Colossal squids, mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, are the larger than even the famed giant squid. They measure up to 46 feet (14 meters) in length, with a mantle 6.5 to 13 feet (2 to 4 meters). Colossal squids have been known to weigh as much as 1,000 pounds (453.5 kilograms). Colossal squids are composed of a large fin, mantle, head, arms, tentacles and tentacle clubs. They have sharp hooks on both their arms and tentacles. The hooks on the arms are not able to swivel, while the ones on the tentacles are able to swivel 360 to 720 degrees. It is unknown however, if colossal squids are actually able to control the swiveling of their hooks.
Colossal squids can be found along New Zealand, Antarctica, and even parts of Africa. They usually inhabit areas deeper than 3,281 feet (1,000 meters) in the ocean. Juveniles however, have been known to inhabit waters closer to the surface, leading to the majority of information about colossal squids obtained from these juveniles. It is thought that their very large eyes help colossal squids see faint rays of light, which helps them maneuver at such incredible depths. It is believed that these creatures are loners and only come into contact with one another when it is time to breed.
The diet of colossal squids consists of large fish species, and even other squids. Their long, powerful arms and tentacles allow them to easily overpower their prey. Colossal squids are able to chew off chunks of their victims using their large beaks, allowing them to swallow in more manageable volumes. This can cause colossal squids to take several minutes consuming food that they have captured. Sperm whales are the only known natural predators of colossal squids, as colossal squid remains have been found lining the stomachs of the whales. The squids will not go down without a fight however, as scars have been found on sperm whales that are believed to have been caused by the hooks of the colossal squids.
Breeding is one of the mysteries surrounding colossal squids. It is unknown how courtship is displayed or how the actual act of mating occurs. The only thing known about colossal squids that is related to mating is that the males have penises. Some believe that their mating rituals are similar to that of googly-eyed glass squids (a related species that lays eggs), but this is merely speculation. It is also unknown exactly how long colossal squids live in the wild.
Colossal squids are very much a mystery to humans. It is believed that their numbers are healthy as they live deep enough to avoid many of the human-related problems other sea creatures encounter. This doesn’t mean however, that special care shouldn’t be taken when dealing with them as they may be more affected by our actions than we think they are. With any luck, we will learn more about colossal squids and how they live so that we may better learn how much they are really affected by our actions. After all, such gigantic and mysterious creatures deserve to live and prosper far into the future.
