The first mention of this only representative of the genus Mesonychoteuthis dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The famous zoologist Robson G.K. described a colossal squid, the weight of which reached half a ton. In subsequent years, information about him was not received, 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 was discovered more than a meter long. The world first learned of the existence of these mollusks in 1856. After the scientist Stanstrup decided to compare the size of the beak found on the ocean with the size of a regular squid. The result was shocking - according to the data obtained, 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 along with the tentacles - all ten. The weight of especially large representatives can be 500 kilograms. However, there 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 extended, form a shape resembling a heart. The mantle is soft, about 5-6 cm thick. The funnel and occipital cartilages are thick, short, slightly curved, and lack adult tuberculosis in adults.
Amazing eyes has a colossal squid. The photo below allows a good view of them. Consisting of two photophores, they are truly huge - their diameter reaches 27 centimeters. None of the known animals on the planet possess such giant eyes.
The tentacles are equipped with two rows of round suction cups on the maces, two rows of hooks located medially, and small side suction cups. The squid also has powerful long hunting arms, massive at the base with a wide membrane and thin ends. There are several pairs of hood-shaped hooks on the tentacles-grips, or rather in their middle part, and the lower part is equipped with suction cups.
The main weapon possessed by a colossal squid is a hard powerful chitin beak.
Habitat
A giant mollusk is found mainly in Antarctic waters, where it can form clusters of several individuals. In the northern regions, their numbers are less, and they hunt mostly alone. Squids are also found off the coast of South Africa, New Zealand and South America.
The colossal Antarctic squid, a photo of which is posted here, is found at a depth of 2-4 thousand meters and practically does not surface. This makes it difficult to study its behavior in vivo.
The location of the hypothetical location of the mollusk can be determined by the surface temperature of the water. So, the greatest probability of meeting him is possible at a water temperature of -0.9 to 0 º. From December to March they can be seen in high Antarctic latitudes.
Dimensions
Sexual dimorphism is expressed somewhat unusual - females of colossal squids are much larger than males. The remains of mollusks of both sexes were found in the stomachs of sperm whales. The length of their bodies was 80-250 centimeters, and their mass 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 the weight was 495 kg.
Features of nutrition and reproduction
Of course, little is known about the life of these giant mollusks, but scientists were able to identify their unique ability. Their body contains a large amount of ammonium chloride, which contributes to a decrease in specific gravity, which gives squid neutral buoyancy. Due 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. They grab the prey that is too close to their prey and grabs it with tentacles.
Giants feed mainly on luminous anchovies, mesopelagic fish, and Antarctic toothfish. However, cannibalism is not excluded in their kind. Adult mollusks can eat fry and immature individuals of their species.
Individuals become sexually mature 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. The main one is the sperm whale. It was possible to find out from the discovered remains of colossal squid in their stomachs. Small immature individuals can feed on albatrosses and Antarctic toothfish.
Naturally, a man is a particularly serious enemy of a deep-sea mollusk. Tender squid meat is used for cooking various dishes. However, if you make a traditional calamari dish from this giant, then the diameter of the rings cut from it will be comparable to the diameter of the tractor tires.
Human attacks
About giant squids, more precisely about their attacks on people, was written in many works of art. The most famous of them are the works of Jules Verne.
But in life, cases have also been described when a colossal squid attacked ships. So, one of the precedents occurred with the French sailors during the round-the-world race.
According to one of their yachtsmen Olivier de Kersuason, a mollusk grabbed their yacht by the stern just a few hours after they left Brittany. The sailors said that the deep-sea giant entwined 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 steering wheel of the ship. But fortunately, the yachtsmen did not have to fend off him. As soon as the yacht stopped, the mollusk loosened its grip and disappeared into the depths of the ocean.
As the sailors later said, the squid's body length exceeded 8 meters, and if the creature turned out to be more aggressive, it would be quite capable of turning over and drowning the yacht.
Little-known predators
In total, scientists recorded about 250 cases of a person meeting with a colossal squid, but only a few managed to see this giant alive. But the scientists themselves did not have such an opportunity. They have to study only the remains extracted from the stomachs of marine predators, and bodies washed ashore or caught by sailors.
Although little known, but a colossal squid is incomparable with any other representative of its class. The sizes, a photo of it can amaze anyone. Deep sea colosses, according to some reports, reach a length of 20 meters and have a weight of up to a ton.
How many years these giants have lived in the world remains a mystery. It is possible that quite a bit, since the life expectancy of many species of squid already studied is a little over a year.