Home Science ‘Like an alien invasion’: the neon flying squid that can...
Science

‘Like an alien invasion’: the neon flying squid that can fly in formation above the ocean

Key Points

Smart, sociable squid use funnel-like organ to force water to jet propel themselves along in and out of seaOn a research vessel 15 years ago, a group of Japanese scientists documented something that had only previously been described by startled sailors to disbelieving listeners. They saw a formation of squid flying through the air. The shoal of about 100 squid rose unexpectedly from a patch of the Pacific Ocean around 370 miles from Tokyo and glided near the boat for about 30 metres.

Smart, sociable squid use funnel-like organ to force water to jet propel themselves along in and out of sea

On a research vessel 15 years ago, a group of Japanese scientists documented something that had only previously been described by startled sailors to disbelieving listeners. They saw a formation of squid flying through the air.

The shoal of about 100 squid rose unexpectedly from a patch of the Pacific Ocean around 370 miles from Tokyo and glided near the boat for about 30 metres. The astonished researchers were the first to capture photographs of such a thing, which looked like the early stages of an alien invasion.

It’s invertebrate of the year again! From 3-12 August, every day we will profile one of the thousands of amazing invertebrates that our readers have nominated. And then, when you’ve heard about all of them, we’ll open the voting so you can choose your favourites. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with thoughts and ideas: email us at [email protected] with Invertebrate in the subject line.

Continue reading...
Japanese (ORG) the Pacific Ocean (LOCATION) Tokyo (LOCATION) Invertebrate (ORG)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →