Giant Squid
This monstrous mollusc is a deep sea dwelling creature. Classified under the genus Architeuthis, it is represented by many as eight species. Its tremendous size is due to deep-sea gigantism tendency. Growing to a maximum size of 13 metres it is one of the largest beasts to ever exist. Sightings of this elusive beast has been recorded ever since time ancient. The legend of the monstrous octopus called Kraken might have arisen from the sightings of Giant Squids.Its body is made up of a mantle, eight arms and two longer tentacles. These longer tentacles are primarily used in catching prey . These tentacles are also lined with suckers. This cephalopod also has a characteristic powerful beak in place of a mouth.They also have one of the largest eyes ever documented scientifically in animal kingdom. Studies have shown that these giant squids feed on deep sea fish and other squid species.They are also believed to be solitary hunters. Despite its size and terrific presence the squid is not at the top of the food chain. It is the chief prey of sperm whales. Sperm whales bear scars from suckers of the giant squid during their battle with their mollusc prey. Scientists have tried to observe sperm whales to study this beast as these mighty cetaceans are skilled at locating giant squids. Rarely have people observed a fully grown live adult giant squid in the wild. However in 2004, two Japanese scientists made a trip to a known sperm whale hunting ground off Tokyo and laid some bait for the squid. The squid did take the bait dn the scientists took some 500 photos before the 26 feet squid finally broke free. This monster however is not the largest invertebrate predator.This title is owned by a close cousin of it – The Colossal Squid which grows to an estimated 14 metres. Despite studying a lot about Giant Squid there is still much we dont know about it.