The unexplained mysteries of giant squid

Although modern technology has helped researchers learn more about giant squid, they still don't know much about why they get so big or how they mate and reproduce.

What is a giant squid?

The genus Architeuthis , also known informally as the ghost squid , may include eight species, recognized as reaching lengths of up to 13 m (female) or 10 m (male), and is found in the deep ocean waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific from the coast of Mexico through the Hawaiian Islands (USA) to the Ogasawara Islands (Japan).

The genus is second only to the squid Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni in size, with juvenile specimens collected reaching 14 m in length. Females are typically about 2 m longer than males. There have been sightings of squid up to 20 m in length, but no scientific documentation of a living creature this large exists.

These giant squids are said to be aggressive and have attacked other animals including fishermen and their boats. Due to their size, their tentacles are very strong and their suction is very strong. Fishermen in Mexico often show broken wood stains on their boats due to giant squid sucking them up.