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The colossal squid has eight arms and two tentacles similar to other squids. Each of the eight arms is a different length ranging from 0.85 meters and 1.15 meters long. The two tentacles are 2.1 meters long, making them longer than the arms. One thing that makes the colossal squid so different from other squids besides just the size differences is the fact that it has rotating hooks on the ends of the tentacles, with the arms having larger suckers without rotating hooks. The hooks on the end of the tentacles are used to capture and secure prey.
Where to find the Colossal Squid: The colossal squid are found in extremely deep and cold waters of the Southern Ocean, south of the Antarctic. They are usually found anywhere from 20-2000 meters deep. Little is known of the population size due to the habitat being so far from human ranges. Although, total biomass has been estimated to be about 90 million tonnes.
Ecology of the Colossal Squid: The colossal squid seems to be an important prey item of sperm whales, as this is where scientists have found 6 of only 8 individuals studied thus far, and all 8 individuals have been female. One individual was caught on a fishing line where it had been feeding on a toothfish. It is also known to feed on other smaller squid. Little is known about the life cycle, biology, and behavior of the colossal squid due to its habitat being so far from human contact and so few individuals being studied.
Reproduction and Development: Scientists know very little about the reproduction and development of the colossal squid. Given the knowledge of how other species of squids reproduce, we can get an idea of what might be going on with the colossal squid. All squids lay eggs, whether that be single eggs, or a jelly-like cluster of eggs. Giant squid lay eggs in a jelly-like cluster so scientists are suggesting that the colossal squid probably do something similar.
Works Cited
"Colossal Squid." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
Papa, Te. "The Colossal Squid Exhibition." The Colossal Squid Exhibition. Tepapamuseum, 1 Dec. 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
Colossal squid beak. Photographer: Norm Heke © Te Papa : BEAK
"Colossal Squid, Mesonychoteuthis Hamiltoni." MarineBio.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016
"Support the." Mesonychoteuthis Hamiltoni (Colossal Squid). N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
The Colossal Squid: Largest Invertebrate Ever!
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Teuthida
Suborder: Oegopsina
Family: Cranchiidae
Subfamily: Taoniinae
Genus: Mesonychoteuthis
Species: M. hamiltoni
The Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni): also known as the Antarctic Squid or the Giant Cranch Squid. The colossal squid is believed to be the largest species of squid (in terms of mass), and the largest known invertebrate! Current estimates of maximum size range from 12-14 m long (39-46 ft) with a maximum estimated weight of 750 kg (1,650 lbs). It is the only species within this genus.
The Body of the Largest Invertebrate: The body of the colossal squid has three main body regions. These regions include the mantle and fin, the head, and the arms and tentacles. The mantle holds all of the internal organs, is made up of muscle and skin and also contains chromatophores. These chromatophores give the colossal squid a pink-red color. The mantle of the colossal squid contains a gladius or pen, which is made of chitin and run from the upper portion of the mantle to the tail fin. The gladius serves as structural support for the body of the colossal squid.
The paired tail fin of the colossal squid is made up of muscle and is attached to the upper surface of the mantle and is unusually large and muscular. This is the part of the body that allows the colossal squid to swim. Which such a large and muscular tail fin there are speculations that this allows the colossal squid to swim rapidly in short bursts. This is quite unusual because in most species of squid the tail fins primary function is to change direction while swimming.
On the ventral surface of the mantle is a funnel or siphon. This structure has several functions that include the following: respiration, excretion, and locomotion. When the mantle expands, water is sucked into the mantle cavity and out through the gills, where respiration occurs. When the water leaves the mantle cavity it carries with it waste products produced by the colossal squid. By rapidly shooting water out through the funnel the squid can move backwards using jet propulsion.
The head holds the brain and the beak. The beak is a special feature found in other squid and octopus and some other relatives. The beak in the colossal squid is a little different however. It is similar in shape to the beak of a and structure to that of a parrot, however, the lower portion of the jaw is larger and overlaps the upper portion. This beak is made up of chitin and surrounded by a lot of muscular tissue. The beak serves as the mouth and is the beginning of the digestive system. Within the beak is the radula. The colossal squid has teeth in multiple areas including on the radula and lining the cheeks. After the food is processed by all of these teeth, the radula moves the further down the esophagus.The head also is where the eyes are located. The colossal squid has the largest eyes known in the animal kingdom. The eyes measure to be about 27 cm across, making them similar in size to a soccer ball. Another unique feature of the eyes are its light organs.
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