So, it seems like these devils of the deep are indeed fearsome predators, but their reputation may belong to the mythological beas. Once the beast had a ship in its sights there was little the crew could do; it would tear the boat apart, sending it to Davy Jones’ locker whilst gulping down the unfortunate crew in one gulp. In fact the limiting factor is the size of their beak – the only hard part of their body. Some researchers claim that the squids aggressive behaviour may be directed at reflective objects used by divers and in fact many talk of Humboldt squid as being friendly and inquisitive.

Also known as the jumbo squid and diablo rojo (red devil), the Humboldt squid has something of a reputation as vicious and formidable predator. The largest known octopus species, the giant Pacific octopus, can reach sizes of more than 16 feet (5 meters) across. Well arms generally have suckers along the entire length while tentacles only have suckers towards the end. Habitat. There is footage of a large octopus grabbing a passing shark of about 1.5m (4ft) and killing it after a short wrestle. The crew of the ship reported not one, but three separate attacks by giant squid during the 1930s. It has been found that all octopuses are capable of delivering a venomous bite with some being potentially deadly. As the name go some way to suggesting, the giant Pacific octopus is the biggest of all octopuses. But what about the colossal squid? Learn more or buy tickets. Many beaks have also been discovered in the stomachs of sperm whales, as the stomach juices dissolve the soft flesh of the squid, leaving the hard beaks behind. In fact many victims claim not to have even felt the bite itself. For starters giant squid have hardly ever been seen alive, although it is true they have reportedly clung onto ships. Perhaps, the most notorious (although somewhat lacking in evidence) is the story of the Mexican fisherman who fell overboard whilst fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Habitat/Range: Temperate coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. There are at least 3 other species of octopus found in Alaskan waters but the giant Pacific octopus is the most frequently encountered. Found throughout the temperate waters of the Pacific, ... [14] Schiller, L. Monterey Bay Aquarium: Giant Pacific Octopus. If their beaks will pass through, the rest of their bodies will as well. Octopus arms are pretty strong too. Primary and most iconic among these are the arms and tentacles. The giant Pacific octopus catches prey by surprise using camouflage, jet propulsion and the sure grip that comes with having eight arms. Its skin becomes a bright yellow and the blue rings even more vivid, almost appearing to shimmer.

Learn more about these graceful, intelligent creatures—then visit the Seattle Aquarium for an amazing, one-of-a-kind look through our transparent tube exhibit!

In fact the creature even made it into Erik Pontoppidan’s 1755 reference book, “The Natural History of Norway” where it was described as being over a mile in length! This megalodon munching mega-mollusc was reputed to swallow ships whole. Their diets consist of crustaceans (Dungeness crabs are a particular favorite); mollusks such as clams, squid, and even other species of octopus; and fish.

More information coming soon!

So, what’s the difference? A 50-pound octopus can squeeze through a 2-inch space, hiding from predators by occupying nooks and crannies.

Most are less than 16 feet across from arm tip to arm tip.

Well, actually they might not have been entirely fictitious. Other reports have claimed that giant squid have attacked whales. There are however a number of reports of people being attacked by octopus. Both are used for grasping prey but those of the squid are lined with sharp teeth, or even hooks. Firstly they are extremely squidgy, meaning they can squeeze through tiny gaps.

Get news and updates delivered to your inbox, Privacy & Terms© 2020, Seattle Aquarium is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

An 8 metre long squid is reported to have latched onto the boat blocking the rudder. When he reached out for his mate to pull him back into the boat he was attacked and pulled beneath by a school of voracious squid, never to be seen again.

In another whale-related story the crew of a Russian whaling ship reported seeing a 40 ton sperm whale and giant squid battle to the death. It’s possible for a fully grown giant Pacific octopus to fit through a hole the size of a lemon! The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. The average specimen, which weighs only 30g, is said to contain enough poison to kill over 10 adults. As the name go some way to suggesting, the giant Pacific octopus is the biggest of all octopuses. Fun Facts: A 50lb octopus can fit through a 2 inch hole. with timed ticketing and limited attendance. Help collect data on a Puget Sound icon. Remarkably, an octopus can squeeze through any opening that's bigger than its beak. Even creepier are their camouflaging abilities; not only can they change their skin colour but they can alter its texture.

Potentially even bigger than a giant squid, surely this must be the deadliest of all the cephalopods.

People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected. Somewhat similar to a parrot it is powerful, incredibly tough and very sharp. Their parrot-like beak is the only hard part of their bodies. So given their size, appetite and array of weaponry this all begs the question are Humboldt squids dangerous to humans? However, the main danger is that it paralyses the lungs causing the victim to suffocate. That beak is the only hard part of an octopus body; the rest is soft and squishy. Generally weighing up to 70kg (155lbs) and with a massive arm span of up to 6 metres (20 feet) these certainly are formidable beasts.