Scientific name : Taningia danae
Family : Octopoteuthidae
Native to : North Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde Islands
Interesting fact : During mating, the male cutsthe female’s flesh to deposit its sperms.
Conservation status : Least Concern
One of the largest known squids, they grow 1.7-2.3 metres long and weigh up to 161.4 kg. The bioluminescent photophores on its arm emit blinding flashes of light to confuse its prey and escape from predators. Prey such as fish, crabs and molluscs are grabbed with the claws on its suckers. Their lifespan is less than a year.
