Colossal Squid

ocean · Antarctic · super giant · deep sea

Heaviest squid ever. The colossal squid is believed to be the largest squid species in terms of pure mass, making it even heavier than its famous cousin, the giant squid.

Lives in Antarctic waters. This enormous squid makes its home in the freezing cold oceans around Antarctica, in the deepest, darkest parts of the sea.

Scientific name is unique. The colossal squid has the scientific name Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, and it is the only squid in its entire genus, making it scientifically special.

Rarely seen by humans. Because colossal squids live so deep underwater in such remote places, scientists have only seen a handful of them in their entire existence.

Belongs to glass squid family. Despite its massive size, the colossal squid is actually part of the Cranchiidae family, known as cockatoo squids or glass squids.