Southern pygmy squid

mollusk

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July 21, 2026

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The Southern pygmy squid (Idiosepius notoides) is the smallest known squid species. Males of this species reach a maximum length of approximately 1.6 cm (less than 3/4 inch). This tiny squid belongs to the family Idiosepiidae, which includes a single species known for lacking an internal shell and being considerably less than an inch in length. Squids, in general, are cephalopods with elongated bodies and short heads, possessing ten arms, two of which are specialized tentacles. They are found in various marine environments and serve as a food source for numerous animals, including humans.123

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squid
The smallest squid is the Southern pygmy squid (Idiosepius notoides); males grow only to about 1.6 cm (less than 3/4 inch) in length. The largest squids—giant squids and colossal squids—are also the largest living invertebrates. Some researchers place giant squids and colossal squids into the genus Architeuthis, whereas others separate…
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The smallest squid is the Southern pygmy squid (Idiosepius notoides); males grow only to about 1.6 cm (less than 3/4 inch) in length. The largest squids—giant squids and colossal squids—are also the largest living invertebrates. Some researchers place giant squids and colossal squids into the genus Architeuthis, whereas others separate…
Read More