Splendid Squids in the Sea
Hilary Siegel
Introduction
Amazingly, the squid is found in the deepest zones of water where it is dark and mysterious, and their colors come in handy! You will be intrigued to learn about the way this living looks, what it feeds on, and how the offspring develop. Now let’s dive down below the ocean floor and see the animal up close.
Astonishing Appearance
It is fascinating to note the appearance of this intelligent invertebrate. First of all, the squid can range in length from 0.75 inch to longer than sixty-five feet. Its weight may range from 0.6 to 1,102 pounds. Speed is special to the color-changing creature because it helps escape prey. Next, the squid has translucent skin which changes hues. They have a beak with teeth inside to chew food. To continue, my organism can become red, yellow, shades of black, a brilliant blue, grass-colored green and so many more colors! Finally, the giant has eyes and a brain larger than your head. Could you imagine that? These soft-bodied individuals have ten arms that are not regular, because two are tentacles used to stop prey. Certainly, the squid with its tentacles reminds me of when I was younger and used to pretend I had stinging arms and legs.
Delectable Diet
"Yum, this calamari is great. I have to try squid more often. Wait, that's me!" states the squid. You will be astounded to learn about the sea creature's diet. Krill, plankton, and shrimp is what this stinging, sea-swimming self eats. It feeds on meat, which means the squid is a carnivore. If there is no feeding left, this cephalopod must snack on its own species, which is not prefered. The squid gets it food by becoming luminescent, which could also be for recognition. Also, they use their tentacles to capture prey. Squids will quietly stay in the water to find feedings. In addition, the dwellers that are able to obtain food grow quickly, but when it cannot, you notice results of weakness and it isn’t able to survive in terrible living conditions. As you can see, this is why squids are mostly found where it can easily get prey.
The Yielding of Eggs
Surely, the squid’s way of reproducing is very different than how humans produce. To begin, these octopus-like animals come in large groups of both genders and the process starts in the morning. The males’ color changing attracts females. During the time the male sperm fertilizes her eggs. It is not known how the eggs will develop inside the squid. The girl squid lays her eggs in water, and it can take up to eight weeks before they hatch. This magnificent mollusk produces anywhere from 4,000 eggs up to 70,000 eggs for some species. Just because she yields this many, not all become offspring and some are killed or eaten. Something interesting is that when the creature is born, it already knows how to swim and defend itself. In fact, the life span is not long, only about one or two years. Unfortunately, most males and females will only get to mate once in their entire lives. Squids have an amazing way of producing thousands of more babies!
Conclusion
You will be pleased to know that squids have three hearts, which means they must have a lot of love! Definitely, this carnivore has an odd appearance, interesting diet, and a way of sexually reproducing. Time to ride back up to the surface. The squid is an incredible thing that has many wonderful characteristics!
THINK TANK
GO FISH
CHEF'S CORNER
In chef's corner, we had to choose an Australian food and then learn about it. For instance, I chose fairy bread which is basically sprinkles on bread. Please read all about it down below!
Fairy Bread
History:
This dish is considered native to New Zealand and Australia, although the exact origin is unknown. Fairy bread is considered to be sacred and a form of protection against the anger of spirits or fairies.The first ever reference to fairy bread recipes was in the poem ‘Fairy Bread’ by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Nutrition:
Serves 8-10
Yields 20 triangles (UNITS US)
TOTAL TIME: 15 MINUTES
PREPARATION: 15 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 0 MINUTES
INGRIDIENTS:
8-10 slices white bread, trimmed of crust
butter or margarine
candy sprinkles (hundreds and thousands)
DIRECTIONS:
Spread slices of bread with butter or margarine
sprinkle with candy sprinkles
cut into triangles
arrange on serving plate