| The giant squid can grow to enormous proportions, occasionally up to 30 metres. However, there is some mystery surrounding the largest example of the species because tentacle marks 45 centimetres across whales; these would have been inflicted by a squid 70 metres long! Giant squids are streamlined for speed, and they propel themselves, often to great depth, by undulating the fins that run down the sides of their bodies. If danger approaches, more rapid movement is produced by expelling a powerful jet of water. A further aid in avoiding predators is to release ink into their jet stream, which acts as a "smoke screen". |
