Starting on Friday, January 29th the elusive Humboldt squid invaded the waters off the coast of Newport Beach.
Dosidicus gigas or the Jumbo squid is a very aggressive squid that hunt in packs of up to 1,200 according to the national zoo's website. Around 400 of the squid have been caught by fishermen.
Also according to the Smithsonian's web page on the species it is speculated that over fishing of the squid's predators has lead to its ability to increase the area in which they live and hunt.
The squids currently in the waters of Orange County range from 40 to 60 lbs, but some have been weighed in at 90lbs. The species can grow up to 6ft, and weight up to around 100lbs.
The only impact so far of the appearance of the squids has been to increase tourism in the area, and sport fishing.
The cause of the sudden appearance is unknown.
Photo from the Associated press
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Invertebrates/Facts/cephalopods/FactSheets/Humboldtsquid.cfm
http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/2010/01/31/fishing-frenzy-grows-over-feisty-squid/84187/
Wow, that is a cool giant squid it's a little sad that all the fisherman are killing them.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a big squid. I wonder why they travel in such large groups. Wouldn't that mean it would be harder for each squid to find enough food (considering there are so many in one place)?
ReplyDeleteI never thought there could be a squid that big! It is very interesting that they travel in such large groups. I wonder how that affects them biological lifestyle such as feeding.
ReplyDeleteDo you think they are congregating to feed on their food source, or maybe to breed, or both? I wonder what natural predator may be taking advantage of their aggregations. I don't think there will be much off the Coast of California that would eat these except sharks or toothed whales (dolphins or killer whales).
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