The Giant Squid
 The elusive giant squid, known to science as Architeuthis dux, is one of the world's largest animals, reaching a length of up to 60 feet. It is the largest known invertebrate in the world and one of the largest creatures in the sea. It is believed that the Kraken of ancient myth may have been based at least in part on this real life creature.
The giant squid is a mollusk and is member of the cephalopod class, which includes the octopus and other squids. Very little is known about these mysterious creatures because until recently, none had been seen alive in the wild. Most of what we know about them comes from the bodies of dead squid that have washed ashore or been pulled up in fishermen's nets. A breakthrough occurred in 2004 when researchers from Japan managed to photograph a live squid in the wild. In 2006 another Japanese team was able to obtain the first ever video footage of a live giant squid. They now believe these creatures may be much more plentiful than previously thought.
Many researchers believe the giant squid to be a very aggressive animal. During World War II, stories from the survivors of sunken ships tell of shipmates being eaten by these creatures in the dark of night. There have even been reports of giant squid reaching out of the water and pulling men off small boats. None of these reports have been officially verified, but they do paint a picture of a powerful predator. The squid's eight long tentacles have strong suction cups, which they use to hold on to their prey. A sharp, powerful beak finishes off their helpless victim with eerie efficiency.
The giant squid appears to be a favorite meal for 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. As for the squid, they are carnivores and will likely eat just about anything they can catch.
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