The scientific name for the giant squid is Architeuthis dux, and this creature is considered as the world's biggest invertebrate. This marine invertebrate has always been a mystery until a few years ago when the first of its type was caught live in Japan. Ever since, researchers and scientists have been fascinated by it giant squid. To feed its large body, people always wonder what does the giant squid eat.

They are known to feed on variety of fishes available in the deep waters like hokie and orange ruffie; and other deep sea squids as well as squids that occupy other parts of the oceans and seas.

The length of the giant squids can reach almost 18 meters inclusive of their head, body and their arms. Their tentacles are also included in this length and their length in isolation in approximately 10 to 12 meters which measures more than the rest of its body. An average adult squid measure 11 to 14 meters in length and there are some squids which are smaller and measure 6 to 9 meters. Irrespective of their size, all organs in these squids develop to their complete maturity at the same point in their life cycles. An average squid weighs 455 kg, while larger sized squids are known to weigh as much as 900 kg.

The main feature in these squids is their eyes which are as large as basketballs. These are complex and assist them in detection of the faintest light in the dark waters.

They have four pairs of arms and two tentacles. Each arm in turn houses two rows of suckers on its inner side. These suckers are sub-peripheral cup which are lined with finely serrated and sharp rings of chitin. These are in four rows in the longitudinal direction. The clubs of the tentacles are divided into 3 areas, namely carpus, manus, dactylus. The manus region houses large suckers on 2 medial rows. The suckers in the carpal region are dense and located in six to seven rows which transverse irregularly.

Their beak is a distinct physical trait. Fins are located at the rear side of the mantle which is utilized in locomotion. The squid ingests water through its mouth which travels to the mantle. From here, water is forced out which gives the propulsion required for squids to move in water. The mantle cavity can be expanded as well in order to accommodate more water for faster propulsion. The mantle also houses two large gills which are used for breathing.

They have bluish colored light emitted from their arm tips to illuminate the prey especially when they are in the upper surfaces when they get blinded by the sunlight. They have excellent vision in the dark. Their nervous system is extremely sophisticated and they also have large brain. Their circulatory system in the body is closed which is unique trait of giant squids.

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MarineBio: Giant Squids
http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=156