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 glimpes into our fascination with the animal. It has taken a long time for scientific evidence to replace the myths about giant squid. Discover some of the facts about the animal's life and history in our Giant Squid section.
Mermen?
Mermen?:
People once thought giant squid (right) were mermen (left)—mythical creatures that were part fish-like and part human male.
Roeleveld & Knudsen, 1980
Rev. Harvey Buys a Giant Squid
Rev. Harvey Buys a Giant Squid:
In 1874, Reverend Moses Harvey of Newfoundland bought a dead giant squid caught by fishermen.
© Martin G. Roper
Rev. Harvey’s Giant Squid on Display
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.
© Martin G. Roper
First Giant Squid Photo
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.
From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of America
First Scientific Illustration of Giant Squid
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.
From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of America
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