Can squid really fly? Yes, says David Brian Butvill, there are a few squid species that can get airborne… Here’s how and why <\/p>
There are a few squid species that regularly take to the air. And, though only a dozen or so studies have documented the cephalopods in action, we know that they share the same basic technique.<\/p>
To move around underwater, a squid will mostly use a form of jet propulsion \u2013 sucking water into its body and forcing it out of an organ called a siphon, which it rotates to change direction. The method packs real power \u2013 some species can cruise at more than 40kph. This speed is what enables them to launch into the air.<\/p>
But why do they do this? Well, it\u2019s a great escape trick. If a squid swimming near the surface is spooked by a predator or a boat, it streamlines into a torpedo shape and fires itself out of the water. At the same time, it splays its eight tentacles into a flat, fan-like pattern in front of its face \u2013 some breeds even exude mucus to fill in the spaces, creating a unified, kite-like surface. It also flares a pair of fins near its rear end and \u2013 voil\u00e0 \u2013 the squid becomes a living, breathing jet. <\/p>