Sociable squid

The **sociable squid** (*Neodosidicus socialis*) is a species of squid, most closely related to the Humboldt squid (*Dosidicus gigas*), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the seas across Earth to help boost biodiversity. The sociable squid reaches an average length of about 50-60 centimeters (1.6-1.9 feet) long, although some specimens have been known to grow slightly larger. Like other squid species, the sociable squid is a carnivore and primarily feeds on small fish, smaller cephalopods, and small crustaceans. The body plan of the sociable squid is very similar to other squid species, but compared with the closely related Humboldt squid, the sociable squid has taken its intelligence to an extreme, being able to band together in tribes thanks to their sapience. They primarily use their tentacles to manipulate objects, being able to stretch out and length them from a folded resting position. The sociable squid is smaller than its relatives, so it can live off less food, and has an increased parental care so that knowledge and languages can be passed down from generation to generation. Their language consists not of speech (due to lacking vocal cords), but by variations and rhythms of color changes in their skin. There seems to be various tribe and cultures within the sociable squid. The sociable squid is very docile towards sapient species divers as they regard the divers as gods, with popular diving spots often being littered with what is presumed to be offerings and occasional structures thought to function as shrines. The sociable squid is primarily nocturnal and lives at great depths during the day, hence why many terrestrial sapient species such as humans have not seen these animals. However, the sociable squid is most often noticed through their art, which is commonly found carved in exposed rocks. The sociable squid mainly lives in underwater caves, crafting simple tools and making jewels out of seashells and/or discarded man-made waste. Female sociable squid lay 5-10 eggs that are tended by the parents and extended families. The juveniles reaches adult sizes in 2 years and the average lifespan of the sociable squid is around 10-15 years, although individuals can live around 25 to 30 years is they remain healthy throughout their lives. The sociable squid are so intelligent that individuals kept in laboratories learnt to write and even spell out complete sentences on their bodies using their ability to change colors. Due to being sapient, capturing sociable squid for laboratories, entertainment, and consumption has been banned for the welfare of this squid species. Some sociable squid tribes have formed partnerships and even friendships towards other sapient species such as humans, and with the help of some advancing technologies such as water-absorbing devices for water-breathing species, the sociable squid with these technologies is able to live on land. The conservation status of the sociable squid is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the sociable squid's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities, including being able to work and live with other sapient species.