The Glass Squid: The Transparent Deep Squid

selim12 January 4, 2024 0 Comments

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The glass squid from the family Cranchiidae inhabits midwater depths of open oceans. It gets its name from its transparent shape.

Table of Contents

Where Do They Live?

They are found in oceans worldwide starting at depths from the surface to 2000 meters(The midnight zone).

Appearance And Size Of The Glass Squid:

This type of squid has a swollen body and short arms which bear two rows of suckers. They have bioluminescent organisms under the eyes. They have a puffy shape. They can reach 2 meters. Their eyes range from circular to telescopic. The only visible organ under the transparent skin is the glan equivalent to the mammalian liver. A light organ is present on the lower tip to further minimize its appearance in the water. They have invisible cloaks that keep them safe in the twilight zone. Glass squids have a large internal cavity they fill with ammonium which is lighter than water. They also have chromatophores they use to darken their color. They also help them hide from prey.

What Do Glass Squid Eat:

They eat anything smaller than their size including Crustaceans, fishes, and cephalopods.

Glass Squid Behavior and LifeSpan:

They use ink as most squid to better escape dangerous situations. Juveniles descend to deep waters as they mature. Their body changes between growth stages. They can live for a couple of years. They die shortly after mating. The exact lifespan of the glass squid remains unclear due to limited research and knowledge about their life cycle. They move slowly through the water thanks to body structure. Some may fill their body cavity with ink instead, presumably to blend into the darkness and for jet propulsion when the first cover(chromatophores won’t work).

Reproduction Of The Glass Squid:

Females store sperm in their reproductive organs until spawning and then inseminate their eggs with the stored sperm. The Spawning occurs in deep water where danger is less frequent.

Cool Facts:

The largest squid of the family is the colossal squid reaching 2 meters in length.
They represent no interest in commercial fisheries.
Some species are around 10 centimeters in length.
They have ammonia-filled sacs to provide buoyancy

What A fascinating creature to watch. Unfortunately, many studies are needed to better further understand this deep remote creature, its diet, and its lifecycle.