Octopuses and squids are two different sea creatures that, while they share some similarities in appearance, are significantly different in terms of biological characteristics, body structure, and habits
Taxonomy:
Octopus: Belonging to the order Cephalopod Octopus, it is an octopusidae.
Squid: also belongs to the cephalopod class, but to the order Squid, belongs to a different family.
Body Structure:
Octopus: Has eight long wrists with suction cups on the wrists. They do not have an outer or inner shell and have a soft body that can pass through very small gaps.
Squid: Also has eight wrists, but usually also has two extraordinarily long tentacles. Most squid have an inner shell called a "squid pen" or "dorsal carapace".
Head & Eyes:
Octopus: The head is rounded and the eyes are larger.
Squid: The head is pointed and the eyes are relatively small.
Movement Method:
Octopus: Mainly relies on the peristalsis of the body and the telescopic movement of the wrist.
Squid: Usually moves quickly with water jet propulsion and is good at fast swimming.
Habits:
Octopus: Mostly lives on the bottom of the ocean or in the crevices of rocks, and is good at camouflage.
Squid: Mostly live in the open sea, and some species will migrate.
Edible and cooked:
In cooking, both are common ingredients in seafood dishes. Octopus meat is firmer and is often used in boiling, stewing or salad; Squid has a softer flesh and is suitable for pan-frying, deep-frying, or quick cooking.
In general, although octopus and squid are both cephalopods, their body structure, habits, and appropriate cooking methods differ. Understanding these differences can help you make better choices when shopping and cooking.