Species · GBIF taxon 2289991
Colossal Squid
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoniAlso known as Antarctic Cranch Squid, Giant Cranch Squid
Colossal squids rule the pitch-black depths of the Southern Ocean, wielding swiveling hooks on their tentacles to snare prey. These massive cephalopods possess the largest eyes of any known animal, measuring up to 27 centimeters across to capture faint traces of light. Their lives are intimately linked with sperm whales, which hunt them in the deep and often bear battle scars from the squid's sharp beak and hooks.
Deep SeaGiganticCarnivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Antarctic Toothfish
- Patagonian Toothfish
- Deep-sea Squid
Predators
- Sperm Whale
- Sleeper Shark
ThreatsClimate change and deep-sea longline fisheries
HabitatsSouthern Ocean bathypelagic and mesopelagic zones
Life spanEstimated 1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCranchiidae
- SpeciesMesonychoteuthis hamiltoni
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Inhabits the extreme depths of the Southern Ocean, posing no risk to humans.
Responsible observation
- Examine museum specimens: Visit natural history museums in New Zealand to see rare preserved specimens.
- Follow scientific expeditions: Watch deep-sea ROV footage from Southern Ocean research vessels to spot deep-sea life.
Deep Sea Giant 
Predator (c) Gabriel Barathieu, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Prey (c) Pcziko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-saClose Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.