[9] They are endemic to the Antarctic and are found in the Southern Ocean, around the Weddell Sea and the South Shetland Islands.

[10] These squids are found in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic layers of the open ocean and demonstrate vertical migration.

This species prefers the open ocean and steep continental slope of the Eastern Weddell Sea.

[12] There is also a seasonal vertical distribution pattern in which mature squids prefer to remain below the warmer, less saline surface layer of water in the summer and venture to shallower depths in the fall.

The fin is lancet shaped with its posterior end resembling a short, thin needle.

This squid has a large stomach and small caecum, potentially due to the lack of food sources in deeper water.

Southern elephant seals prey minimally on G. glacialis and equally on males and females.

[10] Digested parts of G. glacialis have been found in the stomachs of a species of icefish native to the Southern Ocean.

This is achieved by a chemical mechanism, most likely enzymatic, and the female could die from bacterial infection of an open wound before spawning can happen.