Marine biologists confirm squid can fly

Scientists have known for quite some time that squid have the capacity for short burst flight, but they've only known this through anecdotal accounts. Until recently, they've never actually been able to properly document the phenomenon, or get a sense as to how the mollusc pulls it off. Now, thanks to Jun Yamamoto of Hokkaido University, not only have the rumors been proven true — scientists have also figured out the mechanics behind squid flight.

Back in July 2011, Yamamoto and his team were tracking a large group of squid (Todarodes pacificus, also known as neon flying squid) about 370 miles (600 km) off the coast of Tokyo. As the boat got nearer, the 8-inch (20 cm) squid propelled themselves from the water where they remained airborne for a distance of 98 feet (30 meters) — and at the breakneck speed of 37 feet per second (11.2 m/s).

Marine biologists confirm squid can fly


The biologists theorize that it's a defence mechanism to help the squid escape predators (or nosy marine biologists). Interestingly, the squid can only do this when in the reverse position; it's looking behind itself while it does all of this.

The study will be published later this week in Marine Biology.

Supplementary sources: and Wired.

Images: Kouta Muramatsu, Hokkaido University, AFP.