With sushi being a Japanese delicacy, it’s no surprise that seafood is featured heavily on menus. But while most people know the basic fish types, such as salmon and tuna, some people don’t know the difference between a squid and an octopus.
These two creatures are a staple in Japanese cuisine, so it’s important to know what sets them apart. And if you want to be able to order your seafood without fear of getting something you didn’t want, here are the basics.
What is a squid?
Squid is a type of cephalopod mollusk with ten long arms and two tentacles. Squid are considered to be more intelligent than octopus, but less so than most fish. They are also prized for their delicacy in Asian cuisine.
A squid can grow up to 12 feet in length, though most are much smaller. They live in the open sea and come to shore at night to mate. Squid use bioluminescence (a chemical reaction that creates light) as a defense mechanism against prey or predators.
What is an octopus?
An octopus is a cephalopod with eight arms and two tentacles. The word “octopus” comes from the Greek for “eight-footed.”
They’re typically found in the ocean, but they can also be found in freshwater or even terrestrial environments. They have excellent vision and an impressive intelligence, as well as a surprising strength given their size.
Differences between squid and octopus
Squid and octopus are both creatures of the sea, but they taste different. Squid is generally sweeter than octopus, which often has a slightly rubbery texture. What’s more, squid is usually eaten raw, while octopus is usually cooked. ( Actually they both can be eaten either raw or cooked)
A squid is a fast-moving cephalopod mollusk. It has eight arms and two tentacles with suckers on them for catching prey. And it uses ink to deter predators when caught.
Octopuses, on the other hand, are aquatic animals that have several distinctive features: an elongated head with powerful beak-like jaws; eight long arms; four short legs; and no shell or hard body parts like an exoskeleton.
Now that you’ve learned the basics about these two sea creatures, find your favorite sushi restaurant and enjoy some delicious food without fear of getting something you didn’t want!
Conclusion
Squid and octopus are both popular components of sushi. But each one has its own unique qualities. For example, the taste of squid is lighter than octopus, while octopus has a more pronounced flavor. Squid is also chewier than octopus.
Squid has a stronger, more liquid consistency while octopus is more viscous. And octopus is more chewy than squid.
So which one should you order?
Squid or octopus?
The choice is up to you, but it’s good to know the differences before you make your decision.