Quck answer
The giant squid is a mysterious creature that has fascinated scientists and the public for centuries. Despite its large size, it has remained largely elusive, and very little is known about its habits and behavior. However, in recent years, scientists have made significant strides in tracking down these creatures, using new technologies such as deep-sea submersibles and underwater cameras. These efforts have led to the discovery of new species and the development of new theories about the giant squid’s behavior. While much remains to be learned about this enigmatic creature, these discoveries offer hope that we may one day unlock the secrets of the deep and better understand the world around us.
Wild Animals
In 2004, Japanese researchers discovered the first ever giant squid (genus Architeuthis) in its natural habitat off the coast of Tokyo. Since then, these rarely-seen-alive carnivorous invertebrates, weighing over 440 pounds (200 kilograms) and measuring around 33 feet (10 meters) long, have been surfacing in videos, alive and very large. But according to Edith Widder, Ph.D., CEO and senior scientist of Florida’s Ocean Research & Conservation Association, Inc., there have only been two times that the giant squid has been filmed in the deep sea. Both times were using the camera system (Medusa) and an optical lure (e-jelly) that she developed to explore the deep-sea in a new way that doesn’t scare the animals away.
Widder’s Medusa emits a red light that’s invisible to most creatures living in the “midnight zone” and is accompanied by an electronic jellyfish that lures creatures towards the camera using an innovative method inspired by animals’ natural cues. The bioluminescent burglar-alarm display of a common deep-sea jellyfish imitated by the e-jelly is like a scream for help using light and attracts the attention of a bigger predator that may attack their attacker and thereby afford them an opportunity for escape.
Giant squid have been a source of fear and loathing for centuries, until the first live images were captured in 2004 and the first video emerged in 2012. The recent sightings of giant squid are an indication of advancing technology and not a sign that they are taking over the waves. While my scuba diving friend may still be riled up about the elusive, mysterious species, it’s exciting to know that we are uncovering new information and exploring the deep-sea in a way that doesn’t harm the animals.
On June 19, 2019, Medusa was deployed for the fifth time during this particular expedition, and when Widder and her team reviewed the footage, they discovered undeniable evidence of a long-tentacled creature extending towards the e-jelly. “We immediately knew it was a squid,” Widder and her colleague SГ¶nke Johnsen wrote in a blog post. “It was also large, but because it was heading straight for the camera, it was impossible to determine its exact size. However, it was at least 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters) long.”
All these years of pursuing underwater creatures raises the question: Why are they so camera-shy in the first place? “The giant squid has been difficult to locate because our typical exploration methods involve platforms with bright lights and noisy thrusters, which have scared it off,” Widder explains. “The only reason we know giant squid exist is because they happen to float when they die, so dead or dying specimens have been observed and photographed at the surface. How many other deep-sea creatures are out there that we don’t know about because we’ve been scaring them away, and they don’t happen to float when they die?”
That’s a good, and terrifying, question indeed.
Now That’s Interesting
Giant squid can grow to be as long as a school bus — the largest one ever found was 59 feet (18 meters) long and weighed almost a ton (0.9 metric tons).
FAQ
1. What is the giant squid?
The giant squid is a deep-sea creature that belongs to the cephalopod family. It is one of the largest invertebrates on Earth and can grow up to 43 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds. It has eight arms and two long tentacles, which are covered with suckers and hooks to capture prey.
2. Why is it so difficult to find the giant squid?
The giant squid lives in the deep sea, at depths of up to 3,000 feet. It is also a very elusive creature and is rarely seen by humans. Its large size makes it difficult to capture, and it can also change its color and shape to blend in with its surroundings.
3. How do scientists track down the giant squid?
Scientists use a variety of tools to track down the giant squid, including sonar, underwater cameras, and deep-sea submersibles. They also study the stomach contents of sperm whales, which are known to feed on giant squid, to learn more about their habits and habitat.
4. What is the latest technology used to find the giant squid?
The latest technology used to find the giant squid is the eDNA (environmental DNA) technique. This involves collecting water samples from the deep sea and analyzing the DNA fragments left behind by the giant squid. This method is non-invasive and can provide valuable information about the giant squid without capturing or harming it.
5. How often do researchers find the giant squid?
Researchers rarely find the giant squid, as it is a very elusive creature. In fact, it was only in 2004 that the first images of a live giant squid were captured on camera. Since then, there have been a few more sightings and captures, but they are still very rare.
6. What is the behavior of the giant squid?
Not much is known about the behavior of the giant squid, as it is difficult to observe in its natural habitat. However, scientists believe that it is a solitary creature that spends most of its time in the deep sea, hunting for prey and avoiding predators.
7. What is the diet of the giant squid?
The giant squid feeds on a variety of deep-sea creatures, including fish, shrimp, and other squid. It uses its long tentacles to capture and hold onto its prey, and then uses its sharp beak to tear it apart and eat it.
8. How does the giant squid defend itself?
The giant squid has several ways to defend itself from predators. It can change its color and shape to blend in with its surroundings, it can release ink to confuse its attacker, and it can also use its powerful tentacles to fight back.
9. What is the lifespan of the giant squid?
The lifespan of the giant squid is not known for sure, but it is believed to be relatively short, around 3-5 years. This is because it has a high metabolism and is constantly on the move, which puts a lot of stress on its body.
10. What is the significance of studying the giant squid?
The giant squid is an important species to study because it is a key predator in the deep sea ecosystem. By understanding its behavior and habitat, scientists can learn more about the deep sea environment and the other creatures that live there.
11. Can the giant squid be kept in captivity?
It is very difficult to keep the giant squid in captivity, as it requires a large tank and specific water conditions. In addition, it is a deep-sea creature that is not adapted to life in captivity, so it may not survive for long in a tank.
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