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Bigfin Squid Specimen

Preview This new species of squid (Magnapinna sp.) was discovered in 1954 in the stomach of a lancetfish.
(Stillman Berry)

In 1954 Smithsonian researchers dissected this squid specimen from the stomach of a lancetfish and added it to the Museum’s squid collection. Almost 50 years later, it helped scientists identify a strange, mysterious squid spotted in the deep ocean and describe a new family of squid—the Magnipinnidae or bigfin squid. More about deep ocean exploration can be found in our Deep Ocean Exploration featured story.