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The giant squid (Architeuthis dux, pictured) was for a long time thought to be the largest extant cephalopod. It is now known that the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) attains an even greater maximum size. The giant squid seen here measured 9.24 m (30.3 ft) in total length and had a mantle length of 1.79 m (5.9 ft).
Estimates have been put together based on the number of giant squid beaks found in the stomachs of deceased sperm whales, a known predator of the giant squid, and the better-known population of sperm whales. Based on such observations, it has been estimated that sperm whales consume between 4.3 and 131 million giant squid annually, implying ...
The giant squid also exhibits abyssal gigantism, but the colossal squid is heavier. [29] Although it is unclear what the maximum weight for colossal squids is, analysis of squid beak dimensions from sperm whale stomachs provided estimates that colossal squids may weigh up to 700 kg or 1,500 lb. [5] [6]
The giant squid nevertheless remains a rarely encountered animal, especially considering its wide distribution and large size, [60] with Richard Ellis writing that "each giant squid that washes up or is taken from the stomach of a sperm whale is still an occasion for a teuthological celebration". [61]
Marine Patch says that they can dive 2,000 meters, or about 6,200 feet for up to two hours while hunting giant squid, sharks, skates, and fish. "Squid just so happens to be the sperm whales ...
A piece of sperm whale skin with giant squid sucker scars. Sperm whales usually dive between 300 and 800 metres (980 and 2,620 ft), and sometimes 1 to 2 kilometres (3,300 to 6,600 ft), in search of food. [157] Such dives can last more than an hour. [157]
Photo shot through a polarizing filter of a Cranchiidae sp from the Operation Deep Scope Expedition 2004. This squid, about four-inches across, uses transparency to hide from potential predators.
Apart from two partial specimens (#2 and 3) recovered from sperm whale stomachs in the mid-1950s—initially misidentified as belonging to the giant squid genus, Architeuthis [2] —and a single juvenile individual of 86 mm (3.4 in) mantle length , [3] little else was known about the species until additional specimens began receiving coverage ...