Animal Profiles
Molluscs

Humboldt Squid

Dosidicus gigas

Living

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

The Humboldt squid is an active predator of the eastern Pacific. It moves between deeper daytime waters and shallower nighttime feeding areas.

Dosidicus gigas

At a glance

Location
The eastern Pacific Ocean, with daily movement between deep and near-surface waters.
Habitat
Open ocean
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Fish, crustaceans and other cephalopods.

Classification

Common name
Humboldt Squid
Browse group
Molluscs
Scientific name or taxon
Dosidicus gigas
Taxon rank
species
Order
Oegopsida
Family
Ommastrephidae
Genus
Dosidicus
Source classification
Cephalopoda

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

Three things to know

  • It changes depth between day and night.
  • Pigment cells allow rapid colour changes.
  • It can feed on other squid.

Habitat and range

The eastern Pacific Ocean, with daily movement between deep and near-surface waters.

Appearance and adaptations

It has a muscular mantle, grasping appendages and a strong beak. Pigment cells allow rapid changes in the skin pattern.

Diet and behaviour

Adults pursue fish and other cephalopods. Young squid take smaller planktonic prey. Movements through the water column often follow the nightly movements of food.

Sources

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