5 largest squid in the world

In Nordic folklore, sea pirates feared unknown ocean monsters, especially the Kraken. It is said that this huge squid-like creature swallowed entire ships in treacherous waters, taking the crews with it. Although the infamous Kraken only exists in nautical stories, it is believed that it was inspired by very large, very real deep sea squids.

There are about 300 recognized species of squid, although it is believed that they have yet to be discovered. These animals are incredibly diverse and unique in many ways. Squids come in a wide variety of colors, and many of them, such as the bioluminescent firefly and the vampire squid, are capable of glowing in the dark. These animals also come in all sizes, from a tiny dwarf squid weighing 0.175 grams to the largest invertebrate on the planet.

In this article, we take a closer look at what is known about these mysterious animals. Here are the five largest squid in the world by maximum weight.

# 5: Humboldt Squid – 110 lbs

The Humboldt squid, often referred to as the giant squid, can grow up to 110 pounds with a maximum length of 7 feet. This squid is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean and is the largest flying squid. They are most commonly found in large flocks of about 1,200 individuals and range from 660 feet to 12,300 feet. The conservation status of this animal is classified as data missing.

Humboldt squids can swim at speeds up to 15 miles per hour and are fierce predators. They mainly feed on other molluscs, small fish and crustaceans, but are also frequent cannibals. In pursuit of prey, Humboldt squids pursue and attack using suckers made from thorny tentacles. They then rip apart the victim’s body with their razor-sharp parrot-like beak. Each sucker has a ring of sharp teeth, and it is easy to tear the tough tissue with the squid’s beak. There have been confirmed reports of human attacks, primarily on deep sea divers.

The Humboldt squid also has amazing chromogenic behavior. This means they can generate light and use it as a tool to create communication signals. They emit red and white light throughout the body, between which they flicker at different speeds and intensities. It is believed to be primarily a tool for communication within a species, either for mating or as a warning signal.

# 4: Sturdy Clubfoot Squid – 110 lbs.

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The sturdy clubfoot squid can grow to a whopping 110 pounds with an exceptional length of 13 feet. This rare squid is found in the North Pacific Ocean at depths of 100-1700 feet and is the largest of its hooked squid family. The robust Humboldt squid reportedly feeds on small fish and jellyfish and are prey to sperm whales, sharks and fur seals. The conservation status of healthy clubfoot squid is classified as data missing. The rugged clubfoot squid is named after its distinctive tentacle maces. Each tentacle contains 15 to 18 clubs, which are used to capture prey. Each arm of a strong club-footed squid has 50-60 suckers and can grow to the length of the mantle (“body”) of a squid.

# 3: Squid Dana Octopus – 356 lbs

The largest recorded dana octopus squid weighed 356 pounds and was 7.5 feet in length. They inhabit all oceans except the polar seas, up to 2,400 feet below sea level. The conservation status of this squid is classified as Least Concern.

The dana octopus squid is hunted by lancet fish, swordfish, hammerheads, tiger and blue sharks, pilot whales with short fins and, above all, sperm whales. It is believed that these squids are skillful, highly agile swimmers who can dodge quite confidently. Several specimens have been found in the wild or collected for study, however a few have been documented, including from shark stomachs.

It has been documented that the octopus squid dana uses bioluminescence as a tool for communication and hunting. In 2005, for the first time, records were obtained of an octopus squid given in its natural habitat, and a unique hunting strategy was followed. The squid emits blinding flashes of light to stun and disorient its prey when it attacks. It then uses its tentacles and sharp beak to catch and eat its prey. Young squids have also been reported to blink and attack potential predators as a defensive intimidation tactic to stun and confuse them. It has also been suggested that bioluminescence is used for mating or territorial purposes.

# 2: Giant Squid – 606 lbs

The Atlantic giant squid is estimated to weigh up to 606 pounds and is capable of reaching lengths of 39 to 43 feet, making it the longest squid in the world. Giant squid are found in the depths of the sea at an altitude of approximately 989-3280 feet and are therefore incredibly difficult to study. Very few of them have been studied alive, and much of what is known about them comes from the study of carcasses washed ashore. Carcasses have been found all over the world, suggesting that they inhabit many of the world’s oceans, but specimens are rarely found in tropical or polar latitudes. The first photographs of a live giant squid were taken by a group of Japanese scientists only in 2004. Giant squid conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

The diet of the giant squid consists of deep sea fish, other smaller squid, and possibly some whales. The giant squid is a lonely hunter and catches its prey with two tentacles with spiky suckers. There is some evidence that the giant squid may be a cannibalist – parts of the giant squid’s beak have been found in the stomach contents of another giant squid in Tasmania. Sperm whales are the only confirmed predators of giant squid, and scientists often try to track down whales in an attempt to find giant squid.

Giant squids have one of the largest eyeballs on earth, reaching 11 inches in diameter. Such large eyes allow them to detect light in the darkest parts of the sea. Scientists are also very interested in the complex brain and nervous system of the giant squid.

# 1: Colossal Squid – 1090 lbs

The colossal squid is incredibly large, weighing no less than 1,090 pounds, and is estimated to be 30-33 feet long. This size makes kolassa squid the largest squid in the world.

The squid has the largest confirmed colossal weight of 1,090 pounds based on a live specimen caught in 2007; however, based on the colossal squid bills that have been discovered, scientists predict that they can weigh up to 1300-1500 pounds. Giant squids are shorter than giant squids, but heavier and have large eyes measuring 12-16 inches in diameter.

Giant squids are believed to ambush and use bioluminescence to attract their prey. They are also known to be significant prey for sperm whales. Many sperm whales have been studied with scars and injuries from giant squid. Giant squid bills were also collected from the stomachs of sperm whales.

It is believed that these squids primarily inhabit the Southern Ocean around the perimeter of Antarctica at depths of up to 13,000 feet. Since they live in such extraordinary depths, there is still much to be learned about these creatures.