Squid!

Ranked #6,950 in Education, #161,132 overall

These Amazing Creatures have Amazing Features! And Tentacles Aren't All of Them!

<----- Drawing by Pierre Denys De Montfort based on a creature (the Kraken -- probably a giant squid) that French sailors reported attacking their ship off the coast of Angola.

Squids are relatives of the octopus, squid, and chambered nautilus families -- marine cephalopods -- of the order Teuthida and with about 300 recorded species (probably a lot more out there!).

Like their cousins, they have distinct heads, "bilateral symetry" (which means that they have left and right "sides" that look like mirror images), and arms called "tentacles".

The squids have 8 tentacles (arms) and two longer tentacles arranged in pairs (except for the bigfin squids--that have 10 equal-sized very long and thin tentacles).

Because they have such weird characteristics (at least from a human's point of view), they are part of legends and stories from ancient times -- the most notable being that of Scandinavia's "Kraken". And more recently, they've been the subject of books and movies -- the most famous modern book/movie tends to be considered that of Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".

Ah, but the best part is that many of the squid species are important as food -- on the west coast of the U.S., squid are cooked and known more by their Italian name, "Calimari". Squid are commonly part of delicious cultural foods of the Orient (Korea, Philippines ["pusit"], Japan ["ika"], China, Thailand, and Vietnam) and of the Mediterranean (Italy, Greece, France, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Egypt).

This Squidoo lens will give you more information about these fascinating creatures (and also provide some recipes and personal observations).

Squid Vids! Check Out the Action Here!

The Fierce Humboldt Squid - KQED QUEST

The Fierce Humboldt... 0 points

Giant Squid

Giant Squid 0 points

Baby Squid, Born Like Stars

Baby Squid, Born Lik... 0 points

600 lbs of Squid

600 lbs of Squid 0 points

Vampire Squid from Hell (3200 Feet Under Sea Level)

Vampire Squid from H... 0 points

Magical Spinning Squid

Magical Spinning Squ... 0 points

Squid Changing Color

Squid Changing Color 0 points

Little Squids fluttering along a ropeline

Little Squids flutte... 0 points

Squid Skin Under Microscope

Squid Skin Under Mic... 0 points

Reef Squid CloseUp

Reef Squid CloseUp 0 points

Squids - Cousins of Octopus, Cuttlefish, and Nautilus

A fresh batch of squid, ready for buying and then cooking! Calimari anyone?Squids are part of the Cephalopod family and are cousins of the octopus, cuttlefish, and chambered nautilus. Some of their features will remind you of their cousins--namely, their cluster of tentacles at their business ends.

They also have the ability to camouflage or disguise themselves in the same way their cousins the octopus and cuttlefish do using unique color cells (called "chromatophores") in their skins (and also arranging their tentacles to help disguise themselves).

Squids also have a parrot-like beak in the center of their tentacles--which they use to deliver the fatal bite to their prey after they've drawn it to their mouth with their tentacles.

Squids have excellent eyesight -- Giant Squids have eyes the size of basketballs.

Squid Deco!

Squid Ninja Women's Tank Top

It's a squid. And a ninja. With throwing stars, nunchaku, katana, sai, and kanji characters on a red sun graphic.

Buy Now

SQUID Oval Sticker

Five Letter Word Oval Stickers. More stickers at www.stickdeez.com. - SQUID - Oval Sticker

Buy Now

Powered by CafePress

Squids by the Bay... eBay, That Is!

Loading
Tray of fresh squid - ready to be purchased, and then cooked! Calimari, anyone?

Tray of fresh squid - ready to be purchased, and then cooked! Calimari, anyone? 

Squid Lit! Read Up on What Squids are All About!

Animals of the Ocean, in Particular the Giant Squid (HOW) by Dr. Doris Haggis-on-Whey, Benny Haggis-on-Whey

Animals of the Ocean, in Particular the Giant Squid (HOW) by Dr. Doris Haggis-on-Whey, Benny Haggis-on-Whey

Here is the third installment in a series of reference more...0 points

Tentacles!: Tales of the Giant Squid (Step into Reading) by Shirley Raye Redmond

Tentacles!: Tales of the Giant Squid (Step into Reading) by Shirley Raye Redmond

For centuries, sailors have handed down stories of more...0 points

Giant Squid: Mystery of the Deep (All Aboard Science Reader: Station Stop 2) by Jennifer Dussling

Giant Squid: Mystery of the Deep (All Aboard Science Reader: Station Stop 2) by Jennifer Dussling

Talk about a BIG catch! The 25-foot squid hauled in more...0 points

Outside and Inside Giant Squid (Outside and Inside (Walker & Company)) by Sandra Markle

Outside and Inside Giant Squid (Outside and Inside (Walker & Company)) by Sandra Markle

Explore the eerie world of giant squid, a creature more...0 points

Octopuses and Squids (Undersea Encounters) by Mary Jo Rhodes, David Hall

Octopuses and Squids (Undersea Encounters) by Mary Jo Rhodes, David Hall

Experience an underwater adventure! From sea drago more...0 points

The Squid Kids by Virginia Robinson

The Squid Kids by Virginia Robinson

The Squid Kids tells the early experiences of Suzy more...0 points

Squids Will Be Squids (Picture Puffins) by Jon Scieszka

Squids Will Be Squids (Picture Puffins) by Jon Scieszka

Sure we'd all love to be able to go around telling more...0 points

Tasty Critters, The Squid!

They go by many names, including: Calimari, Calemares, Ika, Pusit, and, of course, Squid!

Bowl of Fresh Squid - Getting Prepared for Pusit Adobo! (Squid Stew)Whether squid are deep-fried as in various versions of "calimari" or served fresh and uncooked as "ika", they can be a tasty addition to your menu. In the Philippines, they are called "pusit"--and are usually served in the form of the stew called "adobo".
Small Squid Being Prepared for Philippine-style Pusit Adobo

Small Squid Being Prepared for Philippine-style "Pusit Adobo" 

Squid or Pusit in a Pot Along With Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Onions... Simmering

Squid or "Pusit" in a Pot Along With Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Onions... Simmering 

Pusit Adobo on a Bed of Rice! Yummy! Masarap! Manyaman! Oishii! Muy Sabroso!

"Pusit Adobo" on a Bed of Rice! Yummy! Masarap! Manyaman! Oishii! Muy Sabroso! 

Squid Stew! Calimari! Yup... These are Yummy Critters, Too!

The Saltwater Cookbook: Fish and Seafood - From Ocean to Table by Tim Lauer

The Saltwater Cookbook: Fish and Seafood - From Ocean to Table by Tim Lauer

This is the only seafood cookbook you'll ever need-whether more...0 points

Steven Raichlen's Healthy Latin Cooking: 200 Sizzling Recipes from Mexico, Cuba, Caribbean, Brazil, and Beyond by Steven Raichlen

Steven Raichlen's Healthy Latin Cooking: 200 Sizzling Recipes from Mexico, Cuba, Caribbean, Brazil, and Beyond by Steven Raichlen

The New Look of Latin-- Lighter, Quicker, BetterThree more...0 points

Rick Stein's Complete Seafood: A Step-by-Step Reference by Rick Stein

Rick Stein's Complete Seafood: A Step-by-Step Reference by Rick Stein

Fish is the ultimate sophisticated weeknight or co more...0 points

The Big Book of Fish & Shellfish: More Than 250 Terrific Recipes (Big Book (Chronicle Books)) by Fred Thompson

The Big Book of Fish & Shellfish: More Than 250 Terrific Recipes (Big Book (Chronicle Books)) by Fred Thompson

For those who love fish -- or clams, lobster, scal more...0 points

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Discussing the nutritional and health benefits of more...0 points

The Everything Mediterranean Cookbook: An Enticing Collection of 300 Healthy, Delicious Recipes from the Land of Sun and Sea (Everything: Cooking) by Dawn Altomari-Rathjen, Jennifer Bendelius

The Everything Mediterranean Cookbook: An Enticing Collection of 300 Healthy, Delicious Recipes from the Land of Sun and Sea (Everything: Cooking) by Dawn Altomari-Rathjen, Jennifer Bendelius

The bountiful cuisine of the Mediterranean evokes thoughts more...0 points

West Coast Seafood: The Complete Cookbook by Jay Harlow

West Coast Seafood: The Complete Cookbook by Jay Harlow

This is the new definitive seafood cookbook from writer more...0 points

The Essential Seafood Cookbook

The Essential Seafood Cookbook

From crab cakes in a New York eatery, to moules ma more...0 points

Martin Yan's Invitation to Chinese Cooking by Martin Yan

Martin Yan's Invitation to Chinese Cooking by Martin Yan

In this beautifully designed cookbook, the man wit more...0 points

Filipino Cuisine: Recipes from the Islands by Gerry G. Gelle

Filipino Cuisine: Recipes from the Islands by Gerry G. Gelle

A comprehensive presentation is given of all the r more...0 points

Cooking the Chinese Way: Revised and Expanded to Include New Low-Fat and Vegetarian Recipes (Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks) by Ling Yu

Cooking the Chinese Way: Revised and Expanded to Include New Low-Fat and Vegetarian Recipes (Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks) by Ling Yu

Introduces fundamental of Chinese cooking, includi more...0 points

Squid Eats! (Nope, These Squid Don't Eat You... You Get to Eat Them!)

How to Make Fried Calamari : Adding Flour to Squid

How to Make Fried Ca... 0 points

How to Make Calamari with a Basil Walnut Pesto

How to Make Calamari... 0 points

Cooking Korean-style Stir-fried squid

Cooking Korean-style... 0 points

Thai food: Stir Fried Squid!

Thai food: Stir Frie... 0 points

Thai Food: Tom Yum (Hot and Sour Squid Soup)

Thai Food: Tom Yum (... 0 points

ADOBONG PUSIT

ADOBONG PUSIT 0 points

Sizzling Pusit

Sizzling Pusit 0 points

Calamares (Fried Squid)

Calamares (Fried Squ... 0 points

Calamari with Tomato Sauce - Moroccan Style

Calamari with Tomato... 0 points

How to Make Fried Calamari : How to Fry Squid

How to Make Fried Ca... 0 points

Stuffed Squid

Stuffed Squid 0 points

Italian Bada Bing Calamari

Italian Bada Bing Ca... 0 points

Video Ricetta: Calamari Ripieni di Veronica

Video Ricetta: Calam... 0 points

Pasta with Calamari (Squid)

Pasta with Calamari... 0 points

Squids Might Hug You With Their Tentacles - But These You Can Hug Back! Or Play With!

(Or, in the case of those squid-shaped baits, you can fish with them!)

Wildlife / Domestic Animals : Giant Squid 30

Wildlife / Domestic Animals : Giant Squid 30" Plush Stuffed Animal Toy

A soft plush stuffed giant squid from Wild Republi more...0 points

Plush Giant Squid 20

Plush Giant Squid 20"

This colorful squid measures 20 inches long and is more...0 points

GIANT SQUID by Safari, Ltd.

GIANT SQUID by Safari, Ltd.

GENERAL FEATURES: The Giant Squid is just one of t more...0 points

Safari LTD Monterey Bay Giant Squid

Safari LTD Monterey Bay Giant Squid

Stunning scale model ocean replicas expertly sculp more...0 points

Matchbox Mega Rig Squid Sub

Matchbox Mega Rig Squid Sub

Dive into undersea adventures that you put togethe more...0 points

Plush Tusoteuthis Sea Monster 12

Plush Tusoteuthis Sea Monster 12"

We?re busy adding products and product description more...0 points

Squid Kite

Squid Kite

Inspired by the original Squid, these kite will ma more...0 points

Animal Planet Sea Quest - Giant Squid - Toys R Us Exclusive

Animal Planet Sea Quest - Giant Squid - Toys R Us Exclusive

Dive into a deep-sea adventure on a Sea Quest! Mys more...0 points

Berkley 18 Oz Bucket Gulp! Alive! 5

Berkley 18 Oz Bucket Gulp! Alive! 5" Squid

Gulp! Alive! It looks alive and it feels alive. Bu more...0 points

If You Want to See Squid Close Up, You Might Have to Travel to See Them!

powered by Orbitz

Get Your Tentacles on a Pen and Drop Us Some Ink... Not Squid Ink... But Pen Ink...

  • Mamaboo May 24, 2012 @ 2:45 pm | delete
    I'm sorry, but I cannot begin to eat these critters. They look horrible! Having said that, I love your lens, and bless you this day! May the Squidoo testicles of love wrap around you!
  • Sami4u Sep 18, 2010 @ 7:13 pm | delete
    Hi,

    I have never tried squid that I know of. It might taste good but, not the best to look at. See that thing on the picture with the rice it's looking back at me. LOL
  • JaguarJulie Jun 5, 2010 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    Well, my first introduction to squid was in the Florida Keys ... they made great fish bait!
  • NAIZA Oct 6, 2009 @ 1:25 am | delete
    Oh gosh! You are making me so hungry, Editor! I love squids especially adobo.. What a yummy recipe! Perfect in my rice.. Def, a fab five!

You Can Pusit to Da Limit and Create Your Own Squidoo Lens!

Click on the icon below to start! It's easy, it's fast, and it's fun!

Squid graphic courtesy of Squidoo Squid Graphics For Your Lenses! by GreekGeek.

by

EditorDave

If you need documentation or editorial help, or assistance with financial services, please drop me a note.
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. ...
more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Squids will be Squids? Well, it's a catchy title! 

Squids Will Be Squids (Picture Puffins)

Amazon Price: $3.22 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

This book is a compilation of fables... good stories for kids... written in a humorous way... a lot of fun for the whole family!

Architeuthis! The Giant Squid! 

Outside and Inside Giant Squid (Outside and Inside (Walker & Company))

Amazon Price: $3.98 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

This book has great pictures and narrative to give you an interesting glimpse of these mysterious animals of the deep! Get this book to have your own experience!

Tentacle tales.... This book will get a grip on you! 

Tentacles!: Tales of the Giant Squid (Step into Reading)

Amazon Price: $0.08 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Lots of interesting stories (aka tales) in this book to keep you and your kids reading and enjoying the facts about these animals!