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?