Species: Loligo Vulgaris - The European Squid
Student: Jenna Rotunno
Information:
Plankton are a key ecological component to the basis of life in aquatic environments. Their place in the food chain has a great environmental impact, and their existence is crucial to the overall balance of life and evolution as a whole. The essence of plankton classification lies in the fact that the majority of these organisms are "drifters". In other words, plankton generally float along the current of the water, and are unable to swim against it. While many of these creatures are microscopic in size, there are numerous species of plankton that can grow up to several meters in length. These creatures can be divided in to many different categories, one of these being Zooplankton.
Loligo Vulgaris, also known as the European or Common Squid, is one example of a Zooplankton. They are a relatively larger example of zooplankton species in comparison to others, growing anywhere from several inches to over a foot in length. This species of squid can be found mainly in coastal waters between the North Sea and off the north-west coast of Africa [Telnes], and can exist comfortabley just below the surface of the water, or up to depths of nearly two-thousand feet below sea level.
The European Squid is most easily recognized by its cylindrical, bullet-like shape, and translucent fins on each side of their body which appear to propel them through the water with delicate, wave-like and gliding motions. The head of the squid is relatively small in comparison to its body and large eyes. In addition, the Loligo Vulgaris has a total of ten limbs, which encompass the organism's beak and mouth. While there is not much information available on the diet of the European Squid, they are commonly fished and sold commercially in markets [Wikipedia].
Works Cited
Telnes, Kåre. “European Squid - Loligo vulgaris.” European Squid - Loligo vulgaris,
Kåre Telnes, www.seawater.no/fauna/mollusca/vulgaris.html.
“European squid.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Jan. 2018,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_squid.
