Squid are
cephalopods of the
order Teuthida, which comprises around 304 species. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a
mantle, and
arms. Squid, like
cuttlefish, have eight
arms arranged in pairs and two, usually longer,
tentacles. Squid are strong swimmers and certain species can "fly" for short distances out of the water.