Page 211 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

OPALESCENT SQUID 211

Key Facts ORDER Decapoda / FAMILY Lolaginidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Loligo opalescens

Weight Males: Up to 130g (4.6oz)
Females: up to 90g (3.2oz)

Length Average: 30cm (11.8in)
Sexual maturity 4–8 months, but varies with conditions
Spawning season Spring
Suckers
Number of eggs 20–30 sacs, each containing
Eight powerful arms, arranged
200–300 eggs
in two pairs of four, are lined
Incubation period 3–5 weeks
with suckers.These help grip
onto struggling, slippery prey. Breeding interval Believed to die after spawning
Typical diet Fish and crustaceans
Lifespan 4–9 months in the wild, but varies
with conditions

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.