Giant squid
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) is a species of deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae. It can grow to a tremendous size, offering an example of abyssal gigantism: recent estimates put the maximum size at around 12–13 m (39–43 ft) for females and 10 m (33 ft) for males, from the posterior fins to the tip of the two long tentacles (longer than the colossal squid at an estimated 9–10 m (30–33 ft), but substantially lighter, as the tentacles make up most of the length). The mantle of the giant squid is about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles (but including head and arms) rarely exceeds 5 m (16 ft). Claims of specimens measuring 20 m (66 ft) or more have not been scientifically documented.
| Giant squid | |
|---|---|
| Giant squid, Architeuthis sp., modified from an illustration by A. E. Verrill, 1880 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Oegopsida |
| Superfamily: | Architeuthoidea |
| Family: | Architeuthidae Pfeffer, 1900 |
| Genus: | Architeuthis Steenstrup in Harting, 1860 |
| Species: | A. dux |
| Binomial name | |
| Architeuthis dux Steenstrup, 1857 | |
| Worldwide giant squid distribution based on recovered specimens | |
| Synonyms | |
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The number of different giant squid species has been debated, but genetic research suggests that only one species exists.
The first images of the animal in its natural habitat were taken in 2004 by a Japanese team.