The flying squids are also known by the names of the Japanese flying squids, Japanese common squids or Pacific flying squisd, but in scientific terms, it is named Todarodes pacificus. This is another species of cephalopod mollusk that is part of the big family of the Ommastrephidae.
These animals are also popular by the names of Japanese flying or pacific pota. This squid is also recognized for its particular movements and swimming way; which give the first impression that it can fly, this is why it is called flying squid.
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Main Characteristics of the Flying Squids
This species of flying squid has very peculiar characteristics, which make it different from other known species. In the first place the adults of this species, have a kind of mantle that covers everything that would be their visceral mass. It has also two fins, although these fins are not considered as the main means of propulsion. For this reason, the flying squid has a siphon, which can be described as a complex muscle mass that has the function of sucking water, and then expel it , working as a filter system .
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Movements Of The Flying Squids
Now, in relation to the above, the swimming and movements of the flying squid, are originated by the siphon; since this structure is capable of generating the necessary impulse for the squid, by means of the aspiration and expulsion of water. This results in the particular way of swimming of this squid, which is the main reason of its names This propulsion system is quite similar to the operation of a Jet, and its impulse can overcome the surface of the water, being the main difference between the other recognized species of squid.
For this reason, this swim mode caught the attention of the main researchers who based their studies on this species; which resulted in the statements that these flying squid animals can remain in the air for about three seconds , according to the Asian scientist Yamamoto. This way the manage to travel in a short time a distance of 30 meters approximately. This study was based on a bank of flying squids of approximately 200 individuals, which were moving through the waters of the Pacific Ocean , and when they approached to the study boat they manage to flee quickly thanks to his way of swimming.
Other Features
On the other hand, among other outstanding aspects of this species; it should be noted that it has eight arms, and a pair of tentacles where the syphon of this animal occupies almost all the extension. In the same order of ideas, regarding the arms of the flying squid; it can be said that there is a sort of mouth between them , which is located within the radula.
On the other hand, this mollusk has certain sacks of inks; that are destined to be used when it is in threatening situations, that is to say that it functions as a defense mechanism against its main predators.
Finally, it is also important to point out that the flying squid has three hearts.
Habitat And Distribution
With respect to the habitat and distribution of the flying squid; it is known that it originates from the waters that make up the northern Pacific Ocean. It is usually common to find it more easily within the area near Japan, although also an important part of the population of the flying squids is distributed along the coasts of China and Russia. Another part is found inhabiting the Strait of Bering and that is to say, the waters that are part of the bays of the South of Alaska and part of Canada, although generally they are found important groupings in the zone that corresponds to the country of Vietnam.
Now, in terms of the main characteristics of the natural habitat of the flying squid; it can be said that this species usually prefers to inhabit the first layers of ocean water, that is, in shallow waters near the surface. As for the temperature, what would be the ideal environment for the flying squid corresponds to the degrees from 5 ° C to 27 ° C.
