Squids and Humans
Humans and squids have a history that goes very far back. Some of the very earliest myths about ships disappearing to the depths of the ocean are said to be due to the arms of squids. Of course we know today that didn’t really happen but there are still plenty of stories in some cultures about them being aggressive sea creatures for man to be reckon with.
Squid really don’t pose any threat to humans. While the ink they give out can be poisonous to other creatures in the water, it is too weak to harm humans. In fact, it is often used on restaurants to give some types of pasta a black coloring. Some people are afraid of the giant squids out there due to the appearance. Yet they won’t do anything to you at all. They certainly aren’t going to try to make a meal out of you either.
If you look closely at the eyes of squid, you may be surprised to discover you are viewing what could pass for human eyes. It is fascinating that they do look so similar. Squid also have a 360 degree range of motion with their eyes.
People from all over the world love to consume squid. Calamari is a very common type of food that is made both at home and a variety of sea food restaurants. It can be ordered as an appetizer or as a full meal. The results depend on the species of squid that is used. It also depends on the amount of time that it is cooked and the heat temperature. When using a high temperature you don’t want to exceed three minutes or the texture becomes rubbery. Simmering at a low heat is one of the best ways to bring out the delicious taste of squid.
As a result of this, there is a great deal of money to be made in the industry of commercial hunting for squid. Huge nets and a variety of devices are used to capture them. What is used depends on the location as well as the species of squid being captured. Millions of tons of it are captured annually for humans to consume.
The fact that squid depend on water to live, means humans have to stop polluting it. The lack of attention many humans have for this has lead to squid dying due to various toxins in the water that they live in. The new offspring are the most susceptible to suffering from these types of toxins.
Global warming is another factor that affects squids. Unlike many animals though it can actually do better in many ways due to the warmer temperatures. However, they may become confused about when to mate when the temperatures continue to change and that can decrease their numbers.
Humans have come to depend on squid to offer a supply of food to other animals in the water. They also depend on it for their own consumption not out of necessity but out of a desire to taste something so delicious. There doesn’t seem to be a problem right now for the future of squid though. They aren’t in danger of extinction.
Humans do continue to be fascinated by squid though and more research continues to take place. It has only been in the past 20 years or so that we have gotten many of the significant details about them to come to light. Humans do need to be careful as they are more dependent on the squid to keep the balance of things in nature than most realize and that is important to be aware of.
