What Is a Group of Squid Called? Not a Squad, Unfortunately

There’s no universally recognized term for a group of squid in scientific literature, but the official collective noun for squid is actually "a shoal of squid." They move in tight formations, flash signals, and often operate like a synchronized team.

Some people also use "a swarm of squid" or even "a school," borrowing from fish terminology. Others jokingly say "squid squad"—albeit unofficial, it’s one of the internet’s favorite collective nouns.

While some squid can be solitary, most species live in large groups in the open ocean and even breed together in these groups. Larger species, such as the Humboldt squid, are known to form more structured gatherings, especially when hunting prey.

These swarms can be intense, with squid using coordinated movements to trap fish and protect themselves from predators.

The English language has a quirky love for collective nouns—think a murder of crows or a fever of stingrays.

These terms aren’t just trivia; they often reflect behavior or appearance. They mirror how we see the animal world and enhance education about marine animals.

Whether it’s for videos, photos or science posts, using the right term adds precision and color. Plus, it helps people connect with species like squid, which are often overshadowed by more charismatic ocean creatures like dolphins or turtles.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.