Colossal Squid
19.04.2025
Colossal Squid
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For Prelims: About Colossal Squid, Features of the Colossal Squid |
Why in the news?
Marine scientists recently captured the world's first footage of a colossal squid swimming freely in its natural habitat - nearly a century after the species was first identified.
About Colossal Squid:
- It is one of the largest and most elusive invertebrates on Earth.
- Scientific Name: Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni
- Distribution: It is found in the icy depths of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
Features of the Colossal Squid:
- This soft-bodied marine animal is somewhat like an octopus, but with a much bulkier frame and far greater length.
- It has a tube-shaped body, huge eyes, and arms and tentacles with suckers to grab food.
- It can reach lengths of up to 7 metres (around 23 feet) and weigh as much as 500 kilograms.
- When they’re young, these creatures are almost see-through, giving them the glassy, ghost-like look that’s typical of many deep-sea juveniles.
- As they grow, their appearance changes drastically, taking on a deep red or purplish colour and developing thick, muscular arms.
- Fully grown, they are believed to be the largest invertebrates on Earth, meaning they have no bones but can still grow to massive sizes.
- What really sets the colossal squid apart, though, are the sharp, swivelling hooks on its tentacles, something no other squid species has.
- It’s also known for having the largest eyes of any animal ever discovered, believed to help it detect prey and predators in the pitch-black ocean depths.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Source: The Hindu
With reference to Colossal Squid, consider the following statements:
1. It is one of the largest and most elusive invertebrates on Earth.
2. It is found in the icy depths of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
3. It is classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None
Answer B