The first mention of this only representative of the genus Mesonychoteuthis dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The famous zoologist G. K. Robson described a colossal squid, whose weight reached half a ton. In subsequent years, there was no information about him, and the giant creature was almost forgotten. But in 1970, the larvae of this deep-sea monster were found, and 9 years later, an adult more than a meter long was found. For the first time the world learned about the existence of these mollusks in 1856. After the scientist Stenstrup decided to compare the size of the beak found on the ocean with the size of an ordinary squid. The result was shocking - according to the data received, it turned out that the mollusk should be simply huge.
Description
The colossal squid has an elongated torpedo-shaped body. The length of his mantle reaches three meters, and together with the tentacles - all ten. The weight of especially large representatives can be 500 kilograms. Howeverthere is information about larger mollusks 20 meters long and weighing more than a ton, but these data are not documented.
The mantle is wide, the last third of its length is completed by a narrow sharp tail, surrounded by powerful, thick, terminal fins. They make up almost half the length of the body of the mollusk and, when unfolded, form a shape resembling a heart. The mantle is soft, about 5-6 cm thick. Funnel and occipital cartilages are thick, short, slightly curved, lacking tubercles in adults.
Amazing eyes has a colossal squid. The photo below allows you to take a good look at them. Consisting of two photophores, they are truly huge - their diameter reaches 27 centimeters. No known animal on the planet has such gigantic eyes.
The tentacles are equipped with two rows of round suckers on clubs, two rows of hooks located medially, and small lateral suckers. Also, the squid has powerful long trapping arms, massive at the base with a wide membrane and thin ends. On the tentacles-grabs, or rather in their middle part, there are several pairs of hood-shaped hooks, and their lower part is equipped with suction cups.
The colossal squid's main weapon is its tough, powerful chitinous beak.
Habitats
Giant mollusk is found mainly in Antarctic waters, where it can form clusters of several individuals. In the northern regions, their numbers are smaller, and they hunt inmostly alone. Squids have also been found off the coast of South Africa, New Zealand and South America.
The Antarctic colossal squid, whose photo is posted here, is found at a depth of 2-4 thousand meters and practically does not float to the surface. This makes it difficult to study its behavior in natural conditions.
The location of the hypothetical location of the mollusk can be determined by the temperature of the water surface. So, the greatest probability of meeting with him is possible at a water temperature of -0.9 to 0 ºС. From December to March, they can be seen in the high Antarctic latitudes.
Sizes
Sexual dimorphism is somewhat unusual - female colossal squid are much larger than males. Mollusc remains of both sexes have been found in the stomachs of sperm whales. The length of their bodies was 80-250 centimeters, and their weight was up to 250 kilograms. The largest colossal squid in history was caught by New Zealand fishermen in 2007 in Antarctic waters. The length of his mantle was 3 m, the total length was 10 m, and his weight was 495 kg.
Peculiarities of nutrition and reproduction
Of course, little is known about the life of these giant clams, but scientists were able to identify their unique ability. Their body contains a large amount of ammonium chloride, which helps to reduce the specific gravity, which gives the squid neutral buoyancy. Thanks to this, they can cut through the water column, practically without moving. Thus, predators have the opportunity to disguise themselves and wait for their prey. Swimming tooclose prey they grab with tentacles and tear it apart with hooks.
The giants feed mainly on luminous anchovies, mesopelagic fish, and Antarctic toothfish. However, cannibalism is not ruled out in their kind. Adult molluscs can eat fry and immature individuals of their own species.
Mature individuals become when the length of the mantle is at least 1 meter, and the weight is more than 25 kg. Spawning occurs in late winter or early spring.
Enemies
Despite its impressive size, the colossal squid described above has its enemies. Chief among them is the sperm whale. It was possible to find out from the discovered remains of colossal squids in their stomachs. Small juveniles may feed on albatrosses and Antarctic toothfish.
Naturally, a particularly serious enemy of the deep-sea mollusk is man. Tender squid meat is used to prepare various dishes. However, if you make a traditional calamari dish out of this giant, then the diameter of the rings cut from it will be comparable to the diameter of the tractor tires.
Instances of assault on a person
Giant squids, or rather their attacks on humans, have been written about in many works of art. The most famous of them are the works of Jules Verne.
But life also describes cases when a colossal squid attacked ships. So, one of the precedents occurred with French sailors duringround the world race.
According to one of their yachtsmen Olivier de Kersoisson, a clam grabbed their yacht by the stern just a few hours after they left Brittany. The sailors said that the deep-sea giant wrapped around the ship with its thick, thicker than a human leg, tentacles and began to pull the ship into the sea. With two tentacles, he blocked the ship's rudder. But fortunately, the yachtsmen did not have to fight him off. As soon as the yacht stopped, the clam loosened its grip and disappeared into the depths of the ocean.
As the sailors later said, the length of the body of the squid exceeded 8 meters, and if the creature turned out to be more aggressive, it would be quite capable of capsizing and drowning the yacht.
Little known predators
In total, scientists have recorded about 250 cases of a person meeting a colossal squid, but only a few managed to see this giant alive. The scientists themselves did not have such an opportunity. They only have to study the remains recovered from the stomachs of marine predators and bodies washed ashore or fished out by sailors.
Although little known, the colossal squid is incomparable to any other representative of its class. Dimensions, photos of him are able to amaze anyone. Deep-sea colossi, according to some reports, reach a length of 20 meters and weigh up to a ton.
How many years these giants live in the world remains a mystery. It is possible that very little, since the life expectancy of many already studied species of squid is just over a year.
