The body of a giant squid washed ashore at El Sablón beach, Llanes, in northern Spain last weekend.
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux), a deep-sea creature that inspired the legend of the Kraken, rarely makes an appearance. The first footage of them was only recorded a decade ago, and very few specimens have been found, whether alive or dead. The giant squid is the largest living invertebrate on Earth, with females reaching lengths of up to 13 meters while males are around 10 meters long. The Cantabrian Sea in northern Spain is one of the few places where giant squids reside, attracting special interest from any scientist wanting to study this elusive creature.
Pristine giant squid washed ashore. (Photo: Cofradia de Pescadores de Llanes).
“The giant squid exhibits clear sexual dimorphism. Researchers estimate the maximum weight of females at 312 kg and males at 178 kg,” Newsweek quoted Luis Laria, chairman of the Coordinating Council for Marine Research and Protection (CEPESMA). “Males have a shorter lifespan than females and mature earlier. Their lifespan is about one year, while females live 2 to 3 times longer.”
Although harmless to humans, giant squids cannot be consumed like their smaller relatives due to their high ammonia content, which is very toxic. CEPESMA operates a museum dedicated to giant squids, specializing in the preservation and research of specimens that wash ashore.
The fate of the giant squid that washed up on El Sablón beach has yet to be decided. Environmental technicians from Asturias removed the specimen shortly after its discovery. Authorities will decide in the coming days whether to transfer it to CEPESMA.
| Giant squids live at great depths below the ocean surface, often hundreds of meters down, where light can barely penetrate. They hunt using two long tentacles that help capture and bring food to their beak-like mouths, according to National Geographic. Their diet includes fish, shrimp, and other squid species. Some experts suggest they can even take down and eat small whales. The eyes of giant squids are among the largest in the animal kingdom, measuring 25 cm in diameter. This large organ allows them to detect objects and prey in the dark environment. |
