Deep Sea Battles: Giant Squid vs. the World’s Largest Stingray

One has long feeding tentacles it can employ while the other relies on its venomous tail. But in a battle between a giant squid vs. the world’s largest stingray, which creature wins? Let’s find out!

Giant Squid vs. The World’s Largest Stingray Comparison

Giant Squid vs. Giant Freshwater Stingray: Size

The giant squid can measure up to 59 feet long. A group of scientists from Japan’s National Science Museum in alliance with Japanese Public Broadcaster NHK and the Discovery Channel were able to finally record a live giant squid swimming at a depth of 2,066 feet. Researchers were finally able to witness their massive size in their natural environment. All previously recorded measurements were carcasses that had floated to the surface or were found by fishermen.

As for freshwater stingrays, the largest ever found was 13 feet long and weighed 661 pounds. It was discovered in Mekong, Cambodia. It was found on June 13, 2022. The fact that such a large freshwater animal was found demonstrates that there is hope for the environment. It’s uncommon to see any of these species come to the surface due to climate change.

Giant Squid vs. Giant Freshwater Stingray: Speed and Movement

Giant squid are not known for their speed, and they do not particularly need to be speedy. They live in harmony in the depths of the ocean, and they can relax down there. The jet propulsion they use is enough for them to get around, and that is how they thrive.

The giant freshwater stingray is sedentary. These freshwater creatures don’t make big movements and swim using a wave motion. They chill in muddy waters, resting and patiently waiting for their prey to swim in their mouth. They do some hunting, but they do not need to put too much effort into it as they have sensors that help them locate their prey with ease.

Giant Squid vs. Giant Freshwater Stingray: Defenses

A giant squid’s primary defense is its ability to spill ink and use it as a smoke screen. They release the ink, and the water becomes dark almost immediately. They also have the ability to change the color and pattern of their skin. This is known as countershading. By doing this, they are able to hide from predators. They use these skills to hide when they sense danger.

Giant freshwater stingrays also have the ability to camouflage and blend in easily with their environment. When a threat is present, they use their venomous tail to stab the offender and release their toxin.

Giant Squid vs. Giant Freshwater Stingray: Offensive Capabilities

Giant squids rely on their two feeding tentacles, which reach out further than their arms to grab hold of prey. These tentacles are equipped with suckers and when they retract them, their prey goes with them. They then use their arms to continue pulling in the trapped prey so they can feed.

When giant freshwater stingrays are looking for prey, they rely on their venomous spine to pierce through their prey and subdue it. Their jaws are packed with power, which allows them to crunch through the shells of clams and crustaceans.

Giant Squid vs. Giant Freshwater Stingray: Predatory Behavior

Giant squid have the advantage of their feeding tentacles, which means they don’t have to get awfully close to their prey. When hunting, they ambush their prey. Giant freshwater stingrays, on the other hand, don’t have this ability. Instead, they rely on their ability to locate their prey’s electrical field.

In a Battle Between a Giant Squid and a Giant Freshwater Stingray, Which Animal Wins?

In a battle between a giant squid and a giant freshwater stingray, a giant squid would win. The giant squid has an advantage in terms of reach and its ability to grapple. Although the giant freshwater stingray is equipped with a venomous spine, it’s unlikely that it could do much damage when fighting against a giant squid.

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