The distribution of giant squids (Cephalopoda, Archxteuthidae) in the North Atlantic and particularly about the shores of Newfoundland

Abstract

Abstract Reference to the records of giant squid of the family Architeuthidae indicate that they are in the coastal waters of insular Newfoundland every third decade, beginning in the 1870's. Concentrated effort has been made to secure any available specimens during the decade of the 1960's. Since 1961 there have been nine strandings and seven of the animals have been secured by the author for study. These represent the first North American specimens to be studied since 1935. Apparently there is one species, Architeuthis dux STEENSTRUP. There is little evidence of a biological basis explaining the cyclic nature of the incidence of A. dux in Newfoundland waters. The majority of strandings occur on the exposed northeast coast suggesting hydrographic conditions being causal.