Introduction to some less popular giant squids

The giant squids (Architeuthis.sp) and the giant squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) are well-known as representatives of giant cephalopods, and the Humboldt squid (Dosdicus gigas) is also very well-known. But there are far more giant cephalopods. Many of them have not been present to the public in documentaries.

Taningia danae

Dana octopus squid, also known as Dana octopus squid, is a species of Octopoteuthidae . It is the largest squid, with a carcass length of 1.7 meters and a total length of 2.3 meters. The largest known specimen, an adult female, weighed 161.4 kilograms.

The broad-fin squid is name after the Danish ichthyologist Åge Vedel Tåning (1890–1958), who frequently visited the area aboard the research vessel Dana.

Feeding habits and bioluminescence

In 2005, a Japanese expedition led by Tsunemi Kubodera successfully filmed the squid for the first time in its natural habitat. The footage, taken in the deep sea of ​​the North Pacific near Chichijima Island, shows that the squid uses the light organs on its tentacles to produce blinding flashes when attacking prey. It is believe that this extremely agile squid uses the bright flashes to disorient potential prey. The flashes also serve to illuminate prey for capture and are use for courtship and territorial marking. In addition to being a hunting feature, it is believe that the squid’s bioluminescence is also use as a defense mechanism. Juveniles of the creature have been observe moving quickly in front of potential predators, as if they were hunting, to scare the threat and confuse its senses by simulating an attack.

In 2012, the squid was photograph twice during the Discovery Channel’s show about the giant squid, Monster Squid: The Giant Is Real .

Ecology

Nitrogen-15 measurements indicate that the squid is a top predator, however, they are prey upon by sperm whales.

(For more information about the activities of the broad-fin squid, you can see here, which is also the source of the above picture: [Marine Life] Heart-fin Whip Squid?

Onykia Robustus

Robust clubhook squid, commonly known as Moroteuthis robusta in academic literature, is a species of Onychoteuthidae . With a body length of 2 meters. It is the largest species in the same family and one of the largest cephalopods . There are 15-18 hooks on the paddle-like parts at the end of the tentacles. There are 50-60 suckers on their arms, which are about 90-100% of the body length. It is mainly distribute in the polar to temperate waters of the North Pacific.