science ๐ Ancient squid reclassifies into new deep-sea family
A squid preserved in a sperm whale's stomach from 1955โ56 was unexpectedly found to be unique. This specimen was collected by Malcolm Clarke from a male sperm whale in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic area. The study, published in July 2025, established it as Mobydickia poseidonii, creating the new family Mobydickidae. Its distinct anatomy, like trident-like hooks, justified this high taxonomic ranking. This discovery highlights how preserved specimens can challenge old scientific assumptions. ๐