Calimari Concupiscence (or Squid Sex)

[drbill]

Just updated my website with two new columns on Calimari Concupiscence or the mating of market squid. Thought those divers in southern California might be interested in the informatiuon and the pictures. Watch for the movie version to be released sometime in 2006!

http://www.starthrower.org/products/DDDB/DDDB_150-199/DDDB_173 market squid part 1.htm

http://www.starthrower.org/products/DDDB/DDDB_150-199/DDDB_174 market squid part 2.htm

 

[dpbishop]

Thanks for the info. There were a ton of eggs at La Jolla Shores this weekend, and some squid were still around. Question for you; Do Grey Whales eat squid or squid eggs? I know they're primarily plankton eaters but I always wondered if they get some bigger by-catch do they spit it out or gulp it down? I ask because a juvinile GW surfaced near us during a surface swim on Saturday.

 

[drbill]

Thanks for the info. There were a ton of eggs at La Jolla Shores this weekend, and some squid were still around. Question for you; Do Grey Whales eat squid or squid eggs? I know they're primarily plankton eaters but I always wondered if they get some bigger by-catch do they spit it out or gulp it down? I ask because a juvinile GW surfaced near us during a surface swim on Saturday.

Actually grey whales are known to feed on a lot of things other than plankton, even along the coast of California. For example, they will take up bottom sediments and filter out the worms (Diopatra if my memory is accurate) from them as well as "mouth" kelp fronds and take the amphipods and other crustaceans from them. I wouldn't be surprised if they also took squid during this time of year, although I haven't seen a citation authenticating that.

 

[Rickster]

Thanks, Bill.

That is a great article. And the pictures are wonderful, too!

 

[drbill]

Thanks Rick. I enjoy writing about the marine environment and sharing it with others, especially the non-divers who never get to see the things we do... since we need their involvement to ensure greater protection for the worlds we frequent.