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Scientists Document 100 Neon Squids Gliding 30 M Above Ocean

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japanese scientists photographed 100 neon flying squid gliding 30 m above the Pacific Ocean about 370 mi from Tokyo 15 years ago.
The Ommastrephes bartramii squid used its hyponome to launch, measured about a rolling-pin length, and had a golden-silver stripe underneath.
Stanford biologist William Gilly, who tagged a squid swimming 10 m/s to flee sea lions, said group gliding was unprecedented and suggested the flight may have been a shark-evasion response.

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Story summary

Japanese scientists photographed 100 neon flying squid gliding 30 m above the Pacific Ocean about 370 mi from Tokyo 15 years ago.
The Ommastrephes bartramii squid used its hyponome to launch, measured about a rolling-pin length, and had a golden-silver stripe underneath.
Stanford biologist William Gilly, who tagged a squid swimming 10 m/s to flee sea lions, said group gliding was unprecedented and suggested the flight may have been a shark-evasion response.