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Recent findings of the giant squid Architeuthis in northern Spanish waters

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 October 2002

A.F. González
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), ECOBIOMAR, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208-Vigo, Spain
A. Guerra
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), ECOBIOMAR, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208-Vigo, Spain
F. Rocha
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), ECOBIOMAR, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208-Vigo, Spain
J. Gracia
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), ECOBIOMAR, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208-Vigo, Spain

Abstract

There are just a few records of giant squid of the species Architeuthis captured alive. Two living sub-adult females of Architeuthis of 180 and 135 cm mantle length with total weights of 148 and 81 kg respectively, were caught 34 miles offshore in northern Spanish Atlantic waters (43°52.54′N–05°18.4′W) in December 1999 and January 2001. From April 1999 to January 2000 in the same area, another giant squid of 102 kg as well as a single tentacle measuring 5 m, and another tentacle of 2 m long were caught. Another five living specimens were captured and 11 more animals were caught dead during the last 15 years in the same area.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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