The giant squid is a deep-ocean dwelling
squid. Giant squid can grow to a tremendous size: recent estimates put the
maximum size at 13 m (43 ft) for females and 10 m (33 ft)
for males from the posterior fins
to the tip of the two long tentacles . The mantle is about 2 m (6.6 ft) long
(more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its
tentacles is about 5 m (16 ft). Claims of specimens measuring
20 m (66 ft) or more have not been scientifically documented.
They have the two, very large gills resting inside the mantle cavity. The squid are able to breath and move quickly by expanding the mantle cavity by contracting sets of muscles within the mantle. The water fills the expanded space, the muscles relax, and the elastic mantle then snaps back to a smaller size, jetting water out through the funnel. The jet of water closes the flaps on either side of the squid's head so water can exit only through the funnel.
They have the two, very large gills resting inside the mantle cavity. The squid are able to breath and move quickly by expanding the mantle cavity by contracting sets of muscles within the mantle. The water fills the expanded space, the muscles relax, and the elastic mantle then snaps back to a smaller size, jetting water out through the funnel. The jet of water closes the flaps on either side of the squid's head so water can exit only through the funnel.