Living in the depths of the ocean, the giant squid is notoriously difficult to study, but recent developments have allowed scientists to shed some light on these elusive creatures.
The largest invertebrate on Earth
It is an enigmatic creature that has long captivated the imagination of scientists and the public alike. Weighing up to a ton and measuring up to 49 feet long, it is the largest invertebrate on Earth. Despite its massive size, the giant squid’s deep-sea habitat and elusive nature have made it a challenge to study.
A better understanding of the giant squid’s genome
Scientists have recently made a breakthrough in understanding the giant squid by creating a draft genome sequence for it. With about 2.7 billion DNA base pairs, the genome of the giant squid is about 90 percent the size of the human genome. This breakthrough is a significant step in unraveling the secrets of this elusive creature.
Elusive and intriguing
Most of the time, the giant squid lives in the deep sea, far away from our view. Its inhospitable habitat has made it difficult for scientists to study. However, the strange creatures rarity adds to its intrigue, and its appearances in the coastal areas are rare but captivating.
The first live images of a giant squid
Researchers in Japan took the first images of a live giant squid in 2004, which was a significant milestone in the study of this elusive creature. Later in 2006, scientists with Japan’s National Science Museum caught and brought to the surface a live 24-foot female giant squid, providing further insights into this deep-sea creature.
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Massive eyes for the dark depths
Kraken and their cousin, the colossal squid, have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, measuring up to 10 inches in diameter. These massive organs enable them to detect objects in the lightless depths where most other animals would see nothing. Their unique eyesight is one of the many features that make the giant squid such a fascinating creature.
What does the giant squid eat?
Like other squid species, this huge guy has eight arms and two longer feeding tentacles that help them bring food to their beak-like mouths. Their diet likely consists of fish, shrimp, and other squid, and some suggest they might even attack and eat small whales. Despite their massive size, giant squid feed on small creatures, which is a testament to the efficiency of their feeding mechanisms.
Propulsion and maneuverability
Kraken maneuver their massive bodies with fins that seem diminutive for their size. They use their funnel as a propulsion system, drawing water into the mantle and forcing it out the back. Although they are not the fastest swimmers in the ocean, their maneuverability and unique feeding mechanisms make them successful predators.
Global range Scientists don’t know enough about these beautiful beings to say for sure what their range is, but giant squid carcasses have been found in all of the world’s oceans. This indicates that they likely have a vast range and are capable of surviving in various oceanic conditions.
The world is full of weird creatures that continue to captivate our imagination and fuel our curiosity. Read about more Strange Creatures with Everything Unexplained. Like the Creepy Aye Aye who is found only in one forest in Madagascar.