The longest scientifically verified giant squid measures 12 meters, about the length of a standard bus. This figure comes from a study published in January 2015 in the journal PeerJ, where Craig McClain and his colleagues examined the sizes of 25 giant squids. For decades, more dramatic lengths—such as 18 meters—have been reported, but these are not based on actual measurements. Instead, they often result from the stretching of muscle fibers after a squid dies and decomposes. McClain noted that the 18-meter figure seemed "completely unrealistic" after reviewing the data. Three out of four giant squids do not reach 9.2 meters, and 75 percent of them measure less than that, with a median length around 7 meters. The study found that while the dataset includes higher values—up to 17.37 meters—some of these are questioned for reliability. For example, a documented squid from 2002 was estimated to be about 15 meters, but the measurement was based on incomplete data, as the tentacles were missing. The researchers used the longest well-preserved individual described in peer-reviewed literature as a reference: 12 meters. The study's methodology involved cross-referencing scientific articles, books, press clippings, and museum specimens, with input from curators. Researchers even looked at advertisements for squid specimens for sale on eBay. The team also noted a human bias: people tend to remember and repeat the largest examples, which can skew perceptions. This tendency explains why the 18-meter myth has persisted, despite lacking scientific support. The study also compared the giant squid to other large marine animals. For instance, it confirmed that the blue whale can reach up to 33 meters, while the white shark is much smaller, at around 7 meters. Another relative, the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni), holds the mass record among cephalopods, with a confirmed weight of 495 kg for a total length of 4.2 meters. However, the giant squid still holds the length record. The 12-meter figure remains the verified standard, though more recent and better-documented measurements cannot be ruled out.