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Behold, the Humboldt squid, also known as the jumbo squid or red devil. These big fellas can be found in the waters of the Humboldt current in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and they're known to be very aggressive towards humans (not all the time, but enough to make us not want to swim with them).
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So what, you may ask, is so special about these jumbo squids? Firstly, their size. If you're of short or average height, these squids will be longer than you. They weigh up to 50 kg (110 lbs) and they can swim at a speed of 24 km/h (14 m/h).
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Another unique trait of these ginormous squids is that they travel in shoals of up to 1,500. They usually stay in the depths of the ocean below 2,000 feet - except when it's dinner time. Then, a terrifyingly large pack of giant squids will ascend from their dark lair to eat some fish. Yum.
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Humboldt squids could definitely compete with sharks for the title of 'best predator in the ocean.' These animals have incredible eyesight, a razor-sharp beak nestled at the base of their tentacles, and eight strong tentacles lined with hundreds of barbed hooks on their suckers, which can tear apart prey.
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Here are those barbs, if you didn't believe me.
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Aaand a close up, just to reiterate how deadly these tentacles are.
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Jumbo squids also have the ability to change the color and texture of their skin to suit their surroundings or stand out. Humboldt squids flash bright red when they're distressed or angered (hence, the nickname 'red devil').
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As you can see here, Humboldt squids are lightning fast when catching fish. Although they prefer fish, Humboldt squids are known to eat other squids to accommodate their rapid growth (from 1 millimetre to full size in a year).
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So, before you give sharks the prize of the most ferocious predator, consider the Humboldt squid. I think this creature deserves some recognition.
Watch A Terrifying Shoal of Jumbo Squids Catch Dinner (GIFs)
Most people consider sharks to be the most terrifying creatures of the ocean, but I disagree. There are many stranger and more disturbing ocean creatures, especially the deeper you go. Take the Humboldt squid, for example. Learn about these sea monsters below.
After more nature articles? Check out this weird cappuccino sea foam in Australia.
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