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Pearl Squid (Mark Gustavson)
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Time of Appearance: throughout spring and summer. Most grow to about 12 inches. Individuals migrate seasonally, moving offshore during late autumn to overwinter in warmer waters along the edge of the continental shelf and inshore during the spring and early summer. The long-fin squid live for less than one year, grow rapidly, and spawn year-round. Individuals hatched in summer generally grow more rapidly than those hatched in winter. They swim in large schools during the day but may dig itself a depression in the sand at night to rest. Squid are aggressive hunters. A school of squid can decimate a school of herring, leaving only heads and tails in their wake. Coloration: The color cells in the skin are able to change quickly, causing considerable and rapid changes in color and pattern to match the surroundings. They may be red, pink, brown, blue or yellow, with many iridescent reflections. |