Especially in recent times there have been more articles and reports in the media on the intelligence of squids, which biologically are considered a subgroup of the so-called cephalopods (Cephalopoda).

On the one hand, there are reports that rather questionably predicted the results of the football world championships, and on the other hand, there are highly scientific experiments and trials that clearly point to the intelligence of these unusual animals. We especially remembered the report from a test laboratory in Italy, where really extraordinary tests with squid were presented.

Squids" only have a rudimentary shell

More on that later, because actually the term squid is biologically incorrect, because squid are not fish, as they are among the vertebrates. It would be more correct to call them ink snails, as is also done in some general and popular scientific works. "Squids" only have a rudimentary shell surrounded by soft tissue as their skeleton, no vertebrae like the fish. Although there are also cephalopods in the subclass of nacres and ammonites, which have an outer, skeletal shell, these do not have an ink sac.

The oldest finds that can be assigned to squids come from the Lower Carboniferous in North America. About 800 species are currently known from today's seas, and more new species are constantly being discovered and described. In the reports on the fossil finds, about 2000 more species have been described. Colloquially and historically, only a subgroup of the Coleoidea, the cuttlefish, is often referred to as squid. The cuttlefish (Sepiida) together with the squid (Teuthida) and the smaller orders of the dwarf squid (Sepiolida) and post squirrels (Spirulida) form the group of the ten-armed squid (Decabrachia), which are divided by the eight-armed squid (Vampyropoda), to which the octopus ( Octopoda) and the cirrus-carrying octopuses (Cirroctopoda) and the vampire squid-like (Vampyromorpha) are counted. The extinct belemnites or thunderbolts (Belemnoidea) are also counted among the squids (Coleoidea), since ink sacs have been detected in some complete specimens.

Squids in particular "learn" by observing their conspecifics

In terms of their body size, mobility and responsiveness, the squid clearly outstrips all other molluscs. After the vertebrates, they have one of the highest forms of organization in the animal kingdom and are therefore among the most intelligent molluscs. Their nervous system shows a high degree of centralization, forming a brain at the back of the head. All coleoids have two kidneys, a heart and two bronchial or gill hearts (atria).

But now back to the experiments on the intelligence of the squid. First of all, it should be made clear that tests with animals may only be carried out under certain conditions and conditions. This is by no means about so-called animal testing. Species-appropriate husbandry, care and care must always be the absolute priority. If this is guaranteed, tests can best be carried out with loot in the form of rewards. This is also the case in the tests that we want to cite here.

The squid live in a large aquarium and are examined and measured several times so that their exact size and weight are known. For the planned experiments, it is necessary to know the exact head size of the animals, so that the experimental setup can be designed accordingly. Furthermore, by adding freshly caught squid, one wants to avoid that "learning effects" lead to the test results solely through the experiments with the animals already available. In addition, it is known that squids in particular "learn" by observing their conspecifics.

Octopus glides, head back, quickly and smoothly through the narrow loops

First there is a large glass container, which is connected to a second container via glass tubes of different diameters. The second container is equipped with a loot. An octopus is placed in the first container, which can observe the processes in the second container through the glass walls. There are also three glass connecting tubes, only one of which is large enough in cross-section to let the squid's head pass through. The other two tubes are slightly smaller, but in length without turns, so that they represent the shorter route to the prey. Based on the prey visible to the squid, one might assume that the squid is now trying to get to its prey as quickly as possible through one of the shorter tubes. The opposite is the case. Quietly, the front part of one of its tentacles is guided into the first tube, which is practically felt. After just a few seconds, the squid turns to the second tube without having tried to go through the narrow tube to the prey. The same probing procedure begins on tube two. Only at the third tube does his tactile movements show satisfaction and the octopus glides, head back, quickly and smoothly through the narrow loops of the tube to its prey.

This test procedure is carried out several times with different squids and one is amazed at the possibility of the squid arms' sense of touch. How can one infer the necessary cross-sectional area for one's own head simply by touching it? So far there have only been assumptions by the experts, and there is a lack of evidence and evidence.

Every morning, an employee of the research institute goes to the local port and collects some freshly caught squid from the fishermen. Back in the laboratory, these animals are also precisely measured.

A second aquarium, in which the freshly caught squid is placed, is added to the experimental set-up already described. Now the experimental setup is loaded again with prey and an "experienced" squid, which is being carefully observed by its new neighbor. The right tube is quickly found again and the way to the loot is free. Now the freshly caught squid is placed in the experimental setup and new prey brought in. As if the movements of his leader were being copied, even the newcomer finds the right way to the prey surprisingly quickly. No attempt to take the direct path or possibly even get directly through the glass walls to the loot.

A brain development and thus an intelligence at least close to that of humans

Is this all just coincidence? In this context, we remembered another event, how certain species of monkeys are caught in Africa, which are said to have a brain development and thus an intelligence at least close to that of humans. Within sight of a group of monkeys, some nuts are placed in a nest hole in a tree. The opening is just big enough for the slender monkey hand to fit through. Now the monkey catcher moves away from the tree to his hiding place. It doesn't take long before the first monkey approaches the opening curiously and quickly grabs the nut. This is the sign for the monkey catcher, who will approach quickly and thus be able to grab the monkey. Surprisingly, the monkey won't let go of the "prey" it's holding in its hand. As is well known, however, the clenched fist is larger in circumference than the slender hand, so that the monkey can no longer pull it out of the opening. Of course, he could just drop the loot to escape. However, there is a limit to his intelligence here.

So, the question remains, are squid the smarter creatures? Again and again one can only be amazed and astonished to see what wonderful things are possible in nature and the environment. We still don't know about the countless possibilities and resources that our environment has to offer. Everywhere there is a lack of research, knowledge and the resulting rethinking processes.

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