Engage in the spectacle of colossal squids communicating through flashing signals.
In a remarkable breakthrough, marine biologists are beginning to crack the code of the elusive Giant Humboldt squid, thanks to a new video analysis technique. This fascinating creature, native to the Pacific Ocean, ranges from the coast of Chile to as far north as Alaska.
The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, reveals that these squid are not just mysterious deep-sea dwellers, but also complex communicators. They use flashes of colour to convey messages to each other, a behaviour that was previously unknown in these creatures.
Interestingly, the Humboldt squid's communication method is not limited to colour changes. They also use special skin cells to produce waves of red and white that scroll across their body when they want to go incognito, a tactic believed to confuse potential predators.
The research team, led by Kyler Abernathy, director of research for remote imaging, has outfitted Humboldt squid with video cameras for the first time. The equipment attached to the squid is a tube made of Lycra-like material that slips over the main part of the squid. Currently, only the camera floats free after a release is triggered, leaving the animals wearing children's swimwear, or "sweaters," cut from child-size swim shirts, leaving their fins, arms, and tentacles free.
Abernathy hopes to modify his design so that both the camera and sleeve detach from the squid in future deployments. This would allow the squid to move more freely and potentially provide even more fascinating insights into their behaviour.
However, the Humboldt squid is not always a friendly creature. They have been known to rip off a diver's mask and attack lighting and camera equipment. Given their size, which can grow to be as big as a man, these encounters can be quite daunting.
Despite their inability to match their skin colour and texture to nearby rocks or algae for camouflage like octopuses can, the Humboldt squid have a unique defence mechanism. They mimic the pattern of sunlight across their body to confuse potential predators.
This research opens up a new world of understanding about these fascinating creatures. As Abernathy's team continues to refine their technology, we can expect to learn even more about the lives of these jumbo squid.
