Q- Which is the 'Largest Invertebrate' in the World?
Answer:
The Giant Squid and the 'Colossal Squid' are the largest known species of animal without a backbone in the World.
According to estimates the maximum size of the Giant Squid is 43 ft (13 metres) for females and 33 ft (10 metres) for males from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles. Its mantle is about 6.6 ft (2 metres) long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles is about 16 ft (5 metres).
In 2004 researchers in Japan took the first images ever of a live giant squid. And in late 2006, scientists with Japan's National Science Museum caught and brought to the surface a live 24-foot (7 meters) female Giant Squid.
The Giant Squid (Architeuthis) also has the largest eyes in the animal kingdom. They are as big as a Beach Ball. Each eye measures about 10 inches (25 centimetres) in diameter. They have such big eyes because they live in depths where there is no light. As an adaption it has developed massive eyes to detect objects in the dark.
Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) also known as 'Antarctic' or 'Giant Cranch Squid' is more heavier than the Giant Squid because of its wide and stout body. Estimates put its maximum size at 12–14 metres (39–46 feet) long and its weight around 450 kg (992 lb). It is considered to be the largest squid species in terms of mass.
The colossal squid's limbs are equipped with sharp hooks: some swivelling, others three-pointed. The giant squid's limbs are equipped with only suckers lined with small teeth. Colossal squid is considered to have longer mantle than the giant squid. The giant squid has longer tentacles than the colossal. Colossal's beak is the largest known of any squid.
Category : Invertebrates
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