European squid swim backwards. They have two sidelong fins on the hind part of their body, giving them an arrow-like appearance. In Dutch, they are appropriately called 'arrow' squid. Like all cuttlefish, squid have highly developed eyes which they use to hunt. When chasing a school of fish, they rapidly swim backwards through the school, turning suddenly on their side to grab a fish. The cords of eggs are found on the beaches in June. There's a good chance to even see young squid in the eggs! Adult European squid do not generally come close to the coast, and therefore do not often wash ashore. However, you can find their elongated cuttlebone, which looks like a hard transparent piece of plastic.