giant squid (architeuthis dux)
The elusive giant squid is one of the world's largest animals. It is known to reach a length of up to 60 feet. It is one of the largest known invertebrates in the world and one of the largest creatures in the sea. Many believe that the terrible Kraken of ancient myth may have been based at least in part on this real life monster. The giant squid's body is composed of a mantle, eight arms, and two longer tentacles. The mantle of the squid is typically around 6.5 feet in length, with the arms and tentacles accountting for most of the animal's length. The inside surfaces of the arms and tentacles are lined with hundreds of suction cups. Each suction cup is surrounded by sharp, serrated edges. The squid can move through the water at high speeds by taking water into its mantle cavity and then expelling it with great force. As large and powerful as these creatures are, they are not at the top of the food chain. The giant squid has at least one natural enemy. It happens to be a favorite meal of the sperm whale. The squid are commonly found in the stomachs of dead whales. Many of these whales even bear scars from the squid's suction-cupped tentacles. The main defense mechanism of the squid is a dark, black ink, which can used to create a smoke screen. This ink can temporarily confuse predators, allowing the squid precious time to attempt their escape.
