Colossal Squid [Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni]
Description
The colossal squid, also known as the Antarctic squid or giant cranch squid, is the largest squid species in terms of mass. It can reach a length of 10 meters and can weigh up to 700 kilograms. It is known for its large eyes, which are the largest in the animal kingdom, and its rotating hooks on the club-like ends of its tentacles. This deep-sea dweller is found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Squids, Octopuses, and Cuttlefish
Cephalopoda
|
| Order |
Squids
Teuthida
|
| Family |
Architeuthids
Architeuthidae
|
| Genus |
Giant Squid
Architeuthis
|