Facts: The Glass Squid

There are around 60 different species of glass squid. They range in size from a few inches to over 15 ft long. They inhabit the open ocean, in near surface and deep waters all around the world. Most species are near completely translucent, except for their eyes and a spindle shaped digestive gland. The digestive gland is typically maintained in a vertical orientation as their body turns so it is not conspicuous from below. In order to have even better camouflage, many species use a method called counterillumination. Organs under their eyes called photophores give off light. This matches the light coming from the surface, so if a predator is looking up at the squid, they will not see anything. Because of their design, the glass squid's photophores can match the light coming from every direction, making their camouflage even more effective. Sometimes their digestive gland is also equipped with a light organ for camouflage. Their enlarged body chamber is filled with an ammonia solution. The solution is less dense than the squid's other tissue, providing them with neutral buoyancy. They move by rapidly flapping their small fins. Glass squid are commonly preyed on by whales and birds. When frightened, they can squirt ink or pull their head and arms into their mantle cavity. Spawning is thought to take place in deep waters, with hatched larvae rising to the surface. Juveniles will typically remain near the surface for 4 to 5 months and descend to deep water as they mature. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!