Animal Species:Diamondback Squid – Thysanoteuthis rhombus
Troschel, 1857 A very strong swimmer, this squid has been known
to occasionally jump onto boats. The common name for this
species is derived from its large, distinctive diamond-shaped
fin which extends along the whole length of the body. Unlike
many other squids, Thysanoteuthis rhombus has no light organs.
Their arms have two rows of suckers and wide protective webs
along their length. Body to 1m, weight up to 20kg. Found
throughout tropical and sub-tropical waters world-wide.
Distribution by collection data Found near the surface of the
open ocean, often in pairs or small schools. Mating and
reproduction Like many other open-ocean squid, Thysanoteuthis
rhombus females produce long sausage-like, transparent, floating
egg masses. There is no planktonic stage, the young already
possessing a full-length fin. Norman, M., (2000) Cephalopods- A
World Guide, ConchBooks, Germany (Hackenheim) Roper, C.F.E.,
M.J. Sweeney & C.E. Nauen, (1984) FAO species catalogu