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The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is the world’s largest squid species and the world’s largest mollusc. It belongs to the Cranchiidae family, that of the cockatoo squids or glass squids. It is sometimes called the Antarctic cranch squid or giant squid (not to be confused with the giant squid in genus Architeuthis) and is ...
Aug 24, 2024 · Species of least concern. The colossal squid is morphologically similar to smaller squid species, with a head, a mantle, and other features associated with cephalopods. The colossal squid has eight arms and two tentacles. The length of each arm is different, extending from 0.85 to 1.15 meters (2.8 to 3.8 feet).
It was not until 2004 that the first photographs of a live giant squid to be seen in its natural habitat were taken, while it would take until 2016 for the first video to emerge. To date, there are still no pictures of living colossal squid in their natural habitat.
- They are the heaviest squid. While its cousin the giant squid has measured longer, the colossal squid is the heaviest! They are thought to weigh up to 700kg (1,500 lbs) and grow as long as 10 meters (33 feet).
- It’s not the meanest fish in the sea. As mean as this monster sounds, it’s preyed upon by a surprising cohort of birds, whales, and fishes. So far, 17 predator species have been found with colossal calamari inside them.
- The colossal squids eyes are as large as a basketball. The largest eyes on the planet didn’t evolve for finding prey in the dark. It seems like they’ve evolved to be 27cm in diameter in order to adapt to spotting sperm whales descending to the deep.
- Their eggs are tiny! For such a gargantuan creature, the colossal squid makes some tiny eggs. They’re about 3mm across and float about in the ocean, hatching in shallow water.
The life and habits of a colossal squid. We know very little about the colossal squid’s life history, diet, or behaviour, because they live at extreme depths in freezing water. They are also very rarely captured. The first report of a colossal squid was in 1925, when the head and arms were discovered in a sperm whale stomach.
Jul 21, 2019 · The colossal squid gets its scientific name, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, from one of its distinguishing features. The name comes from the Greek words mesos (middle), onycho (claw), and teuthis (squid), referring to the sharp hooks on the colossal squid's arms and tentacles. In contrast, the giant squid's tentacles bear suckers with small teeth.
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Fun Facts. Gigantic Eyes: The Colossal Squid has the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, estimated to be up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, roughly the size of a dinner plate. Deep-Sea Giant: It is one of the largest known squid species, rivaling the Giant Squid in size.
