The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is part of the family Cranchiidae. It is sometimes called the Antarctic squid or giant cranch squid and is believed to be the largest squid species in terms of mass. It is the only recognized member of the genus Mesonychoteuthis and is known from only a small number of specimens. The species is confirmed to reach a mass of at least , though the largest specimens—known only from beaks found in sperm whale stomachs—may perhaps weigh as much as ,[Te Papa] (2019). How big is the colossal squid on display? Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.[Te Papa] (2019). The beak of the colossal squid. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. making it the largest known invertebrate. Maximum total length has been estimated at .Roper, C.F.E. & P. Jereb (2010). Family Cranchiidae. In: P. Jereb & C.F.E. Roper (eds.) Cephalopods of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of species known to date. Volume 2. Myopsid and Oegopsid Squids. FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes No. 4, Vol. 2. FAO, Rome. pp. 148–178. The colossal squid has the largest eyes of any known creature ever to exist, with an estimated diameter of 27 cm (11 in).
