Colossal squid

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is a species of very large squid belonging to the family <a href="/facts/Cranchiidae/P83T5TKQ">Cranchiidae</a>, that of the <a href="/facts/Glass_squids/P83T5TKQ">cockatoo squids or glass squids</a>. It is sometimes called the Antarctic cranch squid or giant squid (not to be confused with the <a href="/facts/Giant_squid/jNIw5vaP">giant squid</a> in <a href="/facts/Genus/m8EFjSms">genus</a> Architeuthis) and is believed to be the <a href="/facts/Cephalopod_size/KCenBx2Q">largest squid species in terms of mass</a>. It is the only recognized member of the genus Mesonychoteuthis. 
The species is confirmed to reach a mass of at least 495 kilograms (1,091 lb), though the largest specimens—known only from <a href="/facts/Cephalopod_beak/ntRea9bK">beaks</a> found in <a href="/facts/Sperm_whale/mBUge07C">sperm whale</a> stomachs—may perhaps weigh as much as 600–700 kilograms (1,300–1,500 lb), making it the largest extant <a href="/facts/Invertebrate/3CyqCVnN">invertebrate</a>. Maximum total length has been estimated between 10 metres (33 ft) and 14 metres (46 ft) but the former estimate is more likely. 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) 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. It is known to inhabit the circumantarctic <a href="/facts/Southern_Ocean/F15W9ADT">Southern Ocean</a>. It is presumed to be an <a href="/facts/Ambush_predator/Va9QYvEB">ambush predator</a>, with a diet including various fish, and is likely a key prey item of the sperm whale.

Colossal squid open-in-new

Colossal squid