Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni

The colossal squid is the heaviest known cephalopod on Earth, with specimens exceeding 500 kg in weight. Native to the deep waters of the Antarctic, it is significantly more massive than the giant squid.

Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni lives in the freezing, deep waters surrounding Antarctica. They are rarely seen alive by humans because they typically dwell at extreme depths, making them one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants.

The colossal squid primarily feeds on deep-sea fish like the Antarctic toothfish, as well as other squids. They use the massive swiveling hooks on their tentacles to secure their prey in the dark depths.

While the giant squid is generally longer in terms of total length, the colossal squid is much heavier and more massive. The colossal squid also possesses distinct swiveling hooks on its arms, whereas the giant squid only has suction cups with teeth.