Parasol Squid

Parasol squids are large cephalopods found in shallow and open oceans around the globe. They are one of the most intelligent species that aren't classified as a sapient species, as smart as a 10 year old harmonid.

Basic Information

Anatomy

As an adult, parasol squids are 6 feet long, with 9 arms, two extending from the parasol shaped exoskeleton, and the other seven from the end of its body. Their bulbous heads and three fins stick out of a small hole in the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is covered in a thin leathery skin, which is very colourful, yellows, reds, blues and greens. Their front two arms have small spines on them, used to grab prey easily.

Genetics and Reproduction

Parasol squids lay eggs in small crevices in the seabed, in rockier areas. It usually takes a few days, up to 5, to lay every egg, and after that they will take up to 3 weeks to hatch, while the mother guards.

Ecology and Habitats

Parasol squids thrive in warmer oceans, where more fish species live. They can change the colour of their skin very quickly, using that to hide as pieces of mushroom coral, and can catch fish easier.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Parasol squids are carnivorous, they use their camouflaging abilities to catch live fish, or crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. They have a very strong beak which breaks through tough shells, crunching them into a fine powder. This shell powder can be collected by the ocean currents and forms part of the seabed.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These marine creatures exist in warm oceans, the coastlines in the Half and Shimmering Oceans, in the open oceans and in coral reefs.

Average Intelligence

Incredibly intelligent for a cephalopod, they can be compared to a 10 year old harmonid child. They can solve complex puzzles, and squids that have been tested on know they're being tested on.

Can you say this? I, am, a, squid.

— Scientist studying a parasol squid

bloop bloop

— Parasol squid

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their complex minds allows them to solve puzzles as smart as a 10 year old harmonid. They can see in ultra-violet as well, and can switch between seeing in ultra-violet and normally.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Weight

50kg

Average Length

2 metres

Geographic Distribution

• Greenerth
• Half Ocean
• Shimmering Ocean
• South Ocean
• Surbaria Reef

by Mochi

Art by Mochi