Species · GBIF taxon 2290374
European Squid
Loligo vulgarisAlso known as Common Squid, Inshore Squid, Calamary
European squid are highly active predators that navigate coastal waters in coordinated shoals, using rapid color changes and body postures to communicate with one another. They migrate seasonally to shallower waters to spawn, attaching gelatinous egg finger clusters to rocks, shells, and seabed debris. Their streamlined bodies and powerful siphon jet propulsion make them exceptionally agile hunters of small fish and crustaceans.
MarineNocturnalCamouflage
Licensed referenceHans Hillewaert / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardines
- Shrimp
- Crabs
Predators
- Dolphins
- Sharks
- Large fish
ThreatsCommercial overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change affecting water temperatures
HabitatsCoastal waters, sandy and muddy seabeds, and open ocean down to 500 meters
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLoliginidae
- SpeciesLoligo vulgaris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses a sharp beak capable of delivering a painful bite if handled.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with a hard, parrot-like chitinous beak that can inflict a painful bite if the animal is handled or cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with lateral fins running along the rear half of the mantle.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to handle live squid; observe them from a safe distance while diving or snorkeling.
Responsible observation
- Night Diving: Look for them during night dives when they are attracted to underwater lights.
- Observe Color Changes: Watch quietly to see their skin shift from translucent white to deep red-brown.
- Keep Distance: Avoid cornering or grabbing them to prevent defensive ink release or beak bites.
Competitor Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative Relative
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