creature feature

Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)

Phylum MolluscaClass Cephalopoda Possibly 8 species33-43 feet in lengthWeigh 330-610 lbs.Inhabit temperate waters to depths of 1300-

2000 feet (400-600m)Maintain neutral buoyancy in seawater through

an ammonium chloride solution which flows throughout their body and is lighter than seawater

Worldwide giant squid distribution based on recovered specimens.

Arms and tentacles are lined with hundreds of sub-spherical suction cups ~2.0 in in diameter

Feed on deep-sea fish and other squid species

Catch prey using the two tentacles, gripping it with serrated sucker rings on the ends

Only known predators are sperm whales

Genus Sphyraena27 known speciesRay-finned fishCan weigh up to 100 lbs.Grow up to 6 ft. in length and 1 foot wideInhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the

Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific OceansPrimarily clear water around coral reefs

Collective name for a group of barracudas is a battery

Feeds on shrimp and any number of other fish Primarily a feeder of

reefsSleek bodyUse speed to dart through schools of fish (up to

28 miles per hour)Injure fish with razor sharp teeth

Particularly prefer algae-eating fishSome of these have a build up of toxinsCiguatera poisoning in humans

Very aggressiveHowever, rarely

attack humansAttracted to

shiny thingsIf they do attack, usually one quick

lungeBrutal, but not usually fatal