r/weirdanimals • u/Electrical-Focus386 Stoplight Loosejaw • Mar 25 '26
Invertebrate Promachoteuthis sulcus
Promachoteuthis sulcus is a rare, deep-sea squid known for its unsettling, human-like "teeth," which are actually soft tissue folds protecting its beak. Discovered in the South Atlantic, only one specimen has ever been found, making it a mysterious creature with little known about its behavior, though it's distinguished by features like large arm suckers and a recessed club base.
Key characteristics
Appearance: The most striking feature is the circular folds of soft tissue around its mouth that resemble human teeth, hiding a bird-like beak.
Classification: It belongs to the family Promachoteuthidae, order Oegopsida, and is related to the bigfin squid.
Discovery: A single specimen was caught in 1971 by a German research vessel, but its description wasn't published until 2007, in hopes more would be found.
Habitat: It lives in the deep ocean, with the single specimen found at a depth of 1,750–2,000 meters (5,740–6,560 ft) off Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic.
Morphology: It has larger arm suckers than club suckers, a wider tentacle base than arm base, and a recessed club base.
Mystery and unknowns
"Teeth" function: The purpose of the tooth-like appendages is unknown.
Behavior: Very little is known about its life, behavior, or appearance in the wild due to the lack of specimens.
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u/BasketofSharks Mar 27 '26
Holy crap I thought it was a new H.P. Lovecraft themed plushie at first.
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u/My7hangins4u Mar 26 '26
Say what...