In May this year, residents enjoying a stroll along Kommetjie Beach were left gobsmacked after discovering the remains of a giant squid. And now, another incident has occurred.
The giant squid is a species of deep-ocean dwelling squid in the family Architeuthidae. It can grow to tremendous size – an example of deep-sea gigantism. Recent estimates put the maximum size at around 12 to 13 meters.
While witnessing a giant squid wash up on the beach is quite a spectacle, not much of the sea species was left. Overzealous fishermen managed to grab the eyes, beak and tentacles, according to Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Jon Friedman.
Another giant squid was photographed washed up on the rocks in Scarborough yesterday. The Iziko Museums of South Africa has already collected samples for genetics, Shark Spotters reports.
“Unfortunately when our team arrived at the site the beak had already been removed,” the organisation said.
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Look! Straight out of a Sci-Fi movie, giant squid washes up on Kommetjie Beach
Picture: Shark Spotters SA