Ornate Flying Squid [Sthenoteuthis pteropus]
Description
The Ornate Flying Squid is a large species, reaching lengths of up to 60 cm and weights of up to 1.5 kg. They are known for their unique ability to propel themselves out of the water and glide through the air for several meters, hence the name 'flying squid'. They are usually found in the open ocean, often at depths of 200-700 meters during the day, moving closer to the surface at night to feed. They are known for their rapid growth and short lifespan of about a year. The males are smaller than the females, and both sexes die shortly after spawning.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Squids, Octopuses, and Cuttlefish
Cephalopoda
|
| Order |
Squids
Teuthida
|
| Family |
Ommastrephids
Ommastrephidae
|
| Genus |
Ornate Flying Squid
Ornithoteuthis
|