However, while the Humboldt squid is clearly dangerous, even at maximum length they are hardly bigger than a human.

Despite their fearsome reputation they are thought to be quite passive predators, whereas the smaller Humboldt squid is much more violent.

Some years before, he had been told the story of a Mexican fisherman who fell overboard into a school of actively feeding Humboldt squid.

Much more violent are the smaller Humboldt squid, which are known as "red devils" because of the colour they flash when in attack mode.