The American College Dictionary defines the squid as “Any of various decapod dibranchiate cephaiopods, any of certain small species having slender bodies and caudal fins and much used for bate.”

Alternatively, in much simpler English, the animal that has haunted the minds of great writers and fishermen for centuries. Do you think that the giant squids of Newfoundland folklore or the squid of Jules Verne do not exist? If so, think again.

According to Scientific American, fishermen have just found a Supersized squid off the cost of Northern Spain. This enormous creature tops the former record holder with the weight of 275 pounds. However, this creature belongs to a previously known species of squid called Taningia danae. Unlike most squids this group does not have long feeding tentacles. Moreover, it comes equipped with large light-producing organs, called the photophores that are located at the tip of two out of eight arms. These organs emit a blue green flashing light when the squid is being threatened. Apparently, this squid is quite a monster to most ocean dwelling creatures. Although the size of this squid makes you think twice before going into the water, it is number one on the sperm whale cuisine.

REFERENCE:

Wong, Kate. “ Supersized Squid.” Scientific American, 2000.