The giant squid (genus: Architeuthis) is a deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae, represented by as many as eight species. Giant squid can grow to a tremendous size (see Deep-sea gigantism): recent estimates put the maximum size at 13 m (43 ft) for females and 10 m (33 ft) for males from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles (second only to the colossal squid at an estimated 14 m (46 ft), one of the largest living organisms). The mantle is about 2 m (6.6 ft) long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles is about 5 m (16 ft). Claims of specimens measuring 20 m (66 ft) or more have not been scientifically documented.
On 30 September 2004, researchers from the National Science Museum of Japan and the Ogasawara Whale Watching Association took the first images of a live giant squid in its natural habitat. Several of the 556 photographs were released a year later. The same team successfully filmed a live adult giant squid for the first time on 4 December 2006.
Read more about Giant Squid: Morphology and Anatomy, Size, Reproductive Cycle, Species, Timeline, Cultural Depictions
Other articles related to "giant squid, squid":
... Unlike the giant squid, whose arms and tentacles only have suckers lined with small teeth, the colossal squid's limbs are also equipped with sharp hooks some swivelling, others three-pointed ... Its body is wider and stouter, and therefore heavier, than that of the giant squid ... Colossal squid are believed to have longer mantles than giant squid, although their tentacles are shorter ...
... The elusive nature of the giant squid and its foreign appearance, often perceived as terrifying, have firmly established its place in the human imagination ... Representations of the giant squid have been known from early legends of the kraken through books such as Moby-Dick and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea on to novels such as ... In particular, the image of a giant squid locked in battle with a sperm whale is a common one, although the squid is, in fact, the whale's prey, and not an equal combatant ...
... discs to make sea creatures (sharks, swordfish a squid etc.) his obedient pets ... "Neptune's Revenge" where he used his "pets", namely a giant squid to sink ships ... Shark unintentionally stumbled across this plan when he was caught by Eel's giant squid while he was swimming ...
... This list of giant squid specimens and sightings is a comprehensive listing of recorded human encounters with members of the genus Architeuthis, popularly known as giant squid ... whole or in part) from sperm whales and other predatory species, as well as confirmed giant squid sightings at sea ... See also List of colossal squid specimens and sightings ...
... Ende, and its film adaptations, uses Nemo's battle with the giant squid as an example of the unforgettable and immersive nature of great stories ... Under the Sea, including a battle with a giant squid ... Vashj'ir zone which include travelling in a submarine, being attacked by a giant squid and ultimately trying to stop the Naga from overthrowing Neptulon ...
Famous quotes containing the words squid and/or giant:
“air or vacuum, snow or shale, squid or wolf, rose or lichen,
each is accepted into as much light as it will take,”
—Archie Randolph Ammons (b. 1926)
“The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forehead.”
—Ogden Nash (1902–1971)