White Oval Squid uses sophisticated hiding strategies to evade predators

White oval squid reveals advanced camouflage skills (Image: Nakajima et al)

Researchers reveal that the White oval squid uses advanced hiding strategies. The squid blends colour, posture and movement to evade predators. It can even synchronise camouflage with nearby squids for extra protection.

Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) studied the White oval squid (shiro‑ika). The study was conducted in coastal waters around Okinawa, Japan, where these squids live among reefs, rocks and seagrass beds. The species is commercially important but has faced a 98% drop in annual catches. This makes the research urgent.

The research aimed to understand how squid avoid predators and survive in diverse habitats. Scientists wanted to examine camouflage beyond simple colour change, exploring posture, movement and group behaviour. The findings could also inform conservation strategies for declining squid populations.

The white oval squids use irregular, asymmetric colour patterns to match their surroundings. They deploy disruptive patterns that confuse predators about their shape. Posture and arm positions break symmetry, enhancing concealment. Squids also camouflage collectively, forming shapes resembling rocks or reef formations.

Studying the White oval squid highlights complex behavioural ecology. It shows that squids are not just open-water swimmers but actively use substrate-based camouflage.  Scientists plan to explore cephalopod cognition, visual perception and motor control.

They aim to study how these behaviours in white oval squids adapt to changing environments. The study on white squid could help protect habitats and maintain ecosystem balance.