Cephalopod

Black-eyed squid

Gonatus onyx

PacificAtlanticIndianSouthernArctic A single ocean

North Pacific, from Japan to California

Depth

Adults mostly in shallower waters, brooding females around 1,500 to 2,500 m

Size

About 20 cm, including arms

Diet

Small crustaceans, fish

Zone

Twilight zone · 200 – 1,000 m

Key facts

• The female carries her egg mass between her arms for 6 to 9 months, at depth.
• Her cluster can hold up to 3,000 eggs, which she aerates by circulating water through it.

Verified sources

1. MBARI, First observation of an egg-brooding squid
2. Live Science, The heavy burden of a mother squid
3. SeaLifeBase, Gonatus onyx

In the game: Prey: +12 points

In the same zone

Giant larvaceanBathochordaeus sp. SalpFamily Salpidae Arrow wormPhylum Chaetognatha Giant ostracodGigantocypris sp. PhronimaPhronima sedentaria Giant red mysidNeognathophausia ingens