Squid's Glowing Skin Patterns May Be Code [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

By Susanne Bard on April 2, 2020



Credit: Getty Images

Humboldt squid can rapidly change the pigmentation and luminescence patterns on their skin by contracting and relaxing their muscles, possibly to communicate.

More than 1,500 feet below the surface of the ocean, it’s darker than a moonless night. But even in this murky world, there’s constant activity—including groups of Humboldt squid, each the size of a small adult human, darting around in search of fish.

“You can think of them as little rocket ships. They jet through the water. And they engage in these feeding frenzies. They’re always looking out for an opportunity to eat.”

Stanford University biologist Ben Burford. He says feeding in a group requires careful navigation.

More:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/squids-glowing-skin-patterns-may-be-code/

Many images of glowing squid:

https://tinyurl.com/rtverux