The Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux) is a very large cephalopod. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon.
Description[]
The giant squid is the longest invertebrate ever known, recent estimates suggest that the maximum length for a female giant squid is about 12–13m (39–43ft) long, with its mantle alone reaching up to 2m (6.7ft), males being shorter, at about 10m (33ft) long. Like all squid, it possesses eight arms and two long feeding tentacles, which form the majority of its length. Female giant squid are estimated to weigh up to 275kg (606lb), with males being smaller, weighing 150kg (330lb). The giant squid also has one of the largest eyes of any known animal, only being rivalled by the Colossal Squid.
Little is known about the giant squid, in part due to its deep-ocean, abyssal habitat. A live specimen was not observed until 2004 and most information scientists have to go on is through specimens washed up on coastlines. What is known is that the giant squid preys on fish and other squid, catching them in its long feeding tentacles before cutting the prey apart with its beak. The giant squid's only known predator is the Sperm Whale, with many whales sporting scars on their bodies which have been inflicted by struggling giant squid using their serrated suckers.
Zoo Tycoon[]
The giant squid is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Marine Mania expansion pack. In Freeform mode, it is not adoptable until December 1, making it one of the last marine animals available without research.
Like all Marine Mania animals, the giant squid is an Aquatic animal, and has the highest tank depth requirement in the game, at 13 units deep. The giant squid's favorite foliage is the Tube Worm, and it has a varying rock requirement, requiring more small rock clusters than medium rocks. The giant squid also requires a shelter and likes both the Sunken Ship and Seafloor Cave, tolerating a maximum of three shelters within a 10x10 exhibit. Due to a coding error, it is not possible to maximize the giant squid's habitat suitability, at its highest, the habitat suitability will vary between 98-99%.
Being a predator, the giant squid eats fish but will also prey on the Green Sea Turtle, Great Barracuda, Giant Pacific Octopus, Southern Sea Otter, Green Moray Eel, Bluefin Tuna, and Lion's Mane Jelly if placed in the same tank. True to real life, the giant squid can be preyed upon itself by the Sperm Whale if the two are placed in the same tank; additionally, Bowhead Whales, Elephant Seals, Orcas, and Great White Sharks will also prey on the giant squid. The only animal the giant squid is compatible with is the Mermaid, the two able to peacefully coexist if placed in the same tank.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Alongside the Lion's Mane Jelly and Pacific Octopus, the giant squid is one of only three non-vertebrate animals that are adoptable in the original Zoo Tycoon.
- Despite females being larger than males in real life, in Zoo Tycoon, both sexes are the same size.