Do You Really Know ALL the Different Types of Squids? We Guess Not

People have always imagined squids as huge, scary monsters with wickedly long grasping tentacles. In reality, squids are mostly passive and fascinating sea creatures. In this article, we take a look at some of the types of squids that inhabit the Earth's oceans.

Squid Types

There are nearly 300 types of squids. They come from 2 main groups, called orders: Myopsina and Oegopsina. The two orders have some physical differences, and the Oegopsina tend to be the deep-sea dwellers that grow the largest. Here are some of the most unique and different types of squids.

I. Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis Hamiltoni)

In ancient times, the sea was thought of as the dwelling place for a mysterious, gigantic monster who pulled passing ships into the ocean and destroyed them. It was said to have huge tentacles and an evil, big eye. This beast was called the Kraken. While the Kraken remains a myth, in most cases, seamen might have been talking about the Giant Cranch Squid or the Colossal Squid.

Colossal Squid

This is the largest known invertebrate and can reach lengths of 39 – 46 feet! It has hooked tentacles lined with small teeth and a large mantle (the main body tube) covering its organs. To add to its fearsome appearance, it has the largest set of eyes in the animal kingdom.

With such a massive size, their only natural prey are sperm whales. They are found in the water bodies between Antarctica and South America and towards the southern parts of South Africa and New Zealand.

II. Humboldt Squid (Dosidicus Gigas)

Humboldt Squid

Jumbo squid, jumbo flying squid, or the very apt title of diablo rojo (Spanish: red devil) — whatever you call them, this squid is not to be messed with. They are extremely aggressive predators that travel in groups called shoals. Humboldt squids can reach lengths of 7 – 15 feet.

They are the “feeding frenzy” type and are known to chase sharks — and even eat their own shoal members who are injured or weak! Their streamlined body comes with its own siphon and 2 large fins for maximum speed, and their tentacles are lined with suckers and rows of sharp teeth. Whether they attack humans swimming at deep depths is a hotly argued point. What isn't argued is their intelligence: they are perhaps the only invertebrates that cooperate to hunt together. They live in the Eastern Pacific ocean, along the coasts of North America and Alaska.

III. Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis Infernalis)

Vampire Squid

Here’s another frightening squid! Black in color, with red or blue glowing eyes and webbed arms, this Dracula of the ocean can reach about 1 foot in length — smaller than most of the others on this list. They move through the water by flapping their fins on each side of their mantle.

Another spooky trick: they glow in the dark! Their skin is covered with small organs called photophores, which produce light. The squid can completely control how bright the light is. They also need very little oxygen and are found deep within the murky depths of the ocean.

IV. Sparkling Enope Squid / Firefly Squid (Watasenia Scintillans)

Here’s another glow-in-the-dark squid — but this one is tiny! It reaches just 3 inches in length. Its little tentacles are covered with photophores, and the squid uses those flashing lights to attract small fish. When an unsuspecting fish swims close, the squid pounces and eats it. They are found in the Western Pacific ocean, off the coast of Japan.

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V. Banded Piglet Squid (Helicocranchia pfefferi)

While most squids favor the weird look, this one is actually very cute! Just 100 mm long, this teeny-tiny squid is round and chubby, with its tentacles placed above its eyes. Its fins are paddle-shaped and sit at the very end of its body, so it moves forward like a little power boat. They live nearly 300 feet below the ocean’s surface, in dim light conditions. The round body, the little tail fins, and the way it floats all make it look like a baby pig — which is exactly why “piglet” is in its name. Not much is known about this little squid because its habitat is so deep and hard to visit.

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VI. Dana Octopus Squid (Taningia danae)

Dana Octopus Squid

This squid species is found in the North Atlantic ocean and the waters around Bermuda, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. It lives at depths of 3000 feet, where it is completely dark. But that is not a problem for the Dana octopus squid — it makes its own light using tiny organs in its tentacles called photophores. It can control how the light flashes and how bright it glows, using the light to attract prey, frighten off predators, and even as part of its mating ritual.

More Types of Squid

After looking at these amazing squid species, it’s easy to marvel at how diverse nature can be. Each squid is much more than a tentacle-waving creature lurking in the deep. Whether it glows in the dark, hunts in a pack, or looks like a tiny pig, the squid is one of the most fascinating animals in the ocean.

Some other types of squid species to know include these members from around the world’s oceans. You can also learn more about their diet and hunting habits and how they compare to their close relatives in our squid vs. octopus guide.