Reverse jewel squid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reverse jewel squid |
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The reverse jewel squid, also known as the elongate jewel squid, is a fascinating creature of the deep sea. Its scientific name is Histioteuthis reversa. This squid is famous for its unusual eyes: one eye is much larger than the other!
You can find this unique squid living in the middle depths of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has also been seen in parts of the Indian Ocean.
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What Does the Reverse Jewel Squid Look Like?
The reverse jewel squid can grow to about 19 cm (7.5 in) long. This measurement refers to its mantle, which is the main part of its body.
Body Parts of the Squid
Its head has four pairs of strong arms and a pair of long tentacles. The most striking feature is its two eyes, which are different sizes. The arms are not much longer than the mantle. The outer arms are separate, but the inner arms have a small web connecting them.
The suckers on its arms are round and usually have small teeth around their edges. The suckers on the ends of its tentacles are arranged in five or six rows. The ones in the middle rows are larger.
Mantle and Fins
The squid's body, or mantle, is shaped like a cup. In female squids, this mantle gets much longer as they grow up. The fins on its body are about one-third to half the length of the mantle. They are also about half as wide as the mantle.
Amazing Light Organs
One of the coolest things about this squid is its ability to make light! The underside of its mantle has many photophores. These are special organs that produce light.
The right eye is surrounded by seventeen large and one small photophore. In front of the left eye, there are seven large photophores. This eye also has ten to fourteen smaller light organs around it. These lights likely help the squid see or hide in the dark ocean.
Where Does This Squid Live?
The reverse jewel squid lives mainly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is most common in the northern parts of the Atlantic. However, it can also be found off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa.
Geographic Range
The northernmost places where it has been seen are near Newfoundland and south of Iceland. It is not found in the Gulf of Mexico and is rare in the Caribbean Sea. This squid has also been recorded in the southern Indian Ocean.
Deep-Sea Habitat
This squid prefers the upper waters of the open ocean. It often lives at depths between 600 and 800 m (1,969 and 2,625 ft). You might find it near seamounts or other underwater mountains. These areas often have more food, which could be why the squid likes to be there.
Life in the Ocean: Ecology
Scientists don't know a lot about the daily life and habits of the reverse jewel squid. However, they have learned some interesting facts about its life cycle and who eats it.
Reproduction and Young Squids
It seems that these squids lay their eggs and raise their young near the continental slope. This is the sloping area of the seafloor that connects the shallow continental shelf to the deep ocean. Young squids, about 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) long, have been found in these areas.
Who Eats the Reverse Jewel Squid?
Adult reverse jewel squids are a food source for several types of cetaceans, which are marine mammals like whales and dolphins. For example, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) eat them. Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) also hunts these squids.
Scientists know this by studying the stomach contents of whales and dolphins that have washed ashore. They often find the indigestible beaks of these squids inside.
Images for kids
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Ventral view with tentacles removed
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Gladius
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Clockwise from top: lateral, ventral and dorsal views
