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Cephalopod size
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Cephalopods, which include squids and octopuses, vary enormously in size. The smallest are only about 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long and weigh less than 1 gram (0.035 oz) at maturity, while the giant squid can exceed 10 metres (33 ft) in length and the colossal squid weighs close to half a tonne (1,100 lb), making them the largest living invertebrates. Living species range in mass more than three-billion-fold, or across nine orders of magnitude, from the lightest hatchlings to the heaviest adults. Certain cephalopod species are also noted for having individual body parts of exceptional size.
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux, pictured) was for a long time thought to be the largest extant cephalopod. It is now known that the colossal squid
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux, pictured) was for a long time thought to be the largest extant cephalopod. It is now known that the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) attains an even greater maximum size. The giant squid seen here measured 9.24 m (30.3 ft) in total length and had a mantle length of 1.79 m (5.9 ft).
Standard measurements for cephalopods with a squid and octopus as examples
Standard measurements for cephalopods with a squid and octopus as examples
Scientists measuring the mantle width of a large female giant squid of c. 2 m (6.6 ft) ML
Scientists measuring the mantle width of a large female giant squid of c. 2 m (6.6 ft) ML
Giant squid beak and associated muscles with hand for scale
Giant squid beak and associated muscles with hand for scale
Cephalopod
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A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda such as a squid, octopus, cuttlefish, or nautilus. These exclusively marine animals are characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms or tentacles modified from the primitive molluscan foot. Fishers sometimes call cephalopods "inkfish", referring to their common ability to squirt ink. The study of cephalopods is a branch of malacology known as teuthology.
Cephalopod
Cephalopod
The primitive nautilus eye functions similarly to a pinhole camera.
The primitive nautilus eye functions similarly to a pinhole camera.
A cuttlefish with W-shaped pupils which may help them discern colors
A cuttlefish with W-shaped pupils which may help them discern colors
This broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) can change from camouflage tans and browns (top) to yellow with dark highlights (bottom) in less than a se
This broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) can change from camouflage tans and browns (top) to yellow with dark highlights (bottom) in less than a second.