Deep below the surface of the oceans lurks a creature so large and terrifying it has become the topic of many books and been featured in many films: the giant squid. These creatures remain quite mysterious to scientists because of their elusive nature, despite being the largest invertebrate on earth. Although known to mankind for centuries, it was only in 2004 when researchers took the first images of these creatures. In 2006, after catching a giant squid, scientists made some interesting discoveries. Here follow 10 facts to replace the myths surrounding the giant squid.

Number 10: They have three hearts

Ever heard the saying, “have a heart?” In the case of the giant squid, one is not enough — they have three. Aside from having a sophisticated nervous system and complex brain, giant squid make use of all three hearts to pump blood to their unusual bodies and tentacles. They have two bronchial hearts and one systematic heart. The bronchial hearts pump blood to the gills, where oxygen is taken up. Blood then flows to the systematic heart where it is pumped to the rest of the body. Another interesting fact: squid blood is blue, not red as in humans. This is because squid blood contains a copper-containing compound called hemocyanin as opposed to the hemoglobin found in human blood, which contains iron.

Number 9: Giant squid and sperm whales are natural enemies

Research has shown that squid, including giant squid, are on the menu for sperm whales. Tenacious sperm whales will dive as deep as 6,500 feet, or 2,000 meters, to hunt for these tasty squid, staying underwater for more than an hour during their search. Giant squid are thought to make up three quarters of the sperm whales’ diet and one whale can consume as many as 800 squid per day. These encounters between sperm whales and giant squid are based on evidence found in the stomachs of sperm whales in the form of indigestible beaks and other body parts. Sperm whales often bear scars inflicted on them by the suckers of the giant squid as well. It must be quite a spectacle when these two ocean giants square off.

Number 8: They are the dragons of the abyss

Giant squid have been around for millennia and various sightings throughout the ages have given rise to many a sea story amongst sailors. To many, giant squid were considered sea monsters, and sightings gave rise to maritime folklore and myths, which instilled terror in the hearts of sailors who had the misfortune of encountering them. Giant squid have been the villain in books, such as Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and in movies, such as the James Bond thriller “Dr. No,” the 1991 horror movie “Beast,” and the second Pirates of the Caribbean film in 2006. It was only in the last 150 years that the true nature of these creatures became apparent through frequent sightings and research carried out on deceased giant squid, but it seems that the “monster” stigma attached to the giant squid will be a hard one to shake off.

Number 7: They exhibit deep-sea gigantism

Deep-sea gigantism is the tendency for animals that live at great depths to grow much larger than their shallow-water relatives. It is not an exact science as to why, but some explanations include colder temperature, food scarcity and the absence of predators. The giant squid is a prime example of deep-sea gigantism and it can grow to a tremendous size. The largest giant squid ever recorded by scientists was 43 feet, or 13 meters, long and weighed nearly a ton. Saying this, the ocean is a vast place. These creatures live deep and are very elusive, so it’s impossible to know what size creature is hanging around in some dark abyss. Despite their size, however, it is estimated that giant squid only live 4 to 6 years.

Number 6: They squirt ink

The giant squid is part of the cephalopod class, which includes octopus and other species of squid. Nearly all cephalopods can squirt ink as an escape measure when they feel threatened. The animals release the ink from sacs that are located between their gills and accompany the ink squirt with a jet of water. The ink creates a dark cloud to obscure the predator’s view so the squid can make a hasty escape. The main compound in squid ink is melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the ink’s dark color. Squid ink has long been used in human civilization in the form of ink pens and quills. Modern uses for squid ink include being used as food colorant in cooking, and it’s widely available in Japanese and Spanish markets.

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