LOST GIANT SQUID

[Tightlines667]

On December 24th rare underwater footage was captured of a stray giant squid who was swimming near boat moorings in the shallow waters of Toyama Bay in Honshu, Japan. The elusive cephalopod has been incredibly difficult to capture on film due to its deep sea habitat and highly reclusive nature. It is thought, however that this squid somehow lost its way. Length of the giant squid was about 4 m, girth about 1m.



According to the Giant Squid expert.. Dr. Richard Elis.. this is impossible since the oxygen carrying capacity of this animal's blood prevents it from visiting shallow or surface waters.  

I still don't think anyone will believe my story when me, my dad, and his brother sighted one, about this size, in the surface waters of the GOM about 18 nm S of Port Eads, LA back in the early 90s.  Oh well, it was a spectacular sighting and it will live on in my memory anyways.

I don't think these guys are quite as rare as previously thought.

[swill88]

Thanks for that video.

Wouldn't a giant squid this size pose a danger to the divers?

[Lunker Larry]

Thanks for that video.

Wouldn't a giant squid this size pose a danger to the divers?

One would think so. I've seen video where the Humbolt Squid off the west coast of Canada/US have attacked divers and they weren't near that size. They were able to drag divers down and they're bite with that beak can rip you apart.
This one was pretty docile making me think something was wrong with it.

Cool video.

[sdlehr]

Thanks for that video.

Wouldn't a giant squid this size pose a danger to the divers?

One would think so. I've seen video where the Humbolt Squid off the west coast of Canada/US have attacked divers and they weren't near that size. They were able to drag divers down and they're bite with that beak can rip you apart.
This one was pretty docile making me think something was wrong with it.

Cool video.

I think that diver needed to have his head examined, but I do think the white mottling on the red squid is a sign of disease; perhaps a secondary fungal infection, secondary to something more serious - I think the docile behavior and shallow water position indicate that also. I'm no squid expert by any means, but I am a veterinarian.

[foakes]

When determining one's position in the Oceanic Food Chain -- doing it while one's feet is dry -- is recommended.

Best,

Fred

[sdlehr]

I've also seen those films of the Humboldt Squid; I would fear one of them more than any shark I might be in the water with. I've been diving with sharks around and remained calm. I would exit the water immediately if a squid that size showed up.... in a panic....

[foakes]

We fish Monterey Bay regularly -- while we have never targeted large squid -- I have a friend who does.

The charter operation targets the edge of Soquel Canyon where it starts to drop off -- and they fish at night.

60 -- 100 pounders are very good eating.

Best,

Fred

[Dominick]

Oh well! that Dr. Richard Elis does not know squid from Shinola.     Dominick