WOODS HOLE CREATURE FEATURES GLASS SQUID
Excerpt from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Creature Feature page.
Glass squid - specifically, Chranchia scabra - get a rough reputation because of the small tubercles dotting their bodies (also called their 'mantle"). If they sense danger, this squid can transform into a lumpy ball by stuffing its bulbous head and tentacles into this mantle cavity. They're also able to 'go dark' by instantly changing the color of their skin to black. Scientists have noticed that glass squid release ink into their mantle when threatened, which may help them change color, or could act as a chemical weapon against hungry whales and seabirds.
Shape-shifting and camouflage aren't the only cool tricks up the glass squid's tentacles. Light-emitting organs, or photophores, around their eyes help them see in the dark and scare away predators. Females also sport photophores on the tips of their arms, which may be useful for attracting mates.
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