The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) recently said that it decoded the gene expression pattern of Indian squid having major implications from neuroscience to environmental science.
Scientific Name - Uroteuthis duvaucelii.
It is also known as the Indian calamari.
Group - It is a cephalopod species, any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda.
This group includes highly advanced species such as squids, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses.
Family – Loliginidae, typically called inshore or neritic squids.
Appearance - Indian squid has a distinctive coloration, with a light pinkish-gray body and 2 large fins on either side. They have 8 arms and 2 longer tentacles that they use to capture prey.
Behavior - Generally, squids are extensively known for their rapid growth rate, limited lifespan, and complex population structures
They are fast swimmers and are capable of propelling themselves through the water using a jet propulsion system.
This allows them to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h when escaping from predators or chasing prey.
Squids tend to prefer areas with high levels of dissolved oxygen, as this is crucial for their respiration.
Distribution - It is distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, occurring in depths between 30 and 170 meters.
Along the coast of India, squids are commonly found in the waters off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa.
Diet - This species is an active carnivore that feeds mainly on crustaceans and small fishes and often exhibits cannibalistic behavior.
Conservation Status
IUCN - Least Concern.
Uses - Food resource, utilized as fertilizer supplemental food source for highend and expensive cultured animals.
Other Species - Bigfin reef squid – IUCN Status - “Data Deficient”.
