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Growth and reproduction

Unlike most fish, squid have a different strategy for reproduction. In association with a short life span, giant squid reproduce once, releasing millions of eggs, then die.How long does it take to become a giant? Like people, large mammals such as elephants, whales, and even gorillas take many years to grow large, mature and reproduce. Most larger fish also require many years to reach adult size. On the contrary, cephalopods actually grow very quickly and die after a short life. Short lives and high rates of reproduction are their hallmarks. The giant octopus, a sizeable animal at 1/20th the weight of a mature giant squid, lives just 2-3 years. Evidence from statoliths (solid calcium carbonate granules) found in the statocyst, the organ responsible for equilibrium(balance and stability), suggests that giant squid live no more than five years. This means that the growth rate of giant squid is extremely rapid. It is one thing to be a fast-growing squid that reaches maturity at 12 inches (30 cm), and quite another to grow to nearly 60 feet (18 m) within a few years! To grow at such a rate, giant squid have to be in areas where there is an abundant supply of food; they would need to eat enormous quantities on a continuous basis. They must be feeding machines!

Bibliography:

http://invertebrates.si.edu/giant_squid/page4.html

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