A research team has captured the first photographic evidence of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) gliding above the surface of the Pacific Ocean. The observation, made approximately 370 miles from Tokyo, involved a shoal of about 100 squid that emerged from the water and glided for roughly 30 meters near the researchers' boat.
While it was previously known that species within the 20-strong flying squid family could leap from the water, sustained aerial gliding had only been an unconfirmed rumor until this sighting. The researchers' photographs provide concrete evidence of this behavior.
The neon flying squid achieves its aerial propulsion using a hyponome, a muscular, funnel-like organ common to cephalopods like octopuses. This organ expels water in a powerful jet, propelling the squid both underwater and into the air.
During their flight, the squid were observed with their ten limbs splayed outwards. The researchers described the sight as resembling the initial stages of an alien invasion due to the unexpected and coordinated nature of the squid's aerial movement.
