How big does it get?

You may be looking at it. This specimen is the largest of its species ever recorded--although larger ones could be out there.

• Up to 2 m (7 ft)
• Up to 61 kg (134 lb)

Where does it live?

Dots on the map indicate where specimens have been caught or found stranded. Taningia range from the surface down to 1,000 m (3,280 ft).

Where did this specimen come from?

Captured in a fisherman's net off the Massachusetts coast, it is the first Taningia recorded in the western North Atlantic.

Total length of specimen: 2 m (7 ft)
Weight: 61 kg (134 lb)
Sex: female

What does it eat?

Mainly fishes and other squids, scientists think. But they're not really sure.

Can you find these parts on the specimen in the tank?

Head: houses the brain.
Eyes: the size of a large grapefruit.
Fins: very large in this species. They are used mainly for swimming, gliding, and steering.
Mantle: the main body. This muscular sac contains most of the organ systems.
Arms (8): lined with two rows of hooks, not suckers.
Light organs: located at the tips of two arms. They look like black lumps. See how they work
Feeding tentacles (none): This is one of only a few squid species that have none as adults.
Funnel: a multipurpose tube used in breathing, jetting, squirting ink, laying eggs, and expelling waste.

Learn about the most recent capture off Spain of a 275 pound Taningia danae.

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

Smithsonian Giant Squid Overview Page

gene carl feldman / gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov