Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Colossal Squid
The Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is the largest known type of squid and the only species in its genus, Mesonychoteuthis.
It hunts in the dark ocean via bioluminescence. This species was first discovered in 1925, in the form of two tentacles found in the stomach of a sperm whale. In 2003, a complete specimen was found near the surface of the Ross Sea. This specimen was larger than any other invertebrate known, with a total length of 6 meters (20 feet) and a mantle length of 2.5 meters (8 feet). Unlike the various giant squid species whose tentacles are equipped with suckers lined with small teeth, the tentacles of the Colossal Squid are tipped with a vicious-looking mixture of suckers and swivelling hooks. The captured specimen is an immature female, leading to speculation that when fully grown the Colossal Squid may have a body length of 4 meters (13 feet) and total length of around 12 meters (39 feet) making it truly deserving of its name. This holding true, the Colossal Squid is only larger than the giant squids in mantle length.
While little is known about the life of this creature, many whales carry scars on their backs believed to be caused by the hooks of colossal squid.
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