Beyond camouflage: Scientists are puzzled by deep sea squid’s ‘statue’ behaviour
Indian Express·2h ago·Neutral
What Happened
A whiplash squid was observed 4,100 meters below the Pacific Ocean burying itself headfirst in sediment, mimicking deep-sea flora. Only its tentacles remained visible, swaying like rigid stalks. The squid froze in this pose while predatory sharks passed nearby. After hours, a rattail fish probed it, triggering the squid to release ink before returning to its plant-like position. Marine biologist Dr Alejandra Mejía-Saenz documented the discovery during a mining survey.
Key Entities
Whiplash squidPacific Ocean Clarion-Clipperton ZoneDr Alejandra Mejía-SaenzScottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)Polymetallic nodulesSleeper sharksRattail fish