News Chemistry Squid beak balances hard and soft Yet, the squishy creature’s bite packs a lot of punch By Jennifer Cutraro May 2, 2008 at 1:39 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print A squishy squid has some chemical tricks that help it hold on to its tough, rigid beak without hurting itself. SQUID PRO QUO Water content softens a squid beak toward its base, so that the beak doesn’t cut into a squid’s soft mouth tissue. Science Squids look soft and squishy — and for the most part, they are.