The squid's water jet is triggered by a giant central nerve, or axon. A fascination to scientists, this three-inch long, one millimeter diameter nerve is larger than any other in the animal kingdom, and the subject of extensive research relating to human nerve disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Both, along with cuttlefish, belong to the class Cephalopoda, the most highly-developed invertebrates. Atlantic longfin squids live for one year, ranging throughout the Western Atlantic Ocean from near Surinam in South America to Newfoundland. They congregate over the slope of the Continental Shelf, migrating in-shore to spawn in late May and early June.
Cannibalism is common, but squids also feed on small free-swimming crustaceans and fishes.
They catch prey with their tentacles and transfer it to their mouths, where it torn into bits by a sharp, parrot-like beak. Squid are preyed upon by yellow fin tuna, sharks and other large fish, toothed whales, dolphins, seals, rays and seabirds. Increased pressure on North American and other squid stocks is the primary threat to the species' well-being, and the ability of these stocks to sustain viable fisheries is now endangered. Manomet Inc. All rights reserved.