Squid in the Bay

The South African squid fishing industry operates between Port Alfred and Plettenberg Bay, yet very little is known about these amazing sea creatures.

Squid (Cephalopoda) is related to both the cuttlefish and octopus and is very popular in both Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. They have firm meat with a chewy texture that is somewhat mild and sweet to taste. Beyond being a tasty meal, the Squid is an interesting species.

Here are some interesting facts about squid:

• Mostly squid have 8 arms, however, some have 10 arms and only the tentacles have suckers.
• They have three hearts.
• There are estimated to be as many as 500 species of squid.
• As carnivores, they eat smaller squid, fish, and crustaceans.
• They swim faster than all other invertebrates.
• Squid have tough beaks that are used to kill and eat their prey.
• Squid have the largest eyes of any animal compared to their size. Their eyes have in-built contact lenses, which they use for protection and to focus.
• The Humboldt squid becomes invisible by turning red since this colour is virtually invisible underwater as sunlight does not reach the seabed. Some squid change colours due to special cells in their skin.
• Some Squid that resides in deep water has bioluminescent organs that can be seen through their skin.
• All squid emit ink when threatened

Squid reside in every saltwater region across the globe. Preferring temperate water temperatures, they are rarely found in tropical or polar oceans. Some species live as deep as 1,000 feet and others near the surface.

They contribute to the ecosystem by providing food for other sea life and eat enormous quantities of food. They, in turn, are food for humans, sharks, whales, seals, dolphins, deep-sea fish, seabirds, and other squids.

Squid live for a relatively short time, between 12 months to 18 months long, hence their prolific reproduction rate.

A single female squid can lay thousands of eggs, which are emitted into the ocean in long streams. Some attach their eggs to floating weeds and others to the ocean bottom.

In some species, the young resemble the adults at hatching, while in others there is a planktonic larval stage. Some aquatic creatures feed on these eggs, while others prefer the juvenile squid.

Chokka boats are a common sight in Plettenberg Bay and local photographer Barry Skinstad captured photos of these wonderful creatures whilst laying their eggs.

“During this phase of their life, they are especially vulnerable to various predators, such as sharks, seals, and rays that feast on them whilst they lay their eggs, not to mention the boats.” ~ Barry Skinstad.

Image credit: Barry Skinstad