Friday Squid Blogging: Neon Flying Squid

Researchers have documented an unusual behavior among neon flying squid, a species previously known only to leap from the water, in a rare observation 370 miles off the coast of Tokyo.

A group of about 100 squid was recorded rising from the Pacific Ocean and gliding above the water for approximately 30 meters, a behavior captured in photographs for the first time. The researchers, who described the sighting as resembling the early stages of an alien invasion, believe the squid are neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii), a member of the 20 known flying squid species.

The neon flying squid propels itself using a hyponome, a funnel-like muscular organ found in other cephalopods such as octopuses. By forcing water through this organ, the squid can jet itself both through the water and above its surface. Photographs of the gliding squid show their 10 limbs splayed outward as they glide.

Until this observation, gliding above the water had only been rumored among flying squid species. The researchers’ findings, published in a subsequent study, confirm this ability in neon flying squid for the first time.

The incident occurred during a research expedition, though specific details about the team or vessel involved have not been disclosed. The behavior adds to the growing understanding of cephalopod locomotion and aerial capabilities, which continue to surprise marine biologists.

As with previous entries, this post also invites discussion of security-related news not covered in the main blog.

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