Taxonomy [Teuthida] [Phylum: Mollusca] [Class: Cephalopoda] [Family: Decapodiformes]
Squid are classic cephalopods showing bilateral symmetry with arms protected by a mantle.
Squids have eight 'paired' arms and 2 elongated tentacles comparable to cuttlefish.
Their bodies have evolved from previous ancestors of mollusks which are now condensed into a nexus of powerful tentacles and advanced sensory organs.
They no longer have a shell but possess a 'chitinous pen' in its place.
The pen is an internal support for their mantle which assists muscle connection. Squid are extremely efficient swimmers.
In fact although they cannot fly long distances, some species have been filmed airborne out of the water.
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