top of page

Science in Pajamas: Swimming Squid

  • Writer: Ally Shirman
    Ally Shirman
  • Jul 17, 2018
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 23, 2019


Squid, which are similar to the octopus, have eight arms and two tentacles. The arms, called cephalopod limbs, resemble those on an octopus with suckers along their length. The two extra tentacles have suckers only their ends, and are meant to capture food such as fish and crabs.


Its powerful muscles contract to force out jets of water that propel it in the opposite direction that they’re facing - so it swims backward in a zigzag formation. As a strategy to avoid predators, it can shoot out an inky fluid made from melanin particles called sepia that creates a dark cloud, allowing it to create a diversion and flee to safety.


See the quick movements of a squid for yourself with a homemade creation!


What you'll need:

  • balloon

  • water

  • squirt cap (the type that comes on sports drinks works well)

  • bathtub

Instructions:

Fill the bathtub with water. Then, fill the balloon with water, and while you keep the neck pinched closed, have a friend stretch the lip up over a closed squirt cap. Hold your balloon “squid” underwater one end of the tub or sink, open the cap nozzle, and let go. Water will shoot out of the bottle and propel the balloon in the opposite direction - mimicking a real squid!


If you're interested in the detailed physics behind this movement, here's a great resource.

Resources and References:

  • Littlefield, Cindy A. Awesome Ocean Science: Investigating the Secrets of the Underwater World. Williamson Books, 2006.

  • Zych, Ariel. “Jet Propulsion Locomotion of Squid and Octopus.” Science Friday, www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/jet-setting-cephalopods/.

  • Watson, Stephanie. “How Squid Work.” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 1 June 2007, animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/squid2.htm.


 
 
 

3 Comments


Jose Moyer
5 days ago

Squid escape artists! Their backward jet propulsion is like Moto X3M navigating treacherous tracks. They use melanin ink clouds as diversions, vanishing in a flash, a real life ninja. Craft a balloon-powered squid to mimic their moves and explore biomechanics. This simple project brings ocean science to your fingertips and appreciates ingenious survival.


Like

3PL services
May 09

Growing an online business? fulfilment.com offers dependable 3PL services to help you scale with ease.

Like

wera
Mar 18

The background Geometry Dash SubZero music, composed by artists like MDK and Boom Kitty, perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing immersion and excitement.

Like

Marine Science Institute needs your support. Creating affordable, high quality, and engaging curriculum is only possible because of our amazing donors. Join our cause and make your tax-deductible donation today!

facebook link
instagram link
YouTube fish logo 2023.png
yelp link
linkin link
X fish logo.png

ADDRESS

500 Discovery Parkway

Redwood City, CA 94063

info@sfbaymsi.org

Tel: (650)364-2760

Click here for directions

Inspiring respect and stewardship for the marine environment through hands-on adventure learning

Thank you to our current grantors who have supported us with more than $25,000

california-coastal-commission-logo
CA Water Boards logo
Hannig
Scandling
finCorpFoundationLogo-VERTICAL_POS
moore-logo-black
CalEPALogo-v2
webbfam-logo-long
Abbott_Laboratories_Logo_blue
thumbnail_Cargill logo
lesherlogo
JVLF Logo

Marine Science Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Federal Tax ID# 94-1719649

© 2024 All Rights Reserved  

bottom of page