Colossal squid | |
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Depiction with an inflated mantle | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Cephalopoda |
Order: | Oegopsida |
Superfamily: | Cranchioidea |
Family: | Cranchiidae |
Subfamily: | Taoniinae |
Genus: | Mesonychoteuthis Robson, 1925 |
Species: | M. hamiltoni
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Binomial name | |
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni | |
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Global range of M. hamiltoni |
The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is the largest member of its family Cranchiidae, the cockatoo or glass squids, with its second largest member being Megalocranchia fisheri. It is sometimes called the Antarctic cranch squid or giant squid (not to be confused with the giant squid in genus Architeuthis) and is believed to be the largest squid species in terms of mass.[3] It is the only recognized member of the genus Mesonychoteuthis and is known from only a small number of specimens.[4] The species is confirmed to reach a mass of at least 495 kilograms (1,091 lb), though the largest specimens—known only from beaks found in sperm whale stomachs—may perhaps weigh as much as 600–700 kilograms (1,300–1,500 lb),[5][6] making it the largest known invertebrate.[3] Maximum total length has been estimated between 10 metres (33 ft) and 14 metres (46 ft) but the former estimate is more likely.[7][8] The colossal squid has the largest eyes of any known creature ever to exist, with an estimated diameter of 27–30 cm (11–12 in)[9] to 40 cm (16 in) for the largest collected specimen.
The species has similar anatomy to other members of its family, although it is the only member of Cranchiidae to display hooks on its arms, suckers and tentacles.[10][11] It is known to inhabit the circumantarctic Southern Ocean.[3] It is presumed to be an ambush predator, and is likely a key prey item of the sperm whale.[12][13]
The first specimens were discovered and described in 1925.[14] In 1981, an adult specimen was discovered; in 2003, a second specimen was collected.[15][16] Captured in 2007, the largest colossal squid weighed 495 kilograms (1,091 lb),[17] and is now on display at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.[18][19]
In 2022-23 there were several attempts made by scientists including an ocean exploration non-profit KOLOSSAL to find and film the colossal squid in its natural habitat for the first time to learn more about its biology and ecological behavior.[20][21] The science team used a tourism vessel[22][23] to survey 36 locations throughout the Southern Ocean and may have filmed for the first time a small juvenile colossal squid. Researchers have confirmed it is a species of glass squid, but due to marine snow the footage has been harder to confirm without a DNA analysis, and may be Galiteuthis glacialis or a new species of glass squid unknown to science.[24][25][26][27] If confirmed, this would be the first filming of a colossal squid underwater in its natural habitat and the first footage of a juvenile.
More expeditions are being planned for and before 2025, the hundredth year anniversary of the first discovery of the colossal squid, in attempts to find and film an adult colossal squid living freely in its natural environment. [28]
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