The Humboldt squid is a marine animal that has attracted much attention from researchers in recent years. This animal is also called the giant squid, giant squid, and red devil. Its scientific name is Dosidicus gigas.

These squids are large in size and often inhabit the waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. To date, approximately 300 different species of squid have been identified. Marine biologists believe several more are still unidentified in deep water. The shy Humboldt squid is the most common squid discussed due to its special behavioral traits.

It belongs to the family of cephalopods, in particular the ommastrephidae. Often, due to his aggressive nature, people also refer to him as the silent monster. Their name is associated with the current Humboldt in the Pacific Ocean where they reside. They have the ability to change their skin color to red when excited or angry. They splatter black ink when attacked.

They have a symmetrical body along its horizontal axis. These are approximately 6 to 7 feet long and weigh 100 pounds. Its shelf life is only one year. Their heavy weight makes them a difficult catch. Their physical features include a head, mantle, two diamond-shaped fins that they use for swimming, four pairs of arms, two tentacles near their mouths, and a baseball-sized beak that they use to consume prey.

Recent surveys have found that they inhabit not only Humboldt currents in the Pacific, but also Alaskan waters. This expansion of their habitat is associated with global warming and rising water temperatures. They reside in the depths at about 660 to 2,300 feet below the surface and only come out to hunt, especially at night. They hunt small fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and copepods. They attack larger marine animals like sharks if they feel threatened. They are preyed on by other predators such as sperm whales, sharks, and swordfish. When attacked, they jump out of the water to cover distance faster and escape their predators.

They live in groups called schools, which are made up of nearly 1,200 squid. During times when food supplies are in short supply, they even hunt smaller members of their own species. Although not enough evidence is available, it is believed that these cephalopods lay their eggs and bury them in the sand and reproduce once in their lifetime.

They are hunted for their meat which is consumed in Mexico, Italy, Europe and Asia.