Giant Squid, 1887

Giant Squid, 1887

The giant squid (genus Architeuthis) is a deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae. Giant squid can grow to a tremendous size due to deep-sea gigantism: recent estimates put the maximum size at 43 feet for females and 33 feet for males from the posterior fins to the tip of the two long tentacles. The mantle is about 6.6 feet long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles (but including head and arms) rarely exceeds 16 feet. Claims of specimens measuring 66 feet or more have not been scientifically documented. Tales of giant squid have been common among mariners since ancient times, and may have led to the Norse legend of the kraken, a tentacled sea monster as large as an island capable of engulfing and sinking any ship. Image taken from page 96 of "Viertausend Meilen unter Sturmsegeln auf Yacht Aldegonda" by Detlev von Heydebrand und Der Lasa, 1887.

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