Sperm whales eat giant squid (Architeuthis dux) but not only. Understanding their diet is part of the goal of MONICEPH project.
One this picture, this male juvenile is "playing" with his food. The team reported it could be a Dana octopus squid (Taningia danae), one of the biggest squid, but it can also be a giant squid (Architeuthis dux). This picture was taken by Wayne Osborn near Pico island during an expedition in 2005. We wish we would have taken a sample to identify the exact species of this cephalopod . Indeed, with a small piece of the animal, we can identify the exact species thanks to its DNA (barcoding method). It is the method used for MONICEPH project.
Some scientists say it could also be a mobula ray..
Photo Credit: Wayne Osborn
#spermwhale #moniceph #cephalopods #oceanlover #biologist #azores
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