The composition of the beak ​ — which is made up of chitin, water, and protein — ​ changes in density so gradually from soft to hard that the squid can use its beak without causing any harmful abrasion.
Nokk, mis koosneb kitiinist, veest ja valkudest, muutub tipu poole järjest tihedamaks, ent seda nii aeglaselt, et kalmaaril ei teki nokka kasutades mingeid probleeme.