From Mermen to Architeuthis, Our Fascination with the Giant Squid

Humans have long been captivated by what we now call the giant squid (Architeuthis). This image gallery gives a glimpe into our fascination with the animal. For a long time, people saw mysterious movements in the water or found dead giant squid and didn't know what they were—and even confused a giant squid carcass with a merman or mermaid. Now we know otherwise, but it took a long time for scientific evidence to replace the myths about giant squid.

Tags: 
Cephalopods, Scientific illustrations, Squids, Maritime history

Mermen? Sea Monks? Or Giant Squid?

People once thought giant squid (right) were Sea Monks or mermen (left)—mythical creatures that were part fish-like and part human male.

Credit: Roeleveld & Knudsen, 1980

Rev. Harvey Buys a Giant Squid

In 1874, Reverend Moses Harvey of Newfoundland bought a dead giant squid caught by fishermen.

Credit: © Martin G. Roper

Rev. Harvey’s Giant Squid on Display

In 1874 Reverend Moses Harvey of Newfoundland displayed the giant squid he bought on the side of his barn, much to the dismay of Mrs. Harvey.

Credit: © Martin G. Roper

First Giant Squid Photo

This 1874 photo of a squid draped over a bathtub was the first ever taken of a giant squid. It belonged to the Reverend Moses Harvey of Newfoundland.

Credit: From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of America

First Scientific Illustration of Giant Squid

Published in 1882 by Yale Professor A.E. Verrill, this is the first scientific illustration of a giant squid.

Credit: From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of America

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

i dont understand is it a giant squid or a mermen a myth i cant believe this oh come on

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