When was the first documented observation of a giant squid at sea?
Quick Answer
One of the earliest scientific observations of a giant squid was made in 1857, when Danish naturalist Japetus Steenstrup described the animal from remains and accounts. Direct sightings were extremely rare for many decades.
The Full Story
The giant squid was scientifically described in the 19th century, with major early work by Danish zoologist Japetus Steenstrup in 1857. For a long time, giant squids were known mainly from carcasses, beaks, and rare washed-up remains, because they live in the deep ocean. The animal became one of the most famous mysterious creatures in marine biology. Direct observation and filming of giant squid in the wild came much later, in the 21st century.
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