‘Giant Squid’ Are Indeed All One Species
by Stephanie Pappas
Though they roam the deep sea around the globe, enigmatic giant squid are all part of the same species, new research finds.
The new study reveals that the genetic diversity of giant squid (Architeuthis) is remarkably low — far lower than that of other marine species examined, said study researcher Tom Gilbert of the University of Copenhagen. The findings suggest that the squid intermingle and mate across the globe.
“The results are extremely surprising,” Gilbert told LiveScience.
Giant squid are mysterious creatures. They dwell in the deep ocean, making them difficult to observe in their natural habitats. In fact, no one had observed a live giant squid in the wild until 2004. The first video of a live giant squid wasn’t released until this year. The animals appear to grow as long as 60 ft (18 m) and are carnivores that prey on fish and other squid…
(read more: Live Science) (photo: Mark Norman)
