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Sharks? Psh. Sea snakes? Psh. Crocodiles? Psh. A 70-foot-long giant squid? Swim away!
An alarming new study suggests that giant squid (Architeuthis) may grow up to 66 feet in length—that’s larger than most school buses. This new research nearly doubles what scientists thought the maximum length of these behemoths to be.
"Lots of people believe all sorts of stuff about giant squids, which actually isn't what the evidence says, [including] that it was the kraken and that it is pretty small,” Charles Paxton, a statistical ecologist at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews and the study’s sole author, told National Geographic.
Paxton’s results, published in May’s Journal of Zoology, have raised eyebrows in the scientific community. His research is based off of statistical analysis, rather than physical evidence.
The rarity and size of giant squid make for challenges to keeping them in captivity. Thus, little is known about these pelagic cephalopods—including their maximum size. Paxton used data from the last 100-plus years of squid sightings, images, and measurements to calculate the relationship between squid size and mantle.
In theory, his research suggests that squid with a measured mantle of those already documented could grow up to 100 feet in length. Yikes! While we wait for those to pop up, check out our guide to photographing the equally as bizarre Humboldt squid.
A Humboldt squid off of the coast of Mexico in the Sea of Cortez
