Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni - The Colossal Squid
The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, from Greek mesos (middle), onyx (claw, nail), and teuthis (squid)), sometimes called the Antarctic or giant cranch squid, is believed to be the largest squid species in terms of mass. It is the only known member of the genus Mesonychoteuthis. It is known from only a few specimens, and current estimates put its maximum size at 12–14 m (39–46 ft) long,[1] based on analysis of smaller and immature specimens, making it the largest known invertebrate.
Many sperm whales carry scars on their backs believed to be caused by the hooks of colossal squid. Colossal squid are a major prey item for Antarctic sperm whales feeding in the Southern Ocean; 14% of the squid beaks found in the stomachs of these sperm whales are those of the colossal squid, which indicates colossal squid make up 77% of the biomass consumed by these whales.[7] Many other animals also feed on this squid, including beaked whales (such as the southern bottlenose whale), pilot whales, southern elephant seals, Patagonian toothfish, sleeper sharks (Somniosus antarcticus), and albatrosses (e.g., the wandering and sooty albatrosses). However, beaks from mature adults have only been recovered from those animals large enough to take such prey (i.e. sperm whales and sleeper sharks), while the remaining predators are limited to eating juveniles or young adults.[8]
Many sperm whales carry scars on their backs believed to be caused by the hooks of colossal squid. Colossal squid are a major prey item for Antarctic sperm whales feeding in the Southern Ocean; 14% of the squid beaks found in the stomachs of these sperm whales are those of the colossal squid, which indicates colossal squid make up 77% of the biomass consumed by these whales.[7] Many other animals also feed on this squid, including beaked whales (such as the southern bottlenose whale), pilot whales, southern elephant seals, Patagonian toothfish, sleeper sharks (Somniosus antarcticus), and albatrosses (e.g., the wandering and sooty albatrosses). However, beaks from mature adults have only been recovered from those animals large enough to take such prey (i.e. sperm whales and sleeper sharks), while the remaining predators are limited to eating juveniles or young adults.[8]