160 SEA-SHORE LIFE 
slit on the sides of the neck, and discharged through the siphon 
which projects 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. 
ing 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. Squids feed upon small fishes, crastacea, 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 rapidly 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 
