Release the Kraken! Giant Squid Photos
'It is a Whopper:' Giant Squid on Beach
In this photo released by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, a giant squid is seen after it washed up onto Ocean Beach in Strahan, Tasmania, Tuesday, July, 10. 2007. The squid, measuring 1 meter (3 feet) across at its widest point and 8 meters (26 feet) from the tip of its body to the end of its tentacles, was found early Wednesday by a beachcomber at Ocean Beach on the island state of Tasmania's west coast.
Beached Giant Squid
Giant squid are almost never observed in the wild, but beached specimens have taught scientists about their anatomy.
Giant Squid
An autopsy of a beached giant squid in Canada.
Giant Squid's Length
Scientists estimate that giant squid can grow up to about 60 feet (18 meters) long, including their massive tentacles.
Giant Squid Beak
The beak of a giant squid. The animals are apparently skilled hunters, eating fish and other squid.
Squid Autopsy
Scientists autopsy a giant squid corpse. Giant squid weren't observed live in their natural habitats until 2004.
Squid Tentacle
The tentacle of a giant squid, sporting large suckers.
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Stephanie Pappas is a contributing writer for Live Science, covering topics ranging from geoscience to archaeology to the human brain and behavior. She was previously a senior writer for Live Science but is now a freelancer based in Denver, Colorado, and regularly contributes to Scientific American and The Monitor, the monthly magazine of the American Psychological Association. Stephanie received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.