Perhaps the most common type of locomotion used by cephalopods is jet propulsion. To travel by jet propulsion, a cephalopod such as a squid or octopus will fill its muscular mantle cavity, which is used to get oxygenated-water to their gills, with water and then quickly expel the water out of the siphon.

How does a squid move?

The squid uses the funnel for locomotion via precise jet propulsion. In this form of locomotion, water is sucked into the mantle cavity and expelled out of the funnel in a fast, strong jet. The direction of travel is varied by the orientation of the funnel.

How do squids propel themselves?

A squid's funnel acts like a jet engine, making them powerful swimmers. It draws water into its mantle cavity by expanding its muscles. ... The squid shoots backward, tail first. When escaping from a predator, a squid can propel itself as quickly as 25 body lengths a second.