Unanswered Questions About the Giant SquidArchiteuthis(Architeuthidae) Illustrate Our Incomplete Knowledge of Coleoid Cephalopods*

2013/01/01 by Clyde F. E. Roper, Elizabeth K. Shea · 11 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Veterinary · Chemistry · #Cephalopods and Marine Biology #Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia #Chemical synthesis and alkaloids

paper · doi:10.4003/006.031.0104

openalex publication_date 2013/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

The giant squid, Architeuthis Steenstrup, 1857, serves as a model for what we know and do not know about the broad biological aspects of the coleoid cephalopods. Gaps in our knowledge of taxonomy and systematics, distribution, population size, habitat use, age and growth, predation and feeding, reproduction and life cycles, and functional morphology all are examined by our review of Architeuthis natural history. Continued Architeuthis research improves our understanding of all coleoid cephalopods, and provides an avenue to engage the public in the process of science.

Citations

• The distribution of giant squids (Cephalopoda, Archxteuthidae) in the North Atlantic and particularly about the shores of Newfoundland
• Molecular inference of phylogenetic relationships among Decapodiformes (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) with special focus on the squid Order Oegopsida
• Stomach contents of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus stranded in the North Sea 1990-1996
• On Architeuthis clarkei, a new Species of Giant Squid, with Observations on the Genus
• How long would it take to become a giant squid?
• The giant squid Architeuthis: An emblematic invertebrate that can represent concern for the conservation of marine biodiversity
• Reproductive system of the giant squid Architeuthis in South African waters
• First-ever observations of a live giant squid in the wild
• Stable isotopes, beaks and predators: a new tool to study the trophic ecology of cephalopods, including giant and colossal squids
• Observations of wild hunting behaviour and bioluminescence of a large deep-sea, eight-armed squid, Taningia danae

Cited by

• The Kraken: when myth encounters science
• Unleashing the Kraken: on the maximum length in giant squid (Architeuthis sp.)
• A Compilation of Recent Records of the Giant Squid,Architeuthis dux(Steenstrup, 1857) (Cephalopoda) from the Western North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland to the Gulf of Mexico
• Extraordinary numbers of giant squid, Architeuthis dux, encountered in Japanese coastal waters of the Sea of Japan from January 2014 to March 2015
• Studying the swift, smart, and shy: Unobtrusive camera-platforms for observing large deep-sea squid
• How old are giant squids? First approach to aging Architeuthis beaks
• Cephalopod size [wikipedia]
• Glovers Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador [wikipedia]
• List of giant squid specimens and sightings [wikipedia]
• List of giant squid specimens and sightings (2001–2014) [wikipedia]
• List of giant squid specimens and sightings (20th century) [wikipedia]