Species Spotlight · 13 Feb 2024
A member of the Gonatidae family, Gonatus onyx is a squid species that inhabits the northern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to California. It belongs to the class Cephalopoda and the phylum Mollusca.
The species has two names reflecting its appearance — the clawed armhook squid and the black-eyed squid — referring to a pair of long arms with large hooks and suckers, and a pair of black eyes that help it hunt in the dark.
The mantle of Gonatus onyx can grow up to 18cm long, and accounts for most of its body length. Its arms average 40mm, with small fins and a blunt tail distinguishing it from related species.
Females mature faster and grow slightly larger than males.
The black-eyed squid uses jet propulsion, expelling water from a siphon and combining it with fin movements, while living primarily in deep waters but ascending during daylight to feed. It's thought to be one of California's most prevalent cephalopods.
Juveniles employ ink defensively and as a form of propulsion, while adults rely on faster jet propulsion instead.