Friday 16 March 2007

Colossal Squid Found!

Sorry, my blog has been a bit squid-heavy as of late but they are interesting creatures and this one definitely deserves a mention:

Vital Statistics:

Weight: 495kg (1,090lb)
Length: 10m (33ft)
Commonly: Colossal Squid
Scientifically:
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni
New Home: Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum

This amazing animal was caught last month by fishermen in Antarctica's Ross Sea. It is now on ice, awaiting examination and preparation for its permanent display in New Zealand's national museum. Once un-frozen, the creature will be embalmed and then preserved in a natural position.

The Colossal Squid was first recorded in 1925 after two tentacles were recovered from a sperm whale's stomach. Since then, only a handful of colossal squid have ever been sighted because they live very deep in the ocean. Two others were found in the Ross Sea, and one turned up near South Georgia in 2005.


Image from BBC website.

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