Key West Squid

If you are diving off the coast of Florida with Key West Snorkeling, then you are bound to see your fair share of Caribbean reef squid. Shaped like a torpedo and fairly small, they are quite a sight to behold in the water. Reef Squid only grow to be about eight inches long. They have long fins that extend almost the entire length of their bodies. Their movement when swimming is very distinctive, swirling and undulating rapidly as they cut through the water.

With reef squid, there are also some species that are identified as andldquo;flying squid,andrdquo; meaning that they are able to fly out of the water for a brief moment and then return. When viewing reef squid off the coast with a Key West snorkel, you will usually see them in schools of in between 5 and 30 squid. The habitat of the squid usually depends on its age and stage of development. A newly hatched squid usually stays close to the shore and under vegetation. They hide under vegetation in order to avoid predators, more specifically, birds.

Adults venture deep into the ocean and can be found at depths of close to 100 meters. It is interesting to note that Caribbean reef squid communicate in very interesting ways andndash; through changes in shape, color and texture. The quickly camouflage themselves when facing threats and tend to change in color and shape when involved in their courtship rituals.