| − | A '''squid''' is an aquatic [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]], with eight arms and two tentacles (like antennae), known for its abilities at [[camouflage]], accomplished using special skin cells called [[chromatophores]], and producing ink clouds. There are a large number of species spread across the oceans of the globe. The largest type, the [[Colossal Squid]], can grow to upwards of 46 feet in length from the tip of the caudal fin the the end of the tentacles, while a number of species are only a few inches in length. Squid are distantly related to [[Octopus|octopi]] and [[cuttlefish]], as all are cephalopods. | + | A '''squid''' is an aquatic [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]], with eight arms and two tentacles (like antennae), known for its abilities at [[camouflage]], accomplished using special skin cells called [[chromatophores]], and producing ink clouds. There are a large number of species spread across the oceans of the globe. The largest type, the [[Colossal Squid]], can grow to upwards of 46 feet in length from the tip of the caudal fin the the end of the tentacles, while a number of species are only a few inches in length. Squid are distantly related to [[Octopuses]] and [[cuttlefish]], as all are cephalopods. |
| | In recent years, the popularity of calamari and other squid dishes have caused their numbers to dwindle. They are also sensitive to temperature changes and have suffered as a result of global warming. Squid are an important food source for many species, such as salmon and tuna as well as many whales and seabirds, and their decline is having a negative impact on those populations.<ref> "Human overfishing starves dolphins, sharks, seabirds: study" [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/03/02/tech-starving-dolphins.html] </ref> | | In recent years, the popularity of calamari and other squid dishes have caused their numbers to dwindle. They are also sensitive to temperature changes and have suffered as a result of global warming. Squid are an important food source for many species, such as salmon and tuna as well as many whales and seabirds, and their decline is having a negative impact on those populations.<ref> "Human overfishing starves dolphins, sharks, seabirds: study" [http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/03/02/tech-starving-dolphins.html] </ref> |