Since most records of Architeuthis prior to the late 20th century are from strandings, floaters and sperm whale stomachs, it is difficult to assess the vertical distribution of the architeuthids. Indirect evidence has suggested a deep-sea habitat, and deep net captures, as well as knowledge of sperm whale foraging behavior, now confirm that the depth distribution of these huge animals must occupy a considerable range. Certainly their occurrence in the zone of 300 to 1000 m is not unrealistic. And captures in both bottom trawls and in midwater trawls far off the bottom indicate a broad range of habitat selection. The Architeuthidae are now known to be distributed around the world, usually in association with continental and island slopes.
Specimens are rare from tropical and high polar latitudes.
References Aldrich, F. A. 1992. Architeuthis based on a study of specimens from Newfoundland waters. Clarke, M.R. 1966. A review of the systematics and ecology of oceanic squids. Ellis, R. 1995.