When you hear the words “giant squid,” what comes to mind? A sea monster from sailors’ legends like the “Kraken”? A tentacled creature large enough to battle a whale? Surprisingly, these aren’t just myths. The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) is very real—and it’s every bit as mysterious, massive, and mesmerizing as folklore suggests. Fishing vessels have occasionally encountered giant squids during their expeditions.

For centuries, humans have been captivated by tales of huge squids lurking in the darkest depths of the ocean. But thanks to deep-sea exploration and scientific breakthroughs, we now know a lot more about these elusive creatures. The South Sandwich Islands have been a significant location for deep-sea research on giant squids. The ocean census is an international effort to document marine biodiversity, including giant squids. Studies published in New Scientist have contributed to our understanding of giant squids. Japan's National Science Museum played a crucial role in capturing the first live footage of a giant squid. Here are 12 fascinating facts that will help you better understand the giant squid, from its biology to its place in marine mythology.

The Giant Squid (Not the Same as The Colossal Squid)

The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) is a deep-sea cephalopod species that has long fascinated humans due to its tremendous size and elusive nature. Reaching lengths of up to 43 feet (13 meters) and weighing nearly a ton, the giant squid is one of the largest invertebrates on Earth, second only to the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). These colossal creatures have been the subject of maritime legends for centuries, often depicted as monstrous sea beings capable of dragging ships into the abyss.

The first live giant squid was filmed in 2012 by a research team from Japan’s National Science Museum, providing a rare glimpse into the life of this mysterious creature. This groundbreaking footage revealed the giant squid’s natural habitat and behavior, sparking renewed interest and research into these enigmatic animals. Giant squid specimens have been found in all the world’s oceans, from the North Atlantic to the South Atlantic, and are thought to inhabit the deep sea, where they feed on deep-sea fish and other squid species. Despite their size, these elusive giants remain one of the ocean’s most mysterious inhabitants.

1. Giant Squids Are Among the Largest Invertebrates on Earth

Giant squids can grow up to a total length of 43 feet (13 meters)—roughly the size of a school bus. That measurement includes their long feeding tentacles, which they use to snatch prey. While they’re not the longest marine animal (that honor goes to the bootlace worm), they are one of the biggest invertebrates in existence. Giant squids are among the biggest invertebrates on Earth.

a giant squid on the road next to a school bus showing the length difference — Giant squids can grow up to a total length of 43 feet 13 meters

2. The Largest Giant Squid Ever Found Measured 59 Feet

According to the Smithsonian, the biggest giant squid ever found was estimated to be around 59 feet (18 meters) long. The mantle length is often used as a more accurate measurement of giant squids due to the stretchable nature of their tissue. It was discovered off the coast of New Zealand, although exact measurements are often disputed due to the squishy, stretchable nature of squid tissue.

3. Giant Squids Have Eyes the Size of Dinner Plates

When you’re a deep-sea predator—or prey—you need excellent vision. The giant squid has eight arms and some of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, measuring up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. These eight arms, lined with suckers, play a crucial role in guiding prey from the feeding tentacles to the beak. Additionally, the giant squid has two tentacles equipped with serrated sucker rings that enable it to grip prey effectively before bringing it towards their beak for consumption. These enormous eyes help them detect faint light and spot predators like sperm whales.

close up of an eye from a common squid — Eye of a common Squid | Photo by Natalie Rufing

4. They’re Built for the Deep Sea

These enormous squid live in deep water at ocean depths ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet (300 to 1,000 meters). They prefer cold, dark waters and are rarely seen by humans. That’s one reason why live footage of a giant squid was only captured for the first time in 2006.

Abyssal gigantism is a phenomenon where certain deep-sea creatures, like the giant and colossal squid, exhibit remarkable growth in size due to the extreme, cold conditions of their habitats. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the depths of the ocean, contributing to their extraordinary dimensions compared to their relatives found in shallower waters.

5. Giant Squid Are Not the Biggest Squids in the Ocean

Surprise! The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is actually bulkier than the giant squid. While the giant squid wins in length, the colossal squid has a much heavier body mass and can weigh over 1,000 pounds (450 kg). So if you’ve been wondering, Is the colossal squid bigger than the giant squid?—the answer is yes, in terms of weight and girth. The colossal squid is also considered the world's largest invertebrate due to its immense size.

two squids: the giant and the colossal with a ruler on top, showing the mian differences — The colossal squid us bulkier than the giant squid.

6. Sperm Whales Are Their Biggest Predators

Sperm whales and giant squids have a legendary predator-prey relationship. Giant squid remains have been found in sperm whale stomachs, providing evidence of their interactions. Scars from squid suckers have been found on the heads of sperm whales, and squid beaks have been recovered from whale stomachs. Some scientists believe deep-sea battles between these giants may last for hours.

a giant squid fighting a sperm whale in the ocean — Sperm whales and **giant squids** have a legendary predator-prey relationship

7. They Have a Beak Like a Parrot

Hidden in the center of their cluster of arms is a sharp, chitinous beak that they use to tear into prey. It’s strong enough to crush fish, shrimp, and other squids. If you’ve ever wondered how these big squids eat without chewing, the answer lies in this beak and their radula—a tongue-like organ covered in rows of tiny teeth.

close up of a Cephalopod beak — Cephalopods have beaks | Via Getty Images

8. They Use Jet Propulsion to Move

Despite their size, giant squids can move quickly using jet propulsion. They suck water into their mantle (main body cavity) and expel it forcefully through a siphon, propelling themselves backward. It’s an efficient escape method if a predator (like a whale) comes too close. However, in their natural habitat, giant squids are generally slow moving, spending much of their time passively floating in the deep ocean while waiting to ambush prey.

9. Giant Squids Are Solitary Creatures

Unlike octopuses, which are known for their complex behaviors and even social tendencies, giant squids are solitary. They don’t form schools or social groups and are rarely seen interacting with others—unless it’s mating season. Similarly, adult squid are typically solitary and do not form social groups.

a giant squid swimming in the ocean — Giant squids are solitary

10. Their Reproductive Habits Are Still a Mystery

Very little is known about how giant squids reproduce. It’s believed that males use a specialized arm to transfer sperm packets into the female’s body. Females may lay thousands of eggs, but so far, no giant squid egg has ever been observed in the wild. Females release millions of fertilized eggs into the water bound together in a jellied clump referred to as an egg mass.

11. They Inspire Myths and Pop Culture

The kraken? Most likely inspired by sightings of giant squid, The infamous kraken, a monstrous sea creature said to drag ships beneath the waves, likely originated from ancient sightings of huge squids. These tales were especially common in Norse and Mediterranean seafaring cultures. From Norse legends to modern movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, these creatures have inspired generations of fear and fascination. It’s easy to see why: their appearance is utterly alien, and they dwell in a realm we’ve barely explored.

In modern pop culture, giant squids continue to make appearances—from horror movies and sci-fi books to video games like Assassin’s Creed and Subnautica. Their alien-like anatomy and elusive nature make them a perfect symbol of the mysterious ocean depths.

a norse ship been attacked by a kraken — Norse legends were inspired by the Giant Squid

12. Giant Squids Still Exist—But Are Incredibly Hard to Study

Yes, giant squids still exist today. They’re not extinct, but they’re elusive. Because they live in the deep ocean and avoid light, studying them is exceptionally difficult. Most of what we know comes from specimens that wash ashore or are pulled up in fishing nets. Observing a live specimen of a giant squid is extremely rare and provides valuable insights into their behavior.

three young girls looking at a dead giant squid in a laboratory — Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Habitat and Distribution

Giant squids are found in the deep waters of the world’s oceans, typically between 200 and 700 meters (660 and 2,300 feet) below the surface. These depths provide the cold, dark environment that giant squids prefer, far from the reach of sunlight. They are thought to favor continental and island slopes, where the seafloor drops off sharply, creating a habitat rich in food and shelter. These areas are teeming with deep-sea fish and other squid species, providing ample hunting grounds for these formidable predators.

The distribution of giant squids is widespread, with specimens found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. However, their exact range is not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the full extent of their habitat. The deep sea, where giant squids live, is a vast and largely unexplored environment, home to many other marine species, including the colossal squid and other squid species. This mysterious realm continues to intrigue scientists and explorers, who strive to uncover the secrets of its inhabitants.

Deepdisco, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Related Species

The giant squid is closely related to other cephalopod species, including the colossal squid and the glass squids. The genus Architeuthis, to which the giant squid belongs, is thought to contain only a single species, although some taxonomists have proposed the existence of multiple species. This debate highlights the challenges of studying these elusive creatures, as much of what we know comes from specimens that wash ashore or are accidentally caught in fishing nets.

The giant squid is also related to other large squid species, such as the southern ocean squid and the Humboldt squid. These squid species are all characterized by their large size, long tentacles, and powerful beaks, which they use to catch prey in the deep sea. The colossal squid, in particular, is a very large squid species that is thought to be one of the largest invertebrates on Earth, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 19 meters (62 feet). These relatives of the giant squid share many fascinating traits, making them a subject of great interest in the study of marine biology.

a dead humboldt squid laying on sand on a beach — Dead Humboldt squid (*Dosidicus gigas*) | Via Animalia

Conservation Status

The giant squid is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although its population is thought to be declining due to overfishing, ocean pollution, and habitat degradation. As an important part of the marine ecosystem, the giant squid plays a key role in the food chain as both predator and prey. Sperm whales, in particular, are known to feed on giant squid, and the squid’s beaks have been found in the stomachs of these whales, indicating a significant predator-prey relationship.

However, the giant squid’s slow pace of life and limited reproductive capacity make it vulnerable to overfishing and other human impacts. More research is needed to determine the giant squid’s conservation status and to develop effective conservation strategies to protect this unique and fascinating species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other organizations are working to protect the giant squid and its habitat, including the deep sea and the ocean’s ecosystems. By understanding and mitigating the threats they face, we can help ensure that these incredible creatures continue to thrive in the depths of our oceans.

How We Study Giant Squids: Technology & Challenges

Studying giant squids is no easy feat. These elusive giants live far below the ocean’s surface in near-total darkness, making them incredibly difficult to observe in their natural habitat.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and deep-sea submersibles have played a crucial role in capturing rare footage. The captured footage not only validates the existence of these elusive creatures but also provides critical details about their features and behaviors, enriching scientific understanding of these deep-sea species. In 2012, scientists aboard a Japanese research vessel filmed a live giant squid for the first time using a submersible and specially designed ultra-sensitive camera (NHK, Discovery Channel, and National Science Foundation).

Much of what we know also comes from bycatch, giant squids accidentally hauled up in deep-sea fishing nets, or specimens that wash ashore, often in poor condition. Their soft bodies decompose quickly, so even preserved specimens only offer a limited snapshot of their biology.

Despite advances, marine biologists still face huge technological and financial barriers to studying giant squids in the wild.

Remotely operated underwater vehicle isolated on white — ROVs can be used to study deep sea animals | Photo by JackF

Giant Squids in Mythology & Pop Culture

Long before science confirmed their existence, giant squids were the stuff of legends. The infamous kraken, a monstrous sea creature said to drag ships beneath the waves, likely originated from ancient sightings of huge squids. These tales were especially common in Norse and Mediterranean seafaring cultures.

The kraken was later immortalized in literature and film, most famously in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where a giant squid attacks the submarine Nautilus.

In modern pop culture, giant squids continue to make appearances—from horror movies and sci-fi books to video games like Assassin’s Creed and Subnautica. Their alien-like anatomy and elusive nature make them a perfect symbol of the mysterious ocean depths.

Unanswered Questions Scientists Still Have

Even with growing research, giant squids remain one of the ocean’s most puzzling creatures. Here are a few big questions scientists are still trying to answer:

How do they mate? While it’s believed that males use a specialized arm to deliver sperm, the full mating process has never been documented.
How long do they live? Estimates vary widely, with lifespans believed to range from 1 to 5 years, but this is still debated.
How do they hunt in total darkness? We know they use their massive eyes for detecting light, but details about their hunting strategies and sensory adaptations are still largely speculative.

As technology improves, scientists hope to uncover more answers—but for now, much about the giant squid remains in the realm of mystery. Researchers suspect various theories about the giant squid's reproductive behaviors and sensory adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Squids

What is the biggest giant squid ever found?

The largest recorded specimen was about 59 feet (18 meters) long, found off the coast of New Zealand.

Is the colossal squid bigger than the giant squid?

Yes. Colossal squids are shorter in length but have a much larger body mass.

How aggressive are giant squids?

They are predators, but not aggressive toward humans—though few direct observations exist. Most accounts come from stomach contents of whales or accidental catches.

Do giant squids still exist?

Absolutely. They’re alive and well in deep oceans around the world, though sightings are extremely rare.

What was discovered during the recent Antarctic expedition?

During an Antarctic expedition in 2023, researchers discovered a juvenile colossal squid. This discovery is significant due to the unique features of the juvenile, which appeared delicate and beautiful compared to the larger, more intimidating adult colossal squids. Researchers are still uncertain about some aspects of the squid's identification, but the new footage provides valuable insights.

Why the Giant Squid Still Captivates Us

From its sheer size to its shadowy habitat, the giant squid continues to fascinate scientists and storytellers alike. It’s a reminder of how little we truly know about our oceans—and how many mysteries are still waiting in the deep. As ocean exploration technology improves, we may finally get answers to questions that have baffled us for centuries.

Until then, the giant squid remains one of nature’s greatest enigmas—a ghost of the deep, both real and mythic, silently patrolling the twilight zone of the ocea

The Giant Squid: 12 Fascinating Facts About These Deep Sea Creatures