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.
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From Mermen to Architeuthis, Our Fascination with the Giant Squid
Mermen? Sea Monks? Or Giant Squid?
Credit: Roeleveld Knudsen, 1980People once thought giant squid (right) were Sea Monks, or mermen (left)—mythical creatures that were part fish-like and part human male. Learn more giant squid facts and legend in the Giant Squid section.
Rev. Harvey Buys a Giant Squid
Credit: © Martin G. RoperIn 1874, Reverend Moses Harvey of Newfoundland bought a dead giant squid caught by fishermen. More about the giant squid can be found in our Giant Squid featured story.
Rev. Harvey’s Giant Squid on Display
Credit: © Martin G. RoperIn 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. More about the giant squid can be found in our Giant Squid featured story.
First Giant Squid Photo
Credit: From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of AmericaThis 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. More about the giant squid can be found in the Giant Squid section.
First Scientific Illustration of Giant Squid
Credit: From Verrill, A.E., 1882, Report on the Cephalopods of the Northeastern Coast of AmericaPublished in 1882 by Yale Professor A.E. Verrill, this is the first scientific illustration of a giant squid. More about the giant squid can be found in the Giant Squid section.