What is the scientific name of the giant squid?

The scientific name of the giant squid is Architeuthis dux.

The giant squid is a deep-ocean cephalopod known from stranded bodies, remains in the stomachs of sperm whales, and rare observations of living animals. Its long arms and tentacles, enormous eyes, and powerful beak are adaptations to life in darkness and high pressure. The species is usually associated with deep waters of the world’s oceans.

Architeuthis dux is not the same animal as the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni. The colossal squid can be heavier and has swivelling hooks on its tentacles, while the giant squid is especially noted for its long, slender appendages. Both species are major prey or competitors of sperm whales.

For much of modern history, giant squid accounts were treated as sea-monster stories. Scientific evidence gradually confirmed them, and a living giant squid was filmed in Japanese waters in 2006.