160 



SEA-SHORE LIFE 



slit on the sides of the neck, and discharged through the siphon 

 which jD rejects outward from the mantle-cavity under the head. 

 Occasionally, however, the siphon is turned backward, thus caus- 



Fig. 115; BLUNT-TAILED SQUID. New Jersey Coast. 



iiig the animal to dart forward, but this method of progression 

 is rare in comparison with the backward darting. They can 

 also swim slowly forward when propelled by movements of the 

 fin. Sqiiids feed upon small fishes, Crustacea, and even the 

 young of their own species, and they are themselves devoured by 

 numerous fishes, the sperm whale and seals. In killing a small 

 fish they bite a piece out of the back of the neck. They capture 

 their prey by darting rajDidly backward, swinging quickly to one 

 side and seizing the victim in their sucker-bearing arms. 



Very commonly they become stranded in their backward dart- 

 ing flight, and then thrash helplessly upon the shore, forcing water 

 out through the siphon and ejecting their jet-black ink. The 

 shores of Maine are often strewn with squids that have perished in 

 this manner, this being especially noticeable after moonlight 

 nights. Indeed, the fishermen take advantage of the attraction 

 squids display for light by placing a beacon in the bow of their 

 boats and slowly rowing ashore, thus stranding the congregated 

 animals. 



They often swim in schools, especially during spring and early 

 summer. During some years the water fairly teems with them, 

 and then again none will be seen for long periods of time. As they 

 dart through the ocean their color changes instantly to match their 



