spray out mucus with small fluorescent balls when encountering predators.

3. Giant Squid

The scientific name of the giant squid is "Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni". Its body length can reach 12-14 meters and its weight can reach more than 500 kilograms. This real-life sea monster is the only creature in the ocean that can fight a sperm whale. Usually the sperm whales win, but they also end up with hundreds of bite marks from the hooked suction cups on their bodies.

They live in the dark and cold deep waters of the Antarctic. Giant squids are rarely spotted, but some sightings and legends exaggerate this mysterious marine creature. They won't capsize a clipper ship, and their dinner plate-sized eyes can clearly see ships approaching from a distance.

4. Japanese Flying Squid

The scientific name of the Japanese flying squid is "Todarodes pacificus". They don't fly in the air very often, but their flight is very spectacular and beautiful. Witnesses have sometimes seen this species flying alone or in groups. It can leap out of the water and fly 50 meters to escape predators such as whales.

The Japanese flying squid is not the only animal that can fly through the air like a water-powered rocket, but the act of leaping out of the water to fly through the air is not safe, as it often exposes itself to the sight of birds such as albatrosses and can easily be swallowed.

5. Giant red squid

The giant red squid can reach a length of 1.75 meters and a weight of 50 kilograms. They are the largest squid species most commonly encountered by humans so far. People need to be vigilant. They are not called "devils" for nothing. The giant red squid are very smart and curious. According to some reports, the giant red squid has snatched divers' masks, cylinder regulating valves, air hoses, etc.

Not only are they "fully armed", but they are also armed with teeth. In fact, they also have teeth on their tentacles. These peculiar hooks can act like sharp pliers, making them very lethal when hunting.

Squids have existed on Earth for hundreds of millions of years, and their ancestral species added rich color to Earth's early oceans. We are only beginning to explore the lives of these amazing creatures, and more amazing discoveries will be made in the future.