Thousands of Jumbo Squid spotted near Long Beach

Fisherman have discovered thousands of Jumbo Squid off the Southern California coast this week. The site mongabay.com tells us:

Thousands of Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) squid are appearing off the coast of Southern California, according to published reports.

Ventura County fishermen have caught hundreds of squid in recent days, according to the Associated Press.

The cephalopods, which can measure 6-feet long and weigh 100 pounds (40 kg) (though usually smaller), appear periodically in California waters. The species, also known as the Humboldt squid, is commonly found from Peru to Baja California but seems to be expanding its range according to researchers tracking the beasts. Hundreds washed up on San Diego and Orange county beaches in 2002 and 2005, a sign that the species may be on their way to becoming year-around residents according to the Los Angeles Times. No one is sure what causes Jumbo squid to end up on beaches. Jumbo squid invasion in California

While not as large as Colossal Squid these giants can grow upwards of 43ft and with a diameter over 1 foot possess the largest eyes of any living thing.

Interesting Links: