<p>More than 280 species of squid live in the oceans worldwide. Many are masters of transformation, able to change their skin color and pattern in seconds to stalk prey, escape enemies, attract mates, stand up to rivals, and communicate with one another. Here, a Caribbean reef squid defends its claim to a nearby female by flashing an aggressive zebra pattern, just one of about three dozen designs in its wardrobe.</p>

Caribbean Reef Squid

More than 280 species of squid live in the oceans worldwide. Many are masters of transformation, able to change their skin color and pattern in seconds to stalk prey, escape enemies, attract mates, stand up to rivals, and communicate with one another. Here, a Caribbean reef squid defends its claim to a nearby female by flashing an aggressive zebra pattern, just one of about three dozen designs in its wardrobe.

Photograph by Brian J. Skerry, National Geographic

Squid

These masters of transformation can change their looks in seconds—to stalk prey, escape enemies, attract mates, stand up to rivals, and more.

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