Dragon Squid

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tentacles

• 10 tentacles 40m long
• Makes up most of the body
• Scaly pointed protrusions on top
• Squishy success on the bottom
• Sharp fins on the ends

Head

• 3 eyes
• Scaly protrusions that change shades to hide

Growth Rate & Stages

Baby squid:

• Squishy protrusions change colour to blend in with surrounding rocks and coral
• Body and tentacles are slimy and slippery
• Only defense against attack is hiding and slipping into small spaces.
• Bigger squid and other fish capture and eat small squid

Young squid:

• Protrusions become hard and scaly forming protective armour
• Tips of tentacles become hard forming sharp edges
• Young squid is often attacked and eaten by larger squid
• Male squid nearing adulthood fight to win the affection of a lifelong female partner
• Sharp tentacle tips are used like spears to pierce and slice opponents
• Suckers are used to capture and hold opponents
• Armour used to block attacks and loosen grip of attacker

Adult squid:

• Male squid fight to find a new partner after losing a partner
• Attack and eat younger squid

Dietary Needs and Habits

• Small fish
• Young squid
• Seaweed

Biological Cycle

• At 10 year of age the squid is fully grown and can reproduce
• A squid pair lays approximately 300 eggs about 5cm in diameter every 2 years
• A pair will only come together when mating, returning to the same mate for life or until the male is defeated in combat.
• Parents do not protect eggs or offspring
• Only 30% will hatch -->Only 1% will reach adulthood

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

People of Alpheria hunt the largest Dragon Squids for food

• 1 squid gives 200 - 300 kg of protein food for people

Squid is not fed to the animals or birds

• Young dragon squids are hunted by larger fish and squids

Lifespan

30 years

Average Weight

450kg

Average Length

50m