The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) is one of the world’s largest invertebrates. Not much is known about their behavior, which may contribute to their mysterious and mythical reputation. As deep sea predators, they hunt and capture prey with their two long feeding arms, each equipped with strong suckers. Like other squids and octopi, they produce a dark ink, which they use to defend themselves from predators like sperm whales.

Art and caption by Isabel Kier

Reference:

Kubodera, T., & Mori, K. (2005). First-ever observations of a live giant squid in the wild. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 272(1581), 2583–2586. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2005.3158

Roper, C., & Boss, K. (1982), The Giant Squid. Scientific American, 246, 96-105.