SECOND GIANT SQUID FOUND OFF KERRY COAST IN WEEKS

DINGLE FISHERMAN KEEPS IT IN THE FAMILY AS MARINE GIANTS ARE CAUGHT 22 YRS APART & SPECIMEN WILL STAY IN KERRY

THE giant squid known as ‘Architeutis’ is a seldom seen creature in Irish waters. That’s unless you happen to be Dingle fisherman Pete Flannery who has just accidently caught a second of these elusive creatures inside two months aboard the trawler ‘Cú na Mara’, 120 miles off Kerry’s coast.

The latest catch measures over 18 and 1/2 feet when fully spread and has eyes a remarkable five inches in diameter.

The history of the sea creature is hugely significant given that only seven have been recorded in Ireland since 1673 after the first was caught near the Aran Islands; the second near Inisbofin in 1875, and three off Kerry’s coast in 1995.

Remarkably, skipper Pete Flannery’s father, Michael, caught two of the Giant Squids in 1995 and while the Giant Squid caught in May was sent to the Natural History Museum, this one is staying right here in Kerry – to be preserved at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium.

“Given the small numbers caught so far we know very little about them. They tend to be caught accidently in deep waters and while we’ve had nothing since 1995, for two to come along in quick succession tells us the species is out there and more research would help yield greater awareness of them,” said Kevin Flannery, Marine Biologist and Director of Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium.

Kevin added that, following the first sighting of Architeutis in 1673, a poster was put up around Ireland and in Dingle harbour informing people of this ‘weird creature’ from the deep sea with multiple arms and tentacles - an object of fear at the time.

“When this squid spreads itself out fully it’s easy to see why people might find it intimidat- ing. The latest catches, in my estimation, are quite young and there are much larger ones out there. It’s really a fascinating and very elusive creature and will make a lovely addition to Dingle Oceanworld where the people of Kerry can come and see it,” Kevin concluded.

Right: Photos by Domnick Walsh Cu Na Mara crew members with Giant Squid which is over 18 feet. It was caught by fisherman Patrick Flannery off the Kerry coast this week. Biologist Kevin Flannery inspects the squid.