The Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas, is a large cephalopod of the deep eastern Pacific Ocean, known for its large size and predatory nature. Also known as jumbo squid, this creature is recognized for its impressive size and aggressive nature, sometimes earning it the nickname “red devil” due to its ability to rapidly flash red and white.
Humboldt Squid Dimensions
An adult Humboldt squid typically has a mantle length, the main body excluding arms and tentacles, ranging from 1 to 2 meters (3.3 to 6.6 feet); this mantle is the primary measurement used for scientific purposes. While typically 1 to 2 meters (3.3 to 6.6 feet) in mantle length, some individuals can reach up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), and including their arms and tentacles, the total length can extend to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), with some southern populations approaching 3.7 meters (12 feet). They also have a substantial weight, typically between 20 to 30 kilograms (44 to 66 pounds), with the largest recorded individuals weighing up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds). Female Humboldt squids generally mature at larger sizes than males.
Factors Contributing to Their Size
Humboldt squids achieve their impressive size through an exceptionally rapid growth rate, reaching their full length in under a year by growing from millimeters to over a meter within their first year. This rapid growth is supported by a high metabolic rate and a voracious appetite; their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and other cephalopods, including instances of cannibalism, which further fuels their rapid development. This accelerated growth is notable given their relatively short lifespan, typically one to two years. Humboldt squids also exhibit behaviors such as vertical migration, moving between deep, oxygen-poor waters during the day and shallower, prey-rich waters at night, which can influence their metabolic demands and feeding opportunities. This combination of a short life cycle and intense feeding allows them to attain their considerable size efficiently.
Comparing Their Scale
A Humboldt squid with a total length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) is taller than most adult humans, and its average mantle length of 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 5 feet) is comparable to the height of a tall person. A Humboldt squid weighing 50 kilograms (110 pounds) is as heavy as a small adult or a large dog. Humboldt squids are not the largest cephalopods in the ocean. The Giant Squid, for instance, can reach lengths of up to 13 meters (43 feet) and weigh around 275 kilograms (610 pounds), while the Colossal Squid surpasses even that, with lengths up to 14 meters (46 feet) and weights of 495 kilograms (1,091 pounds). These comparisons highlight that while the Humboldt squid is a large and powerful marine animal, it remains distinct from the gargantuan species of the deep sea.