The “squint-eyed squid” has one large yellow-green eye, while the other eye is transparent and much smaller in size.
The squid Histioteuthis heteropsis is also known as the “squint-eyed squid”. They are so named because they possess eyes that are very different in size, color and function.
The Histioteuthis heteropsis squid is also known as the “squint-eyed squid”.
One of their eyes is yellow-green and large in size, the other eye is transparent and much smaller in size.
The reason this squid species has two different eyes has remained a question that has challenged scientists for more than 100 years.
Researchers at Vinh Montery Aquarium Institute (MBARI) have analyzed videos of “squint-eyed squid” collected over the past 30 years and discovered that they tend to swim sideways with large eyes facing up. above and small eyes facing downwards.
Scientists believe that the large eyes of cross-eyed squid are sensitive to light, so they often point upward, where they receive more sunlight to search for food and observe predators swimming above. above. Small eyes are not sensitive to light but can detect bioluminescent signals, helping them detect predators lurking in the deep sea.
“It’s a fascinating demonstration of how they survive between two very different habitats,” said Jon Ablett, senior manager of molluscs at the Natural History Museum in London.
This species of squid is no stranger to the scientific world, and it was recently encountered by a research team during an expedition around the islands of Ascension and Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. They are also known as gem squid because their whole body sparkles with ruby red spots when exposed to UV light.
The red dots on the squid’s body are light-emitting organs, called photophores. (Photo: Kate Thomas/Duke University).
James Maclaine, senior curator of fishes at the Natural History Museum, said no scientist has ever tried shining UV light on deep-sea animals. Mr. Maclaine found that some other species have red glowing spots such as both the gem squid and the viper fish; Some species, such as lanternfish, do not.
The red dots are light-emitting organs, called photophores, that emit blue light when the squid is swimming hundreds of meters underwater. Because there are no UV rays in the deep sea, photophores do not glow red in natural environments.
The “strabismus squid” can use luminescent cells to glow to cover its own shadow. The flashing of the cells may also be a form of squid communication and to attract mates or to lure prey.
- Ecuador discovered a completely pristine coral reef thousands of years old, never before seen
- ”Goblin Island” – a place that preserves legends about scary monsters in Japan
- US MQ-9 Reaper drone encounters UFO in the Middle East
