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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

European Squid

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

Encountering a European squid on a dive is often a memorable moment. Curious and then suddenly elusive, it alternates colours and patterns on its skin before jetting away. An efficient hunter, it holds an important place in coastal marine life.

Habitat of European Squid Habitat
Seagrass meadow, Sand
Depth range of European Squid Depth
5-100 m
Biological group of European Squid Group
Ecological role of European Squid Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The European squid has an elongated, hydrodynamic body perfectly adapted for fast swimming. It has eight short arms and two long tentacles that it shoots out to capture prey.Its large eyes provide excellent vision, useful for hunting in low light. Its skin can change colour rapidly through specialised cells, allowing it to camouflage itself or communicate.Its body is flexible and translucent, sometimes tinged with pink or brownish shades depending on its condition or surroundings.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The European squid lives in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic. It moves both near the seabed and in open water.It occurs from the surface down to several hundred metres, often above sandy or muddy seabeds.Depending on the season, it may approach the coast, particularly to reproduce.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is an active predator that hunts mainly at night. It feeds on fish, crustaceans and other cephalopods.It catches prey with its tentacles, then cuts it up with a hard, powerful beak in the centre of its arms.

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European Squid

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Other species — Mollusc

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Same habitat and depth

Seagrass meadow species Sandy seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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