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One of the most elusive creatures in the ocean has been pulled from Antarctic waters.
The colossal squid, which is being kept at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, was caught several months ago in the Ross Sea. To have a specimen in such good condition is extremely rare, and a number of specialists on squid biology have flocked to the museum from the Aukland University of Technology. The squid is just one of two specimens of the species ever caught intact.
Photo Credit: Te Papa Museum (Youtube)
The colossal squid, which was defrosted live on Youtube on September 16th, weighed in at about 350 kilograms, or 770 pounds. Nearly 142,000 people watched on as the process went underway. It took a forklift and a number of dedicated scientists to move the creature from the freezer to the cold water tank.
Photo Credit: Te Papa Museum (Youtube)
Colossal squids are estimated to weigh up to 500 kilograms. Scientists hope that the creature will provide them with much more insight into squid biology, as well where they fit in the food chain.
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