General:
The Humboldt squid is a larger than average squid. They belong to a small group of related squids commonly referred to as the “flying squids” This name comes from the fact that these rapid swimmer will sometimes fly a distance out of the water to escape underwater predators (Smithsonian 2010). Like other cephalopods, this species is a total carnivore and is known to be cannibalistic. In British Columbia, we have another flying squid that is very similar to the Humboldt squid. The native squid is commonly called the Neon flying squid and is know to science as Ommastrephes bartrami. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the Humboldt flying squid and the Neon flying squid (Cosgrove and McDaniel 2009).
Behaviour:
Humboldt squid are well-known for their aggressive behaviour when caught, and have been known to attack and injure divers. Kurth et al. (2009) report schooling of 20-40 individuals in juveniles and smaller groups of 2-12 individuals in adults--but they can travel in groups of up to 1200 individuals. These animals are capable on migrating up to 100 km over a 3 or 4 day period (Kurth et al. 2009). Mass strandings of up to 1,000 individuals are not uncommon for this species. These strandings have been documented in Mexico as well as here in British Columbia. The reason for these strandings is not known.
Diet:
This midwater squid spends the day in depths below 200 m (660 ft) where the light level is very low. As the sun sets the squid follows the light level and migrates to the surface of the ocean, from dusk to dawn, to feed on lanternfish, hake, shrimp, eupahusids, mollusks, and other cephalopods, including its own species (Smithsonian 2010, Nigmatullin, Nesis and Arkhipkin 2001). On nights with a full moon, the squid may stay well below the surface while on nights with no moon the squid may come right to the surface.
Reproduction:
Like many cephalopods the Humboldt squid reproduce only once in a lifetime (Smithsonian 2010). Spawning takes place throughout the year, peaking during spring and summer in the southern hemisphere (Nigmatullin, Nesis and Arkhipkin 2001). Females produce floating egg masses; a single documented report of egg masses indicates these may contain up to 2 million eggs (Kurth et al. 2009).
Predators:
Reported predators include sperm whales, sharks, seals, swordfish, and marlin; gulls and large fish will also feed on juveniles (Smithsonian 2010). Notes: The average life span of this species in approximately one year (Smithsonian 2010), but some individuals can live up to two years (Nigmatullin, Nesis and Arkhipkin 2001).
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