Krakens

Krakens are titanic cephalopods that inhabit the lower regions of deep oceans worldwide. Although formidable in size, strength, and intelligence, these behemoths are rarely seen near the surface. According to open-water benthic surveys, the krakens hunt solitarily far below the sunlit zone, ambushing large abyssal fish and even the occasional small whale.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Kraken tentacles are equipped with sharp hooks within their suction cups; some swivelling, others tri-pronged. Krakens are wide and stout cephalopods, with proportionally longer mantles than the giant squid, but proportionally shorter tentacles. Being a sexually dimorphic species, females are usually considerably larger than males.

Genetics and Reproduction

During the spring, these immense squids migrate to shallower waters to spawn. Despite their size and relative rarity, each spawning season they appear by the ten-thousands in the shoals just beyond the outer reefs. During this time, they are frequently hunted by local merfolk, as their ink is a prized commodity and their meat is (apparently) a delicacy.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Krakens make their homes in abyssal waters across Sphaera, where they hunt other benthic creatures and scavenge carcasses that have sunk to the seafloor.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like all cephalopods, krakens are covered in specialized muscle-controlled pigment cells called chromatophores that allow them to change their color and texture. Unlike other cephalopods, however, krakens' active camouflage is much more advanced: krakens are able to precisely replicate the patterns around them to such a degree that, when floating still, they can become almost invisible.

Scientific Name

Mesonychoteuthis giganteus

Origin/Ancestry

Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni

Average Weight

775 kilograms

Average Length

15 meters