Apr

30

Colossal squid examined by New Zealand scientists

Filed Under Science | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan |

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squid1.jpgMarine scientists in New Zealand were thawing the corpse of the largest squid ever caught to try to unlock the secrets of one of the ocean’s most mysterious beasts. Marine scientists working on the carcass of the world’s largest landed colossal squid said Wednesday the creature’s eye measures 27 centimeters (10.8 inches) across, larger than a large dinner plate and the biggest animal eye on earth.

Experts say the creatures, which have long been one of the most mysterious denizens of the deep ocean, may grow up to 46 feet long. They can descend to 6,500 feet and are known to be aggressive hunters.

The 1,089-pound, 26-foot long colossal squid was removed from its freezer and put into a tank filled with saline solution - the first step of a plan that will eventually put it on public display.

Ice was being added to the tank to slow the thawing process so the outer flesh does not start rotting before the animal is fully defrosted, said Carol Diebel, director of natural environment at New Zealand’s national museum.



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