Title: Fascinating Squid Facts: Colossal Intelligent Creatures with Surprising Abilities

Squids: The Colossal and Giant Species

The colossal squid and giant squid are the largest members of the squid family. Although the colossal squid is slightly shorter, it boasts a more substantial body. Squids are unique and intelligent marine organisms thriving in the world’s salty waters. Here are intriguing facts about these fascinating creatures.

Blue Blood and Donut-Shaped Brains

Squids possess blue blood due to copper-containing respiratory pigments called hemocyanin. This is the equivalent of hemoglobin in humans. Moreover, a squid’s brain resembles a donut with its esophagus running through it, making them susceptible to damage from overly large meals.

Giant Squid: The Record Breaker

The largest recorded squid was approximately 495 kg (1200 pounds) and measured about 13 meters (43 feet) long. Caught in Antarctic waters, it took two hours to land this colossal creature. The only colossal squid specimen is on display at the Te Papa Museum in New Zealand, welcoming visitors.

Fast Swimmers and Surprising Reproduction

Squids possess a top speed of 40 km/h, making them one of the fastest marine invertebrates. They swim by moving their tail-first rather than head-first. In an unusual incident, a semi-cooked squid once inseminated a woman’s mouth as she ate it. Squids can change color for active camouflage and are bioluminescent, helping them hide their shadows from predators.

Myths and Legends

Ancient Norwegian and Icelandic sailors had myths about a legendary giant sea creature. These tales described the monster as a tentacled beast, which many believed were based on real-life giant squid sightings.

Carnivores and Diet

All squid species are carnivorous, capturing and feeding on crabs, shrimp, fish, and even other squid. They are generally preyed upon by sea birds, whales, and sharks.

Sightings and Ink Defense

Spotting a live giant squid is challenging, as they inhabit deep waters. However, in 2015, one was spotted on Christmas Eve. Squids can eject ink to distract predators and escape.

Squid Ink and Dopamine

Scientists discovered that squid ink contains dopamine, which is also found in human brains. However, the role of dopamine in squids remains unclear.

Squid: A Worldwide Food Source

Squid is a globally recognized food source. Japanese cuisine includes ika somen and tempura. China, Canada, and other regions have significant squid harvests.

Incredible Size Variation

Squids come in varying sizes, with the benthic pygmy squid growing only up to 18 mm (0.7 inches) and the giant squid reaching 13 meters (43 feet). Most squid species are longer than 24 inches.

Fast-Growing Marine Animals

Squids have annual cycles that end shortly after spawning, and their diet depends on their location. For example, Antarctic squids primarily feed on krill, while others depend on arrow worms and other squid.

Depth-Dwelling Creatures

Squids inhabit deep waters, with some spotted as low as 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). They are among the most developed invertebrates due to their complex behaviors and abilities.