Photographic Evidence Proves That Squid Can Fly Photo: Bob and
Deb Hulse Once, while boating off the coast of Jamaica in 2001,
marine biologist Silvia Maciá and her husband caught a glimpse
of an oddly familiar creature leaping from the waves, soaring
with ease over the surface of the ocean. As the animal propelled
itself for some 30 feet, Maciá realized she was witnessing the
most unusual sight -- a flying squid. So intrigued by what she
saw that day, Maciá would go on to co-author a paper examining
similar observations, though essential photographic evidence of
the incredible phenomenon remained elusive. That is, until now.
Maciá's study, featured in a 2004 issue of the Journal of
Molluscan Studies, found that the gliding behavior of her squid
wasn't entirely uncommon, noting around six species known to
leap from the water -- occasionally winding up on the decks of
boats. But from she witnessed that day near Jamaica, squids
weren't just exiting the water aimlessly. Rather, they appeared
to be flying. "From