The arms and tentacles of the colossal squid
The colossal squid is unique because it has incredible rotating hooks on the club-shaped ends of the tentacles.
The anatomy of the colossal squid
Before 2003, when the first giant squid was caught, no one had ever seen an intact colossal squid before. The three colossal squid at Te Papa have given scientists a unique opportunity to examine its bizarre anatomy.
The beak of the colossal squid
Like all squid and octopus, and their relatives, the colossal squid has a beak. This is essentially the mouth of the squid, and the first stage of the digestive system.
The body of the colossal squid
A colossal squid has three main body parts: the mantle and fin, the head, and a circle of arms and tentacles.
The eyes of the colossal squid
The colossal squid has the largest animal eyes ever studied. It possibly has the largest eyes that have ever existed during the history of the animal kingdom.
The organs of a colossal squid
Learn all about the inside bits of a colossal squid! Including the gills, heart, and blood.
