Scientists given rare glimpse of 350-kilo colossal squid

Excited scientists have hailed the discovery of a female colossal squid weighing an estimated 350 kilograms (770 lbs) and thought to be only the second intact specimen ever found. The squid, who was carrying eggs when discovered in the Antarctic, has been kept in optimum freezing conditions at the Te Papa museum in Wellington ever since it was brought back to New Zealand from the seas off the frozen continent during the southern hemisphere’s summer. The colossal squid is thought to extend up to 4-5 metres (13-16 feet) from tip to tentacle and weigh up to 500 kilograms. Its relation, the giant squid, can grow a lot longer but is much more spindly.

The fact that we have a specimen in good shape, but that we can get so much information from and still have in good shape, is a win-win.

Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology

This specimen, like other octopus and squid species, has three hearts - one to pump blood around the body and two for its gills (lungs) - and is estimated to be about 3.5 metres in length. The only other time scientists anywhere have had the chance to examine an intact colossal squid was in 2008. This one was found by a fishing vessel in Antarctica last southern hemisphere summer. Once samples are taken from the squid examined on Tuesday it will be preserved for further research and display.

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