Bigfin Squid

A Smithsonian specimen helped identify a new family of deep sea squid with long spindly legs.
(From Vecchione, M., R. E. Young, A. Guerra, D. J. Lindsay, D. A. Clague, J. M. Bernhard, W. W. Sager, A. F. Gonzalez, F. J. Rocha, M. Segonzac. 2001. Worldwide observations of remarkable deep-sea squids. Science 294(5551):2505-2506.)

A specimen from the Smithsonian’s squid collection and videos of a mystery squid helped scientists identify a new family of deep sea squid—the Magnapinnidae, known as the bigfin squids. More about deep ocean exploration can be found in our Deep Ocean Exploration featured story.

Tags: Biodiversity Smithsonian collections