Re: “Study shrinks giant-squid myths,” March 21.
The article reported that a Danish-led team were “stunned to find that there is likely a single species” of giant squid, Architeuthis dux. Dr. Steve O’Shea from New Zealand came to this same conclusion 13 years ago based on an extensive survey of physical attributes. This study just confirms O’Shea’s conclusions.
The article also mentions “unconfirmed reports of giant squid off the B.C. coast.” Those squid were likely Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) that have been showing up in B.C. waters every fall since 2003.
The existence of the giant squid in B.C. waters was confirmed in 2006 when a specimen found in 2005 was examined. That specimen is now in the collection of the Royal B.C. Museum as specimen number RBCM 006-00085-001. A short note about the specimen, with accompanying photographs, is on the RBCM website.
James A. Cosgrove
Retired manager, Natural History Section, Royal B.C. Museum
Victoria
