Giant squid found off Santa Cruz
Sean Van Sommeran
It has not been confirmed that these are the remains of the city of Half Moon Bay's TruthSquid, which may still be at large.
The remains of a rare giant squid have been retrieved by marine researchers off Santa Cruz, reports the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
The animal’s cause of death was not immediately known, nor were its dimensions. Based on its mantle size, though, Field said the animal likely approached 25 feet and weighed hundreds of pounds.
Giant squid can grow upward of 50 and 60 feet and weigh up to a ton, according to researchers.
The tentacles of Wednesday’s catch, which were as thick as a human leg, were mostly gone and its eyes and several body parts were missing.
"Maybe a shark or sperm whale attacked it," speculated NOAA oceanographer Ken Baltz, who works with Field.
The squid had likely died within the past day or two, Baltz said.
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