Giant squid
Deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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)[2][3][4][5] for females and 10 m (33 ft)[3] 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),[6] but substantially lighter, as the tentacles make up most of the length[7]). 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).[3] Claims of specimens measuring 20 m (66 ft) or more have not been scientifically documented.[3]
| Giant squid | |
|---|---|
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| 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 | |
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| 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.[8]
The first images of the animal in its natural habitat were taken in 2004 by a Japanese team.[9]