The
giant squid (
genus Architeuthis) is a deep-ocean dwelling
squid in the
family Architeuthidae. Giant squid can grow to a tremendous size due to
deep-sea gigantism: recent estimates put the maximum size at for females and for males from the
posterior fins to the tip of the two long
tentacles (second only to the
colossal squid at an estimated , one of the
largest living organisms). The
mantle is about long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles (but including head and arms) rarely exceeds . Claims of specimens measuring or more have not been scientifically documented.