Colossal squid

The colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, is the biggest squid in the world, 9–10 metres (30–33 feet) long.Roper, C.F.E. & P. Jereb (2010). Family Cranchiidae. In: P. Jereb & C.F.E. Roper (eds.) Cephalopods of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of species known to date. Volume 2. Myopsid and Oegopsid Squids. FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes No. 4, Vol. 2. FAO, Rome. pp. 148–178.

 Characteristics 
The colossal squid's body is reddish brown and it lives up to 2000m below the surface of the Southern Ocean. It is the main food eaten by sperm whales. The colossal squid has ammonium chloride in its body, so it tastes bad for humans.

 Size 
The colossal squid is bigger than a giant squid. The eye is 27 cm (10.63 in) wide, with a lens 12 cm across. This is the largest eye of any known animal.World's biggest squid reveals 'beach ball' eyes  AFP, via Google. These measurements are based on a partly collapsed dead squid; when living the eye was probably 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) across.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is displaying this specimen in an exhibition which opened in 2008. A website on the squid specimen is also available.

 Diet & metabolic rate 
The colossal squid uses bioluminescence to catch their prey in the deep ocean (which is very dark). Scientists believe the colossal squid feeds on chaetognatha worms, large fish like the Patagonian toothfish, and other squid.

The colossal squid is thought to have a slow metabolic rate, requiring only around 30 g of prey daily.Rosa R. & B.A. Seibel 2010. Slow pace of life of the Antarctic colossal squid. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, published online 20 April 2010. Cambridge Journals Online - Abstract  It is a slow-moving ambush predator, using its large eyes mostly to detect prey rather than in active hunting, according to estimates of the colossal squid's energy demands.Bourton, J. 2010. Monster colossal squid is slow not fearsome predator. BBC Earth News 7 May 2010.

 References 

Category:Cephalopods