Animal Profiles
Molluscs

Colossal Squid

Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The colossal squid is a deep-water cephalopod of Antarctic and subantarctic seas. Powerful hooks on its arms and tentacles distinguish it from the giant squid.

Preserved colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) displayed at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.

Preserved colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) displayed at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.

Scotted400 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Colossal squid inhabit cold Southern Ocean waters.
Habitat
Open ocean
Diet
Carnivore
Food
A documented capture found a colossal squid holding a toothfish on a fishing line.

Classification

Common name
Colossal Squid
Browse group
Molluscs
Scientific name or taxon
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni
Taxon rank
species
Order
Oegopsida
Family
Cranchiidae
Genus
Mesonychoteuthis
Source classification
Cephalopoda

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Tentacle clubs carry swivelling hooks.
  • Its arms also bear hooks.
  • Large specimens are rare in collections.

Habitat and range

Colossal squid inhabit cold Southern Ocean waters. Large specimens are associated with deep water, while juveniles have been collected nearer the surface; many details of their natural life remain poorly known.

Appearance and adaptations

The tentacle clubs carry swivelling hooks, and the shorter arms combine hooks with suckers. A powerful beak processes food. Preserved museum specimens reveal structures that are difficult to study at sea.

Diet and behaviour

A documented capture found a colossal squid holding a toothfish on a fishing line. Such observations support fish feeding, while the full diet and hunting behaviour remain uncertain. Sperm whales are important predators.

Sources

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