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Biology

The Mechanics of Jet Propulsion in Squid and Its Energy Efficiency

Quick fact

Jet propulsion in squid is only about 30-60% efficient, compared to over 80% for fish swimming, yet it enables accelerations that exceed those of many fish, making it a powerful but energy-expensive mode of locomotion.

Why this is interesting

A squid can outrace most fish for a few seconds, yet jet propulsion is one of the most fuel-hungry ways to swim. How does it pull off such bursts of speed at such a high cost?